Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,891: Nightsister

NIGHTSISTER Darth Maul Returns
Clone Wars Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: No. A0730
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand, card, plus Darth Maul and Savage Opress figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: September 2012
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Darth Maul returns from the dead and is ready for battle on new cybernetic legs. With the help of his brother Savage Opress and a powerful Nightsister, Maul prepares to avenge himself against the Jedi who almost killed him.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.   You'll note, it doesn't quite match the story... or maybe it does, from a certain point of view.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: So!   This one's interesting. I'll be complaining a lot here. The Nightsister is clearly in this set as a substitute for the oft-requested (and frankly, I think essential) Mother Talzin.   The packaging merely designates her a "powerful Nightsister" while assigning her no specific identity.  Long-time fans will recognize Ian McCaig's pre-Darth Maul "Sith Witch" concept art (see: The Art of Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace by Jonathan Bresman, page 196), which had previously been adapted to a Wizards of the Coast Miniatures figure.   When you get a close look at this figure, it's unquestionably not an animated action figure.  This one has to be a rejected comic pack, concept art, or other "realistic" line release.

The articulation, style, and level of detail betray this figure's origin as a non-animated figure.  Hasbro pretty much phased out ankle joints by the end of 2010 when it comes to The Clone Wars, and if you get really close to this one, the texture and details are far too complex for the animated line.  Her largely unlined, non-furrowed-brow face could be arguably in this line, but the eyes and face in general match Hasbro's realistic style, as does the pose, the way the dress is draped, the texture of the feathers, and, frankly, the lightsaber matches the aforementioned art book too dang closely.  This is a stealth concept figure which, I gotta say, is arguably not a bad thing.  I'd rather have a proper Mother Talzin, but I'll take a concept Sith Witch too.  (I know which shelf she belongs on, and now so do you.)  So let's talk about the figure! 

She's good!  If this were a $10 Vintage figure I'd encourage you to go buy her.  Heck, I think you should consider her as one, with Maul and Savage as excellent bonuses.  Her gold-and-silver lightsaber closely follows the uncolored McCaig concept, with a nice red blade that isn't too clear or too pale.  The Nightsister is covered in feathers, some of which stick up slightly more than the concept art, but the overall look and feel of the dress, and her hair, look a lot like that original piece of art.  Her plastic dress was designed admirably, it's soft and has enough give (and a sizable opening) so she can be moved into various action or combat poses, ready to fight with a lightsaber were you so inclined.   The Nightsister has 14 points of articulation, and her legs are surprisingly free of obstruction with articulated knees and ankles to boot.  I never would have assumed, I'm surprised.  Her hands swivel, and have no problems holding her lightsaber.  The figure is largely red and free of extraneous deco, but she's more colorful than the original artwork.

All I can say is that it's a fantastic figure with a misleading name.   Prequel concept fans, or generally cool figure fans, this is worth tracking down.  Despite the ridiculous nature of the "we cut off Darth Maul's excretory abilities so of course he's still alive" angle, these are three top-notch figures which you have no reason to skip.  At all.  I don't care what your collecting proclivities are, this is a good set for the money and you should get it.

Collector's Notes:  Yakface cites Hasbro as saying: "Hasbro explained this as not having enough lead time to develop a proper figure given the fluidity of the design changes for the show."  Which, all due respect, would be a load of crap on Hasbro's part. Mother Talzin's first appearance in the cartoon was January 2011 and the character design was probably finalized at least two years (or very close to two years) ago.   Hasbro has said that it takes 12-18 months to design a figure, and unless my math or sense of time is wonky, and I fully admit it may be, this doesn't add up - after all, Mother Talzin and Savage Opress were introduced in the same story arc, and we got Savage's first figure in late 2010.  Anyway.  The set is exclusive to Target, and its street date coincided with a "Darth Maul Returns" DVD with the final episodes of season 4 of The Clone Wars.  As of right now, it should be in a store near-ish you.  For $20, for what it is, it's still a good deal.

It also makes me want to see if Hasbro can ever do more animated-style Nightsisters, a new Asajj Ventress, and Mother Talzin.  I don't know if you've been watching the show at all, but Asajj Ventress' story arc gives her the most growth and the most to do as of late, rivaling or arguably besting Ahsoka in terms of development.   These evil witches steal the show, and are woefully underrepresented in a line as the claim goes around that female characters and female fans of the show are the new "let's engage this demo!" group.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,891: September 12, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,627: Ki-Adi-Mundi Concept

KI-ADI-MUNDI Concept Design
The Legacy Collection Droid Factory Figure
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 91435
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD38
Includes: Lightsaber, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: October 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith concept art

Bio: In this Episode III concept art by Derek Thompson, Ki-Adi-Mundi wears a cape and has an eyepatch over one eye. This more battle-weary appearance was designed to indicated that the Clone Wars have been raging for years and are taking their toll on the Jedi. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former back yard air conditioner unit.

Commentary: One really neat (but abandoned) concept for Revenge of the Sith wast o have beaten, haggard-looking Jedi running around showing off the scars of the Clone Wars. One of the really awesome designs revealed to fans in 2005 was Ki-Adi-Mundi missing an eye, with an added bandolier and a unique new Jedi outfit. Back in 2005 the idea of getting a line of figures based on concept art again seemed unlikely, but from 2007-2009 we received about 20 of 'em. How awesome is that? I'm really thrilled this was one of their new designs, because it reminds me a lot of the kind of world-building we saw out of Kenner in the 1980s and 1990s with ALIENS, Robocop, Batman, and other lines-- except that it came out of Lucasfilm. The figure really does look like it belongs in the movies, and has some of the best (if not the best) articulation of any Ki-Adi-Mundi figure to date.

The outfit (and the sculpt) are unique to this release, so I'd say you should get it. Concept figures belong in any collector's stash, and this was an extra-awesome design that really does belong in a toy line. I hope Hasbro can find more adventure-oriented action-packed figure designs to adapt to the toy line, because this was a great way to expand the toy universe while giving collectors something that kids would probably like, too. Well done!

Collector's Notes: Despite being hard-to-find, a lot of figures are basically worthless. This is one of them. It came out at $8 and today... that's about what it'll set you back on eBay. You can probably get it cheaper if you luck into a lot. Get it if you can, it'll go great with your gauntlet-bedecked 2009 Plo Koon. This is one of my favorite figures since the movie series ended, and we've had a lot of great figures since 2005. Do yourself a favor, get one.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,627: September 8, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 1,162: Concept Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Episode III Concept Art
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87982
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cape, lightsaber (lit), lightsaber (hilt), HK-47's right arm
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: n/a

Bio: In this concept art by Sang Jun Lee, Anakin wears the "dark Jedi" apparel that outwardly reflects his inner conversion to the dark side of the Force. The outfit was designed to echo the clothing worn by his son Luke during the climactic battle with Emperor Palpatine. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: One of the unfortunate side effects of capes and certain garments is that on some figures like this Anakin Skywalker, it's almost a wasted effort. While it's fantastic that the engineers at Hasbro made this figure super-articulated with the 14 joints you've come to expect, the figure is rendered incapable of sitting due to his cape. And his cape caused the figure to have a slightly longer neck, which makes him look a smidgen goofy without it. In short, the cape sculpt is acting as his shoulders-- so it's good to leave it on. His lightsaber hilt plugs into his belt and the sculpting on the figure is totally great.

With lots of black sculpted leather, this figure doesn't really fit in with the rest of the prequel line. Heck, with his fairly accurate likeness, it's not necessarily a good fit with the other concept figures, but it's still pretty swell. If anything, it's probably worth getting to display along with your Concept Grievous, which is one of Hasbro's greatest modern-era Star Wars action figures. It looks like they'd have a good fight.

Collector's Notes: Early Hasbro photography shows this figure with a red lightsaber. None were produced with a red lightsaber as Lucasfilm dictated the change. A one-timer, this Anakin may go down as being desirable because a) it's part of an insanely popular subseries and b) it's part of a hard-to-find wave. Good luck! And does anyone else thing it's weird that this figure shipped as part of an Attack of the Clones wave? Oh, one last thing-- this Anakin kicked off a series of concept-inspired figures, which would also include IG-88, a second Snowtrooper, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and, arguably, a new Plo Koon.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,162: November 26, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,147: Darth Maul (Sith Training/Concept)

DARTH MAUL Sith Training
Saga Basic Figures Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0242, #053
Includes: Lightsaber, droid, droid stand, lightsaber blades, display stand (2006 only)
Action Feature: Turn dials for arm and wrist movement
Retail: $4.99-$6.99
Availability: September 2002, Late 2006
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam's desk.

Bio: The chosen apprentice of the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, Darth Maul has undergone years of demanding and sometimes brutal training to become an incredible warrior for the ancient order of the Sith. After expertly wielding his lightsaber to prove his skill, he bows respectfully before his master. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Why is it that Star Wars' most popular characters have the fewest costume changes? Hasbro must have been banging their heads against the wall before realizing they can mine the various behind-the-scenes books for new costumes for the likes of Darth Maul here. This costume was based on one of many, many illustrations generated of the Episode I Sith Lord. Trading in his traditional all-black robes, these new ones have red highlights. A new design gives the costume a leathery look, complete with gloves that seem similar to those of Darth Vader in the original film. It's nice to see Hasbro wasn't content just to make another black outfit, there are numerous alterations to the coat design.

This figure is particularly interesting in its design-- it's unlike anything else Hasbro has created. Rather than include the now-common ball joints or even the old hinges for the knees, Maul's legs are made of three separate swivel joints. The boot is one piece, the upper leg is another, with a third "knee" piece swiveling to allow for various standing and kneeling poses. Not matter what you do his legs are going to look somewhat bent, so you're pretty much guaranteed to get some sort of action pose out of this guy. The rotating arms are controlled by two dials on the figure's back, giving this action figure a puppet-like play feature. Generally, we get "squeeze the legs" or "push the button," so this is a feature unique to this figure.

The final feature on this figure is the magnetic wrist. Like many 2002 Jedi and Force-users, he has a magnet in the palm of his hand which can "grab" his metal lightsaber to varying degrees of success. On this figure, it basically works. There's a lot more going on with this Maul than most others, and while this isn't the definitive Sith for your collection it is so totally different than other figures you may have bought that you should totally pick it up to futz with it. I keep a spare on my desk at work.

Collector's Notes: This figure was available in blue Saga packaging in Fall of 2002. In very late 2006, it was introduced in black-and-silver The Saga Collection packaging as one of several repackaged and repainted figures. If you can only get one of the two, know that they're virtually identical but that the 2006 release also includes a stand. So all things being equal, the packaging and contents of the 2006 release are superior. The figures are virtually identical.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,147: November 5, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,060: Concept General Grievous

GENERAL GRIEVOUS Character Concept
30th Anniversary Collection ShopStarWars.com Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87418
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Shield, some blaster thing, chest armor, coin
Action Feature: Opening gut panel
Retail: $16.99 $12.99
Availability: Summer 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: In concept artist Warren Fu's artwork of General Grievous, the droid commander has a more humanoid-looking form than the more robotic one that becomes his ultimate design. His cold, calculating efficiency is still clearly captured in the smooth metal casing and skull-like head. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: It's sometimes really amazing to see where Hasbro decides to put its efforts. This 2007 General Grievous concept figure is Hasbro's best. And yes, I have all of them. Most Grievous figures are too short, colored incorrectly, have ill conceived action features, and are made of weak rubbery plastic which bends, causing figures to topple over. This figure doesn't have any of those problems, it's only flaw is that it's a concept figure, and not the movie one.

Everything a Grievous figure should do, short of the arm-splitting, can be found here. He's loaded with 14 points of articulation. He's made of sturdy plastic. And he can hold a pose, stand up, and look cool. Sure, it'd be nice if they had a lightsaber with him, but it's not like you don't have one you can borrow from another toy by this point. This is also the first (and at press time, only) released Grievous with a cloth cape. He's also huge. The white coloring is quite striking, and the fact that you can pop off his gut panel and see the goo inside is quite a nice feature. Oh, and it's functional-- when I started writing this article, I completely forgot that the feature was present. THAT, my friends, is how you integrate an action feature.

The accessories are neat, but kind of clunky. I'm glad the figure can hold them with minimal difficulty, but Grievous just looks so good that I'd rather see him without the extraneous stuff in the way. If you only buy one older figure online this year, make it this one. If you don't, much like Qui-Gon Jinn, I will find you and I will kill you.

Collector's Notes: This figure serves as an example of why you don't make the best stuff as exclusives. This is one of Hasbro's recent best figures, and it's still in stock at the original retailer two years later. This is not a sign of success, it's a shame it wasn't a basic carded figure for seven or eight bucks. If you're buying this year's concept Anakin figure which just hit, you freaking owe it to yourself to get Concept Grievous.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,060: July 7, 2009

July 15, 2011 Update: Star Wars Shop is going out of business next Monday and this item is still in stock, two years after I wrote this article, and four years after it was originally released. It's $10.99 now.

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 534: Qui-Gon Jinn

QUI-GON JINN Jedi Training Gear
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84445 No. 84559
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2001
Appearances: n/a

Bio:  Qui-Gon Jinn is a Jedi devoted to maintaining order and justice in the galaxy. He, like most Jedi, feels it is his duty to pass on what he has learned to the next generation of Jedi. He does so by taking a Padawan to mentor. During the training process, Qui-Gon often wears his Jedi training gear for protection when sparring with his trainee.   ( Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Supposedly from a cancelled subline (and definitely from concept artwork), this Qui-Gon Jinn brought non-movie figures to the regular action figure line in a very "Batman" way.   We saw some bonus accessories with deluxe figures, and we've seen some comic and concept figures sold as such, but integrating these into the main line by combining it with movie designs and actors' likenesses was something new.  This particular figure combines Liam Nesson's head-- or at least a decent facsimile-- with a body loaded with armored detail and very limited articulation.  With six joints there really isn't a lot that die-hard figure junkies will like about it, but it's a remarkable design and it showed that Hasbro people had some interesting and marketable ideas to expand the universe after the first prequel was released.   I'd love to see more original concepts like this in the line, as it does seem to seem not entirely removed from the spirit of Star Wars.  Now if I saw Pod Racing Obi-Wan Kenobi, that'd be a different matter entirely.  The figure's outfit is unique to this figure, and while there is an armored Obi-Wan as well, they don't seem to go together too incredibly well. This figure is probably best kept for collectors or for kids looking for something truly different, after all it's not like most Jedi go through a large number of costume changes.

Collector's Notes: This figure has never been reissued, and it's worth noting it is pretty cool as a toy.  There's so little buzz surrounding this figure it's almost not funny, so if you want one you better start trading or looking to eBay.

Day 534: October 22, 2007