Figure of the Day: Day 394: Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)

DARTH VADER Mustafar Final Duel Playset
Revenge of the Sith Collection
Item No.: No. 85243
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, playset, Obi-Wan figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99-$39.99
Availability: Late 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Darth Vader takes on Obi-Wan Kenobi in a final duel on a planet of erupting volcanos! Vader, who was once the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, has turned to the dark side and now fights on the side of evil against his former Master. Vader and Obi-Wan meet in a climactic confrontation and fight to the finish while dodging blasts from a volcano and overcoming dangerous obstacles! Re-create this ultimate battle that decides the fate of the galaxy for the next generation! (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Some figures are exciting because they're great new characters, or break new ground. Others are interesting because they are obviously victims of the almighty budget. Darth Vader (or Anakin Skywalker, but it says Vader on the box) has very little articulated, painted flesh coloring for his face, and a big stupid open mouth. Very few action figures look cool with an open mouth-- most look like a blow-up doll or just plain dumb. The 2002 Mace Windu figure looked OK because it really did look like Samuel L. Jackson screaming, but a lot of other figures just come off as dopey. With fewer than 6 points of articulation, all above the waist, there's very little nice to say about this figure. If you didn't buy one, but bought every other Episode III Anakin or Vader, you'd be covered. Moving arms, neck, and waist aren't exactly exciting, but if you consider that the playset was about $30, had two figures, and was fairly large, the value was certainly there. It's just that it's a boring playset that wasn't a fun environment for the most part-- although it did have some nice play and connectivity features.

Collector's Notes: Even with the complaining, the figure is notable for a few reasons. One, he (and Obi-Wan) were packaged with one another's lightsabers in their hands on pretty much every sample. It isn't known if this is a factory error or because of the abandoned concept of the two fighting with one another's lightsabers (of which evidence remains in the film). Two, this item was sold in a bigger box with four Clone Troopers as a Sam's Club exclusive. As you can see the figure itself isn't too snazzy, but there are some nifty stories surrounding it. Just remember you really, really don't need to add this one to your collection.

Day 394: June 4, 2007