Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,514: Darth Maul

DARTH MAUL with Sith Attack Speeder
Episode I Invasion Force
Item No.: Asst. 84205 No. 84399
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Preparing for assault aboard his formidable Sith Attack Speeder, the sinister Darth Maul is able to enforce the will of Darth Sidious with stealth and intimidating force. This personal repulsorcraft provides him with lightning speed and maneuverability. Deploying twin laser cannons combine the element of surprise with devastating firepower. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: My kitchen, on some tray.

Commentary: There aren't many different ways to do a movie Darth Maul, although "with the hood up" is one such variation. This figure effectively recycled the idea behind the previous Sith Speeder Maul (now available as a Saga Legends toy) but with a new head, it has a slightly different personality. It still has great articulation for its time, but with a covered-up head it's just a little more menacing. While not the best version of a hood-up Maul, it's currently the best in terms of articulation and the range of motion-- Habsro's decision to use cloth and not restrict hip or knee joints makes a big difference in terms of a figure being a quality plaything, and not just a nice looking statue.

The vehicle itself is, if you ask me, the real reason to pick this one up. It has these cool flip-out cannons and has neat shoulder harness things that fold down and help keep Maul in place. It may not be authentic to the film but as a toy, the Sith Attack Speeder with Darth Maul is absolutely worthy of reissuing. It's a nice piece that most fans probably passed up on the first go-round.

Collector's Notes: This set was more common on closeout shelves than it was at full price. As an original design, this Mini-Rig vehicle is pretty cool but it didn't exactly turn in to a huge hit. It's worth $5-$10 today, and I'd say it's worth that price.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,514: April 4, 2011