Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,125: Count Dooku (The Vintage Collection)

COUNT DOOKU It's Been a While
The Vintage Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: Asst. F6878 No. F9973
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #307
Includes: Alternate lightning hand, hilt, full lightsaber
Action Feature: Swap left hand with Force lightning hand, plug lightsaber in belt
Retail: $16.99
Availability: March 2024
Appearances: Star Wars: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Once a Jedi trained by Yoda, Count DOoku became disillusioned with the Jedi Order and thirsted for greater power - ultimately leaving the light side and becoming Darth Sidious' disciple, Darth Tyranus. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

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Commentary: Not every wave is a delight, as Count Dooku (a new figure and I believe the first new 3 3/4-inch one since 2010) came in a wave with Finn, Cassian Andor, and a Clone Trooper, which is the kind of mix that just feels sort of disrespectful given their low secondary market prices. But we'll get to them later - for now, let's focus on the good. When inspired, Hasbro still makes the very best figures money can buy, even when they could probably have gotten away shipping an old one again with minimal modifications. Since they started rethinking articulation and face deco, we've been getting a parade of excellent "classic" characters from the Pre-Disney era. New sculpts don't disappoint, and Hasbro has found some improvements in fabric and articulation too.

This figure is one of the best. While not a fun toy, anyone looking to add him to a carded figure collection or any sort of diorama display is going to be in love.

If you bought and are not triggered by my invoking Lando Calrissian from 2021 [FOTD #2,870], you may recall that is also a good figure that had one of Hasbro's greatest capes. It's a thin, one-layer affair with lining that makes you go "wow, how'd they do that?" Count Dooku also has the dark brown cape with a nice light tan lining, and it's thin. It hangs well too - it's possible to "pose" it a bit if you fold it just right, giving him a dynamic silhouette that seems to defy physics. A silver string holds it together, and its only shortcomings are a lack of the two round metal bits that hold the costume cape in place. I assume they'll figure out how to pull that off next time, and there's room for improvement around the neck - but at this scale, I think it's safe to say this is dang near perfect.

His accessories are sensible - you get a lightsaber hilt that plugs in his belt, and does so without a fight. The lightsaber fits in his hand easily, and you can swap the right hand for one that shoots out Sith blue Force Lightning. Other than including that "motion blade" from The Black Series Count Dooku [FOTD #2,678], which I would love to see more of at this scale, I can't really ask for much more in the way of gear.

The figure itself is also great, with an excellent tiny portrait that makes the most out of multi-color hair and teensy face paint. While his hair and beard are a smidgen grayer than whiter, at this scale, I think it's fine. His eyes are a little glossy, with subtle forehead wrinkles and a dour expression. We've had so much gradual improvements that I assume most fans will just dismiss it, but compared to the 2010 Count Dooku [FOTD #1,426] it's utterly amazing. Hasbro has come an incredibly long way in human head sculpts for movies that are not the original trilogy, but maybe we'll see some massive improvements as new ones start to ship. I don't know how anyone can look at this figure's head and not go "wow." It's remarkable, and of course, there are lots of reference materials from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings including 3D objects and probably a trove of Gentle Giant head scans. Whoever did the work here, they're awesome, and deserve a pat on the back.

Count Dooku's costume and body are great. Well, they're as great as modern figures can be, with a little hinge on the swivel wrist, rocker ankles, and lots of places to make little subtle movements. The elbows don't quite bend as much as I would like, but that's probably OK given how I will be posing him. He stands well, and while you can swing the legs forward it is worth noting his "skirt" does tend to get in the way a tiny bit. It will bend forward, but I am worried about bending any kind of plastic long-term like that lest it break some day. Cloth doesn't necessarily look better, so for now I would say that this figure was engineered as well as it can be if you want it to have the kind of ball-and-socket hip articulation everybody absolutely loves thees days.

I was very fond of the previous Count Dooku figures Hasbro did, which were generally either priced well and often included fun action figures or cool accessories. Heck, a lot of them were even shining examples of articulation and sculpting in their day - but it has been almost 14 years since the last new examples of the character in this size, so I'm glad to see Hasbro take another at-bat. I'd go as far as to say I'd like to see them try again on a number of prequel figures, but it looks we have to choke down the vegetables that are The Acolyte Jedi first. (Memo to future haters: the show hasn't even aired yet and the costumes are drab and boring. I hope I adore the show, I'll probably like it, but I digress.) If you get a shot at this figure, buy it. Yes, even for $17. It's a good figure and it's worth supporting Hasbro when they turn out exceptional work like this.

Collector's Notes: My copy got two identical upper arms - I'm seeking a replacement, but it's still quite good as a figure even with the defect. I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,125: April 16, 2024