Figure of the Day: Day 309: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL Final Duel
Power of the Jedi Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84445 No. 84506
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Summer 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: This mysterious and highly trained Sith warrior uses his physical and tactical abilities to further the goals of his Master, Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Maul's anger and hatred of the Jedi fuel his powers with the dark side of the Force. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: At one point, the idea of a magnet in a Star Wars figure was just exceedingly exciting-- this Darth Maul, though, was the second Maul to have a magnet and split down the middle. The first was in a two-pack to celebrate the VHS release of Episode I. This one, though, was pretty cool too-- you get half a lightsaber, and if you flick him just right, he splits apart. He has six points of articulation (assuming you can count the waist as a joint), and is decent enough to warrant buying. His head was a little brighter than other Mauls available at the time, and his horns were painted better than any Darth Maul available at the time. So as far as deco and sculpt go, this was a great figure-- it was unfortunate that Hasbro decided to not paint his teeth, as this striking feature is worth decorating if a figure is sculpted with an open mouth. He'd look just a little more menacing that way.

Collector's Notes: When I first saw this figure, my complaint was "what, again?" There are two very similar Darth Maul figures with unique sculpts and the same action feature. Some like this one more, others like the other one more. I like them each for different reasons, but since this is a fairly common figure you should be able to get one on the cheap.

Day 309: March 11, 2007