Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 533: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL Sith Lord
Episode I Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84085 No. 84247
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, removable blade, CommTech Chip
Action Feature: One blade is removable from the lightsaber
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:   Wielding the power of the dark side, Darth Maul confronts Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in a deadly clash of lightsabers inside the Theed generator complex.   ( Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: For a figure with little screen time and even less dialogue, Hasbro wasted no time cranking out multiple versions of Darth Maul in a hurry.  The final version of the Sith Lord to be released in Episode I packaging, this figure bucked trends and opted for reduced articulation when compared to previous releases.  This all-new sculpt had a cloth "skirt" piece,  one of the first in the basic line, which granted him the ability to sit without distorting the look of the toy when you return it to the full upright position.   The sculpt is on par with other figures of the time, but the articulation is on par with figures from 1995-- that is to say, it sort of sucks.   The figure's unique "reveal" pose makes it ideal for use in dioramas or playsets, plus its lack of articulation makes it a nice visual piece.   As a toy, it's pretty good, but the awkward positions of the arms prevent it from doing too much other than what you see in the picture.  If you like this pose, or enjoy the notion of owning the first-ever figure with a removable blade in its lightsaber, this is the figure for you.  But you probably already own 20 Darth Mauls so hey, your call.

Collector's Notes: This figure has, to date, never been repackaged after its initial run.   International fans take note: this is one of the first figures packaged with the bonus Pit Droids.   So you might end up with a few of them if you want those original release bonus Pit Droids, and if you're me, you most certainly do.

Day 533: October 21, 2007