Figure of the Day: Day 324: Darth Vader

DARTH VADER Battle of Endor
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 86960
Number: 045
Includes: Removable lightning, removable hand, lightsaber, display base
Action Feature: Remove hand for removed hand action
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Darth Vader is originally sent to prepare the new Death Star for the arrival of his Master, Emperor Palpatine. It is with great pleasure that he delivers Luke Skywalker into the presence of the Emperor. Ironically, it is Luke's conviction that there is still good in him that allows him to turn his bitterness at the Emperor's inevitable betrayal into a final, heroic act. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Emperor's Wrath, Round II. This Darth Vader is based on a mold from 2001 which represented the same scene-- except this one has a newly retooled right arm and hand, newly retooled energy boogers, and an overall better paint job. (Oh, and they dropped the glow-in-the-dark skull, sadly.) The figure has a great sculpt, decent articulation, and deco that's about as good as you can expect from a partially translucent, being-zapped-by-Sith-lightning figure. If you don't have the original "Wrath" Vader, this one is arguably better looking and makes better use of its accessories and features.

Collector's Notes: This is what you call an "non-essential upgrade," as the original figure was good enough (or so we thought), we already had three other carded Vaders in 2006, and of course, it's very scene-specific. Still, it turned out nice-- when Hasbro wants to make it so you can't resist a remake of a figure you thought you didn't want, they'll turn on the charm. Still, it's a fairly common figure, so don't pay too much for this one if you want it. It'll probably get reissued soon anyway.

Day 324: March 26, 2007