Sunday, December 31, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 239: Governor Tarkin

TARKIN Governor
Revenge of the Sith Collection 2
Item No.:
Asst. 85174 No. 85496
Number: III-45
Includes: Stand, blaster pistol
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.24
Availability: Summer 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Governor Tarkin controls the Seswana sector, which forms a strong defense perimeter against Separatists during the Clone Wars. He has a keen interest in special weapons construction and development. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: The computer desk of Adam Pawlus.

Commentary: One of the most exciting (and worst-kept) surprises from the final movie was a cameo by Tarkin, a recreation of Peter Cushing's classic character through the use of makeup and keeping the character out of focus. The results were pretty creepy, but at the right angle, pretty good. Unfortunately, the angle shown on the back of the packaging doesn't do it any favors and the figure itself probably looks more like Peter Cushing than the actor on the screen. The new action figure was nicely designed, with the normal six points of articulation plus wrists and elbows, allowing him to stand there and point. Oh, and carry his too-big gun. The texture on the costume feels like overkill based on what the pictures and film show (or don't show), but, still, it's a pretty nice little replica of a cameo in a movie that will likely only make sense to the bigger fans out there. A lot of fans say the 1997 version of Tarkin was "far superior," and I disagree-- each is good for different reasons. This one seems a bit more accurate in terms of proportions, but when you get right down to it, it isn't an either/or proposition-- one's for one movie, and this one is for another.

Collector's Notes: Tarkin from Revenge of the Sith was released only once and for a short period of time. A repaint of this mold in Star Wars colors is due any day now as part of Diamond's exclusive Death Star Briefing set, available online at your favorite store or a comic shop near you.


Day 239: December 31, 2006

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