Figure of the Day: Day 1,267: Darth Vader (Battle Pack)

DARTH VADER Rebel vs. Empire
Revenge of the Sith Battle Pack
Item No.: Asst. 85554 No. 85725
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cape, helmet, lightsaber, additional figures
Action Feature: Removable helmet, push button for lightsaber-swinging action
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Summer 2005
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: As dark lord, Darth Vader seeks to show young Luke Skywalker the true power of the dark side. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: "Just different enough to make you mad." This Darth Vader is a mix and match "new" figure, using various existing parts. The 2002 Saga "Cloud City" Darth Vader's body is used (which is actually based on the original film's armor) and the head is that of the 2003 Death Star version. Put 'em together, and you get another "different" Darth Vader. Since this Battle Pack was designed with kid sales in mind, it seems only fair to treat the figure accordingly. It sucks. The helmet won't stay on, and neither will the cape. The push-button mechanism causes the figure to pivot at the waist, and it's pretty awful especially when you consider the fragile lightsaber can easily snap off from inside the hilt-- such is the danger of a plastic blade in a metal shell.

On the bright side, the sculpt is OK and the paint job on the unmasked face is pretty good. He does feel more expressive than some other Vader heads, but still, it's a crappy figure. For completists only.

Collector's Notes: This set was pretty popular at the time, and the packaging is nice-- but the figure itself is nothing special. It's worth noting that this is basically the only new figure in the Rebel vs. Empire Battle Pack, so if you don't yet have one I wouldn't advise you to do so just to get this one character.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,267: April 22, 2010