PRE VIZSLA The Smaller One
The Vintage Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: Asst. F6878 No. F7319
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #299
Includes: Darksaber, helmet, rocket pack, 2 blasters
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $16.99
Availability: October 2023
Appearances: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Bio: Pre Vizsla was governor of Concordia, a moon of Mandalore, during the Clone Wars. Behind closed doors, the led Death Watch, a secret group of commandos seeking control of Mandalore. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)
Image: Adam's photo lab.
Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!
Click here to buy it at Amazon now!
Click here to buy it at eBay now!
Commentary: I'm writing up
Pre Vizsla about a month before this goes live, and as I do Amazon's got him in stock for retail price. That's usually a sign that there is too much product in the marketplace - which is a shame, it's a good figure. He's got a lot of stuff in the box (especially compared to the new deluxe Jango Fett), and while I hesitate to say "it's a great price" it's certainly similar in deco and features to a deluxe figure. (Admittedly, the blast effects are replaced by the Darksaber, and I'd say that's a fair trade for an $8 discount.) Fans have wanted a 3 3/4-inch scale version of this character since he appeared in the cartoon, and I would argue he's worth the wait.
Mr. Insurrectionist reuses parts of previously released
The Vintage Collection Mando figures, which makes sense - the cartoon did the same to keep animation budgets reasonable. The head, helmet, backpack, and belt are new, as is the deco. He stands well, holds his accessories, and has exceptionally good detail. I like the limited damage on the armor, and the helmet looks really cool. There's not a lot of new sculpting, but everything seems to fit together pretty nicely. I especially like the head - this smaller one looks a smidgen better than the 6-inch scale one. He's just a little more gaunt, and the scruff is a smidgen lighter. Could it be better? Maybe - but it's super impressive to see such scowling, many dark bags under the eyes, the scars, and the distinctive cranky glare of the character. It looks like he could talk to you.
The accessories are good. There are two blasters which fit in his holsters or hands. The helmet is nice and has those distinctive Death Watch markings on the forehead, plus a glossy visor. The Darksaber is particularly nice, with that great white crackle deco on the black blade. The only thing I don't like is the jet pack - the peg is a little loose in the back hole. I would have preferred a more snug, secure fit.
If you're still buying figures from outside the movie(s) of your choice, this is a good one. With an amazing and tiny portrait plus subtle red lights on his jetpack and gauntlet, Hasbro did a good job here. Compared to other basic figures, for a redeco/retool, they did a really nice job. The timing is confusing, but I'm happy that he exists in the size I like best. I hope they do some more figures from his arc, as the slow, slow drip of Maul and other Mando Commandos has been welcome - but when you spread these things out over several years, I don't think Hasbro gets credit for building the group. At least they're going to get credit for making a really good figure and making enough of it so you can get it at retail price.
Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 3,100: January 18, 2024
1 comment:
"Fans have wanted a 3 3/4-inch scale version of this character since he appeared in the cartoon, and I would argue he's worth the wait."
In all fairness, fans have had a 3 3/4" scale version of this character since 2010. He even had a cool soft goods cape! (Scarf?) This is definitely a nice photorealistic incarnation, at least until he shows up in a live-action flashback.
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