Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,216: Mace Windu (The Retro Collection)

MACE WINDU Kennerized
The Retro Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: No. G0371
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, cloak, another 5 figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $59.99
Availability: November 2024
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Star Wars Retro Collection is inspired by the original 1970s Star Wars figures and features original figure design and detailing! Continue your collection from a galaxy far, far away. (Stolen from the marketing copy. Packaging has no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

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

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: This The Retro Collection Mace Windu in no way bad, but something about it seemed off - and it took me a while to finally just wander over to my old figures and compare him to the 1984 Anakin Skywalker and original Obi-Wan Kenobi. They're all aspiring to be very similar things, with similar levels of detail, but they're not the same - and the reason was a mix of texture and gloss! Jedi Master Windu turned out pretty well, but there are certain things that made his other figures really memorable like whites around his eyes (none here - Lando sometimes had them) and texture on his brown robes (smooth here.) Hasbro missed some opportunities for Kenner-style whimsy and fun weird mistakes, and it's a bit smoother than I would like, but it's good. And for the price, I can't complain.

This figure - and a lot of the newly-designed figures from 2024 - show signs of some evolution. On some, you're starting to see sharper details, although many look like the sculpt was put in Photoshop, selected, expanded by one pixel, and filled. Things are just the tiniest bit softer and rounder than they need to be - but the landmarks are generally good, if a little smoother than I would have loved. The robes aren't bad, but between the shine and smoothness they seem more hard and, well, "plastic" than the slightly more textured, wrinkled, and non-reflective torsos of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker from the old days. Mace Windu's barely-visible pants seem to have nailed it - the boots are also very good. The figure's torso has a shine that seemed to mostly go away by the 1980s, so I find it the slightest bit off... but I don't think any typical modern fan is going to notice or nitpick. They did a nice job, the robes look like an old figure!

His cloth robes are pretty good, and are better than a lot of modern era cloth robes. There are no robes with sleeves and a hood in the 1980s, so this garment iterates on what we got in the 2000s - and it's better! The hood sits on his head well enough. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good - which is about how good Jedi Luke's cape was back in 1983. Hasbro did a nice job on these, and as we have no real analog, all I can say is "good job."

The purple lightsaber is very similar to the one we've been getting with most new retro figures since Bespin Luke in 1980. It's been the Darksaber, and Obi-Wan's lightsaber, and many others - and now it's purple. It looks fine! It would be interesting to see a telescoping lightsaber in this line again, but so far Hasbro has completely ditched those. I think it would have been neat to do them for any stories that take place before the 1977 movie - to keep some sort of chronological toy fiction of style - but this is probably what most fans actually want.

I find the figure's head and pose to be pretty good. A lot of humans were all over the map - some looking more like their actor than others - and this one is smack dab in the middle. Does it look like Samuel L. Jackson? Sort of - but if you told me they sculpted a stunt double, I'd believe you. Han didn't look much like Harrison Ford, so a figure that seems close enough is probably the best way to go. It doesn't have to be perfect - you just need to recognize it. His pose is good too - the arms aren't bent at the elbow very much, but they do stick out to the side a bit which seems good for his cloth robes. His posture has a slight slouch forward, most of which is in his neck, taking him a step away from the very stuff poses we got on so many of the modern figures. Also notable is that this figure - like many of these figures - has hands that are better than most original Kenner figures. Mace won't drop his lightsaber - the fingers "pinch" a bit more, and that's the kind of improvement I really love to see in The Retro Collection. If Hasbro wants to fix "original" figures too, I'm all for it. Anything that makes them stand better, sit better, or play better is welcome.

Since there's a lot of wiggle room on what it means to be a true Kenner figure, and a lot of artistic and editorial choices, I would say this one is a success. It's not how I would necessarily do it, but comparing it to other Retro-style figures not made by Kenner employees in their 70s or 80s, it looks like it belongs with Hasbro's other figures when you put them all on a shelf. I'm almost disappointed they didn't make him wrong on purpose with a 1998-style blue lightsaber like we got on that first mail-away Mace Windu figure - but again, that's the kind of nonsense I would argue to do. I like it enough to say I'd recommend him if you're collecting the line, and he's a very good figure in the set that holds up well - but not perfectly - against your actual ancient figures.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Hasbro Pulse.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,216: February 18, 2025

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,922: Mace Windu (Redux, The Vintage Collection)

MACE WINDU Re-re-redux
The Vintage Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure
Item No.: Asst. F4486 No. F4495
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #35
Includes: Cloth robes, lightsaber, hilt
Action Feature: Hilt can't plug on belt
Retail: $13.99
Availability: April 2022
Appearances: Attack of the Clones
Bio: A grim Jedi Master, Mace Windu was the champion of the Jedi Order, with little tolerance for the failings of the Senate, the arguments of politicians, or the opinions of rebellious Jedi. (Taken from marketing copy. There is no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

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

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: This Mace Windu is a rerun of a rerun, the Jedi of Theseus, and really not too great compared to other new figures. I mean, it's not bad... but given that at its core it's a repaint of a retool of a figure from 2007? It's disappointing. Hasbro put a lot of effort refurbishing a core figure who started life in The 30th Anniversary Collection - the skirt and head were changed for The Vintage Collection in 2011. So this is a repaint of an 11 year old figure, that was at its core a 15 year old figure, which had some problems. It was also created for specialty/fan channel, meaning you won't find this series of rereleases in big box stores or their respective web sites. While I don't think this figure is as good of an improvement as it could be, newer fans who don't own a Mace Windu figure will find a lot to like. It's just the old-timers that will probably feel bad that they're buying the same tooling, again, complete with some of its problems.

The colors of the robes are better, the plastic outfit better matches the cloth under the skirt - that's good! It looks more like the reference photos than previous figures, which trended lighter. The legs are the swing-forward variety, still blocked by the vinyl skirt hanging down - that's bad. The skirt wasn't retooled, so the hole on the belt is too small for the lightsaber hilt's peg - so it won't go in there. You're got some stiff elbows, perfectly acceptable cloth brown robes, and hands which are a bit more flexible than some. That's an improvement - I don't know what it is, but getting accessories in those tiny hands tends to be difficult.

The 2011 head sculpt is here and it's arguably improved with the Photoreal paint... but it needs work. The eyebrows on my two samples are a little different, one seems off-center and both seem too thick to look like Samuel L. Jackson. His eyebrows are incredibly thin, especially in The Phantom Menace, where I had to double-check to verify he did indeed have them in the first place. The lips are colored lightly, and the shine on the yes looks wonderful. But I can't get beyond how much I dislike the very thick eyebrows. The skin tone seems OK, the expression is/was fine, and it is an improvement over what we had before [FOTD #1,751].

Since the 2011 figure was expensive (and Hasbro could save money bringing back the old tooling), this figure existing makes sense - fans want a 3 3/4-inch Mace Windu, and anything on a Vintage cardback tends to sell if it has adult fans. It's both the best we've had, and disappointing. 3 3/4-inch Jedi hips tend to be marred by bad articulation and plastic robes, as this is. The sleeves are kind of bulky and weird. The belt hilt peg doesn't work, which is pretty sad given it should be a pretty easy thing to take care of somehow. And the eyebrows... I hate the eyebrows. When a figure's reissue is at least partially predicated on improving it, this one is something of a lateral move. Is it better? Yeah. Is it as good as we're seeing when it comes to the paint on other recent heads of this size? No. Are the accessories too big still? Yeah. Could Hasbro have done well just to make us an all-new one even if it means waiting a few years? Probably. If you're on a budget, I'd pass on this one and hold your breath for another new one later. It might not ever come... but Mace is someone Hasbro likes to revisit on the regular. If you have no Mace Windu figures, get this one - it's as good as they come in this size! If you have most or all of them, consider how much you want to set fire to $14 to have something to look at, nod, and then put back in a display or in a box to store somewhere. Given how much of these lines are repaints, you might be better served saving the cash for the next big HasLab item instead, whatever it is.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,922: May 5, 2022

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,585: Mace Windu (The Black Series 6-Inch)

MACE WINDU 6-Inch Debut
The Force Awakens The Black Series 6-Inch Figure
Item No.: Asst. B3834 No. E4088
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #82
Includes: Lightsaber, Cloak
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: March 2019
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: A grim Jedi Master with an amethyst-bladed lightsaber, Mace Windu was the champion of the Jedi Order, with little tolerance for the failings of the sentate, the arguments of politicians, or the opinions of rebellious Jedi.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

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

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  This Mace Windu figure marks a few important milestones from Hasbro.  It's the first Attack of the Clones Jedi - or possibly just another Revenge of the Sith, but let's not go there.  It's the first cloth cloak we've had in the 6-inch side, and unlike the 3 3/4-inch ones, it's actually pretty good. The hood is sewn down in a pretty perfect place, so you can position it so it's on his head and doesn't look entirely stupid.  It's one of Hasbro's best small-scale robes, and the thickness of the cloth is pretty good too.  Nicely done, Hasbro.

The articulation is nothing special  As usual, "amazing" is now normal so it doesn't register as being special.   You get rocker ankles, bend-and-swivel wrists, and the sculpting does a good job if disguising the joints with boots and robes and all that good stuff.  I had a lot of problems getting him to stand just right, so I would get him a good display stand if you can find one.  I think he's going to fall with time.

The lightsaber blade is removable from the hilt - that's good!  The hilt has no way to attach to the belt.  Six years in, that's a big disappointment when we have the robes and a fantastic Samuel L. Jackson printed portrait on the face.  This is a figure you won't want to miss, and I have to wonder if we'll see a "sneak preview" variant with the wrong lightsaber at some point down the road.  I was hoping they'd paint the soles of his boots a different color like some of the small figures, but I guess that era has passed.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.  

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,585: May 14, 2019

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,076: Mace Windu (The Black Series)

MACE WINDU Clone Wars
The Black Series 3 3/4-Inch Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. A5077 No. A5252
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: Black Series #19
Includes: Jango Fett's helemt, lightsaber (lit), lightsaber (hilt)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $10.99
Availability: December 2013
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Mace Windu is a Jedi Master known for his wisdom as well as his excellent skill in Lightsaber combat.  (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

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

Commentary: I like this Mace Windu figure a lot, but before I continue I just want to say how much I dislike the packaging one last time.   It's so bland, uninviting, and generally doesn't upsell the consumer on another figure.   It's a real dead end and with Toy Fair just weeks away I'm really hoping Hasbro retires this style for 3 3/4-inch individually packaged action figures.  I bet this template would look awesome on window boxes with diorama backgrounds, though!  Anyway, let's talk Mr. Windu.

He's pretty good!  The base figure is a retooled 2007 Mace Windu from the 30th Anniversary Collection, down to the copyright dates.  In other words, for Mace Windu alone, this mold has been retooled no fewer than 2 times.  The arms are the area with the real upgrade this time, as the 2011 Vintage release gave us the partially cloth robes. I think the head is a new sculpt, as the skin tone is different and the figure has no eyebrows this time around.  The robes are a more desaturated color, and the most exciting addition of all are his bend-and-swivel wrists.  This little upgrade makes this the best Mace Windu figure in terms of mobility, as he has no real problems sitting either.  Hasbro did a really nice job exploiting its current tooling library to make something that, at first glance, looks and feels new.

Due to subtle variations in design change, his elbows do look a little weird - previous figures made the armor a single piece, located entirely on the forearm.  On this release, there's a ring around the bicep and a little piece of armor protecting the elbow, with a large amount of brown robe poking out in between.  It's visually jarring, but functionally a superior design.  Movie purists won't care for this one too much, but I think fans of the animated designs are going to eat this one up.   My favorite areas of the Star Wars mythos (that are currently getting new toys, anyway) are The Clone Wars and Return of the Jedi, so this makes another nice addition to my collection.   I appreciate that it's visually quite distinctive from previous uses of this mold as this character - a lot - and the fact that the lightsaber plugs into his belt just makes me all kinds of happy.  Nicely done Hasbro!

Collector's Notes: I am hearing this figure is hitting Walmart stores.  I got mine at Entertainment Earth in a wave 3 case.  At this time I have not seen evidence of this figure on my local store pegs, but as I'm fond of telling others it's very easy for one single collector to purchase 100% of the evidence that any case had arrived in a store when figures all debut at 1 per box.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,076: January 13, 2014

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,987: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Series 1
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85003 No.     85223
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2004
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: The 2003 Clone Wars series gave some characters pretty memorable adventures, including 2 short episodes where Mace Windu kicked the snot out of droid armies using the Force and what I assume must have been some serious rage issues.   For the series, his costume added Clone armor elements and kept the awesome purple lightsaber.   His arms and neck are jointed, but like the rest o this line he's basically a statue with limited movement.   He looks amazing and that lightsaber looks really cool, plus the figure retains the simplified, blocky-in-spots look seen in the cartoons.  I wish the face had a little more paint or a few painted black lines to make the details pop more, but it's still a nice figure.   Some darker eyebrows would've been nice, though, as the figure has some nifty personality sculpted into the head which could use some exaggerating.

Collector's Notes: Since this line sort of fell off the fan radar, you should be able to get this figure cheap.  And if you can't, email me, I might have a spare.  A realistic version of this figure was released in late 2003 and was one of the first ball-joint headed figures in the line.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,987: January 24, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,906: Mace Windu (Prototype, 2003)

MACE WINDU Ultimate Lightsaber Control
Saga Basic Figure Prototype
Item No.: No. n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber blade
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: n/a (Taken from the figure's no packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: While going through my boxes to find figures as-of-yet-unreviewed-- which is a trial after the first thousand-- I stumbled on this Mace Windu prototype.  Damaged.  Decaying.  It's not even 10 years old and I never really got to enjoy it-- you might be able to tell, but the arms cracked at the shoulders and a chunk around his wrist is missing, because the arms were made of a very flexible material that, over time, stiffened and crumbled. I got this off eBay from a guy in China a while back because it had one major difference from the retail release-- a plastic, and not cloth, outer robe, which is how it looked in the promotional shots.  The sculpted garment was dumped prior to the 2003 release of the carded figure, but you can see it on the cardback of Mace Windu #0302.

A few test shots got out, some had Hasbro markings or missing parts.  Many had missing lightsaber blades, mine surprisingly included one.  Of course, I'm really depressed because a well taken-care-of figure had, in the span of  few years, started to crumble to pieces.  What was once a treasured collectible is now, basically, garbage in the making.  As of the time I wrote this, I realized I spent about 50% of my life writing about these action figures for you guys on the internet between my various newsletters and the discovery that an item I was excited about is in the process of going to pieces before I could even take the time for a good photo is beyond depressing.  So take care of your toys, kids, enjoy them while you can.

Collector's Notes:  Based on how the materials aged, I suggest you not buy this test shot should one come up for sale.   I have been able to track down my loose sample of the retail release version (with the cloth cloak) and its arms are still flexible and haven't crumbled or cracked yet. I'll be keeping a close eye on it over the next year, of course.  This is also why Hasbro discourages sales of prototypes-- obviously, what I have here isn't something Hasbro wanted to sell, I paid a premium for it off eBay China, and now it's falling apart.  I do not wish for my hobby to remind me of my own mortality.  That's what the mirror is for.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,906: October 3, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,905: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU with Blast-Apart Battle Droid
Saga Deluxe Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84859 No. 84876
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: Battle Droid (red or tan), lightsaber, Force claw/hook, Force blast
Action Feature: Goes to pieces
Retail: $9.99
Availability: April 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:   A senior member of the Jedi Council, Mace Windu is a highly revered Jedi Master. He personally leads a battalion of Jedi to the red rock planet of Geonosis in an attempt to rescue Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo dump.

Commentary: I missed this one too?  In 2002 we went from having 2 pretty good figures of Samuel L. Jackson to having numerous Mace Windu toys, each of which tended to have an amusing head sculpt or nifty action feature.  This one packed in a bonus "victim" figure, which was a nice touch.  In 2002 Hasbro (and other companies) were tooting their horns about using real digital scanning as a tool in improving their toy sculpts, and with the 2002 line we did see a pretty good jump in sculpt quality.  Deco, though, lagged behind and things like plastic color or paint could suck the life right out of a face.   Thankfully, this one had an expressive face with good paint, and the fact that he's bald makes sure there's no wonky hair.  (We got a lot of wonky hair in 2002.)  His skin is a little light, but the plastic is just barely translucent enough in spots where you can shine a light and the ears tend to glow a bit.  It gives it a tiny air of realism that I'm not used to seeing.

The figure has a wonderful sculpt in an action pose with only 7 points of articulation, a necessary concession if you're going to cram in an action feature or two.   His right sleeve has a spring-loaded launcher inside, and you can shoot out force blasts in a yellow energy ball or blue hook form.  Neither appeared in the movie, but Hasbro was crazy for visual manifestations of the Force in 2002 and with energy being a big deal in the figures, it was something fans were getting used to.  Naturally, it pretty much vanished by the end of 2003.  His left hand has a magnet inside, which lets him hold on to his lightsaber in a different, and fun, way.  In many ways this figure, with its flexible skirt for sitting, is one of the best Mace Windu toys Hasbro ever made and has one of the finest sculpts.  He's not loaded with articulation, but asymmetrical sleeves and a great pose make this figure far more interesting to look at and play with than his descendants.

Collector's Notes:  This figure started with a tan Battle Droid partner, but later his package (and the figure itself) would be changed to a more movie-accurate red color.   In my hunts, the tan one was far more common and I had to track the red one down on eBay several years later.  Red ones were a bit of a pain to track down, but I got it cheap.  The tan bonus droid version is only worth about a buck, and like the Dagobah Vader I looked at last week it's totally worth snagging for five bucks or less.  Even in 2002, I felt like I got my money's worth at ten bucks.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,905: October 2, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,787: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Order 66
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87356 No. 87358
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 2 of 6
Includes: Lightsaber, cloak, and Galactic Marine figure
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for lightsaber swinging action
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Mace Windu puts aside his diplomatic mantle to lend his skill as a powerful Jedi warrior during the Clone Wars. He leads a regiment of Galactic Marine clone troopers into battle to stop the Separatist invasions on several worlds. (Taken from the set's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' old desk.

Commentary: Why do you want this Mace Windu? You probably don't, but if you do this 2-pack includes an exclusive hoodless cloth cloak (which is pretty cool) and a uniquely painted Galactic Marine clone trooper figure, which is arguably reason enough to buy the set. The Mace Windu itself brings little new to the table, I had a couple of spares from finding this set on clearance so one of 'em got sacrificed to the toy gods to get sent to China as a test subject for an action figure stand. That's my way of saying "you won't need multiples of this one."

By 2007 this sculpt had really shown its age. We've seen it a few times, but this one at least had the courtesy of adding a new accessory. The figure was originally released in 2005 for the Revenge of the Sith line, but that version had Sith lightning that could surround him and he could shake off when you squeezed his legs. The sculpt is merely OK, it doesn't look a heck of a lot like Samuel L. Jackson in terms of his general pose and demeanor, but collectors looking for every last major variation of Mace Windu with a new accessory are going to want this. There are many better Mace Windu figures, but sometimes it's less about quality than it is getting one of everything. That's what this figure is. Don't buy it for its own merits, but do get it for the purple Galactic Marine.

Collector's Notes: A boxed sample goes for as little as $3, and oddly, this Mace Windu loose has gone for $4-$6. I don't understand why, you people must be stupid or something. I bought one at $10 and another at about $2 on clearance, and I'd say anywhere in between those is totally worth it for the complete set. The Order 66 2-packs are weird and fun, even if they have nothing to do with the event from the film (and even if some of the Jedi figiures from them basically offer nothing new or valuable.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,787: April 19, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,751: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Jedi Master
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 24994
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC35
Includes: Lightsber, hilt, cloak
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen, in a G.I. Joe backdrop.

Commentary: One of my pet peeves is when Hasbro announces a "new" figure and it isn't. For example, at the 2011 New York Comic Con slide show, a Mace Windu figure from The Clone Wars was introduced as a "new" release despite having debuted in summer of 2010. This Mace Windu from the movies could have been introduced as a repackaged figure, and none would be the wiser. The core of the figure is recycled 2007 parts-- the bulk of the body was used for a Revenge of the Sith Mace Windu during the 30th Anniversary Collection, and this one is an incremental improvement over it. The lightsaber's purple is different, and his lower costume has been improved-- oh, and he has a new head sculpt. I cannot say that I believe the Samuel L. Jacksonness has been improved, but the ability of this figure to be posed is certainly better. The big difference comes from the belt-- there is now a place to hang his lightsaber, plus some cloth bits which help him to sit. The 2007 release had a hard plastic shell which basically resisted all attempts at forcing him to take a seat, which wasn't exactly fantastic.

The mold for the body has been used a few times, for other Mace Windu figures as well as other Jedi. If you're only going to get one Mace Windu, I would probably steer you to the animated figure-- but from the movies, this is your best overall bet right now. I'd like to see the hip articulation improved and I'd like to see if they can make the face just a little better, but it's still fine. I mean, it's obviously Mace Windu, but I think that first 1998 figure may have been the one to get the look-and-feel the best, even if it isn't the most authentic or the best articulated.

Collector's Notes: In early 2012, this figure could be found at certain US closeout stores for as little as $4-$5. At that price? You'd be foolish to pass on it. For $10, I can't say he's a worthy upgrade... but if you have no Mace Windus in your collection, $10 doesn't feel too bad.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,751: February 29, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,455: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU with Lightsaber and Jedi Cloak
Episode I Collection 3 Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84105 No. 84084
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cloak, lightsaber, CommTech chip
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: A respected Jedi Master and a senior member of the Jedi Council, Mace Windu wields a great deal of authority through out the Galactic Republic. He is well aware of the dangers of the Sith. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu has been a big part of the line since 1998, where he was the first mail-in figure from the prequel trilogy, and the first "sneak preview" figure since the 1980s. This isn't that figure-- rather, this is the second release, a resculpted figure sold at retail. This one is different in that it has more articulation, slightly different deco, and a different cloak.

This figure's main draw at the time was its big brown cloak which completely covers the figure. You can make him hold his lightsaber while encased in the garment, but, well, it looks a little goofy. It works, but not terribly well-- and since Mace rarely wears his cloak with the hood up, odds are this is an accessory that will ultimately live in your junk drawer. Under the cloak is a figure in his normal Jedi attire, with sleeves matching his robe and a more action-oriented pose with his legs spread out a little bit more. His right arm sports a swivel elbow and a swivel wrist which, in 1999, were still pretty fancy stuff on a Star Wars toy.

While the figure feels cut from the same cloth as the 1998 mail-in release, the only piece that seems to be shared is the torso-- everything else seems to have slight changes made to the tooling, be it a bent ankle or a teeny change to the head, which may even be just my imagination. I wouldn't classify this figure as "different enough to make you mad," but it certainly is different enough to be notable.

His lone weapon is a lightsaber, and while some fans may peg it as incorrect, it wasn't back in 1999. Lucas changed a lot of how the Expanded Universe worked in those years, and nearly every character in The Phantom Menace was assigned one lightsaber color, only for Lucas' camp to say "never mind" and change every character to red, green, blue, or purple later. As such, Mace is carrying a very different weapon than he would hold in the prequels, and while there are stories explaining the saber swap they certainly don't explain away the coloring or how he got his gold-plated weapon in the prequel sequel. It's just one of those weird things to note-- you can try to explain it away, but really, it's not something with a clear-cut answer.

Collector's Notes: This figure did make a few return appearances with switched-up accessories, but the first release is the one you want-- yes, even though it's wrong.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,455: January 11, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,403: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU with Jango Helmet Bomb
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. ? No. ?
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: ?
Includes: Lightsaber, bomb helmet, stand, card, die
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: August 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Like the men under his command, the ARC trooper commander faces even the most threatening situation with unfailing courage. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's living room.

Commentary: If you're anything like me, when you initially saw Hasbro was doing another animated Mace Windu you basically shrugged and said "eh, whatever." Not because this was a bad figure, but the 2009 release was just fine, thank you, and it's not like this is a new costume. Well guess what? We're all wrong. This new 2010 version is Hasbro's most fun Jedi action figure to date, and that's no small praise. Hasbro set out to make a figure with the kind of quality that even the surliest of toy critics can't deny is a damned fine effort, even if you don't like the cartoon figures or Mace Windu. The arms and torso are very similar to the 2009 release, if not identical, but the legs, lower torso, and head realy do make this a solid figure.

The character has had a lot of ups (the 2008 mail-in version) and downs (the face of the 2007 release), but there's no denying that this animated version should meet the exacting standards of kids and adult fans. For any figure to be truly successful in my book, it needs to look good, stand, and have the ability to sit in any appropriate vehicles or playsets. This Mace Windu has a cloth robe piece, which means unlike the 2009 version he'll sit just fine in his recently released Toys "R" Us exclusive Jedi Starfighter. His unique structure combines the extremely thin aesthetic of the current TV show with a chunky, almost comic-like boot sculpt which adds a lot to the personality of this figure. If you like posing your toys, the range of motion here is vastly improved by Hasbro's use of what I assume to be some form of magic. The hips can swing out, and the figure itself is super articulated. The sculpt is true to the design on the show, and he has no problems holding his weapons.

But wait! There's more. Hasbro debuted a new type of articulation here, previously unseen in Star Wars or Clone Wars. Mace Windu's ankle joints have been altered to be, in my opinion, vastly improved. The ball joints of old are gone, these new ones allow the ankle to bend forward and backward, as well as rock side to side. There's also a little room to swivel, giving the figure what I believe to be the best (and most useful) range of motion yet. The only thing Hasbro could do to make this figure better would be some newfangled wrist joint, but we're doing just fine here. The hands seem to look great when holding his Jedi weapon, so Hasbro effectively nailed this one. And I didn't even tell you about his bonus accessory yet!

The last piece in this set-- which would have been nice in the recent gift set-- is Jango Fett's helmet. It splits down the middle to reveal a bomb, just like in The Clone Wars cartoon that aired earlier this year. The sculpting is more in line with the animated line, and it's a darned clever idea for an accessory. Sadly, a lot of collectors probably will pass on this figure not realizing it's a new sculpt with additional articulation. In the package, he looks a lot like the 2009 release and not the best-ever Jedi figure out of Hasbro. As such, if you see it, I suggest you buy it or at least insist someone let you play with theirs for about five minutes.

Collector's Notes: I see this figure a lot, because he doesn't stand out as "new" on the pegs. This animated Mace Windu drops the shoulder armor, helmet, and swing mechanism from the previous release and makes something that should be friendlier to collectors and, presumably, kids. If you only buy one more Mace Windu figure ever, this might be the one to get.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,403: October 29, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,222: Mace Windu (Animated)

MACE WINDU Swinging Lightsaber Action
The Clone Wars Basic Figure
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87961
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW06
Includes: Shoulder armor, chest armor, helmet, lightsaber,
Action Feature: Swinging body action
Retail: $7.99
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: This Jedi Council member is respected for his great wisdom and discerning counsel. A diplomat by nature, he urges discussion and compromise over open conflict. Yet when he must raise his lightsaber in battle, he does so with the skill of a true Jedi Knight. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Commentary: It took about a year, but Hasbro did a nice job translating Mace Windu to a cartoon-style action figure. The movie figures have been all over the place, but like them, Hasbro seems to have nailed Mace the first time out when it comes to the cartoon look. The optional armor bits add a lot to the figure, although it is quite disturbing that to get the armor around his neck, one must remove Mace Windu's head. (Call me crazy, but I don't think decapitating a figure is the best way to dress him. It's a little disturbing.) The shoulder armor snaps on fairly well, but can be knocked off easily. Not surprisingly, the helmet stays on with no real problems. As it's based on the cartoon, it's a very clean sculpt with nice lines and little texture. There's really nothing to gripe about here, this figure is pretty close to what you probably would imagine an animated Mace Windu should look like, minus a few points of articulation. The figure has legs which move only at the hips, and the waist joint is a spring-loaded one so you can make him "slash" at other figures. It's fairly unobtrusive, so I don't think it's worth hating on-- it actually works. If you like Mace Windu and cartoon figures, this is a fun one-- armor and an action feature, combined with a good sculpt, make for a top-quality Jedi Master.

Collector's Notes: This figure was slightly redecorated and rereleased in a Target-exclusive Ryloth-themed battle pack. The exclusive release has whiter armor pieces, but lacks the purple helmet deco. As such, get whichever one you prefer, we'll look at the variant later as it qualifies as "just different enough to make me mad." A resculpt is in the works with-- apparently-- lateral hip joints, which should let him do more sitting on bikes and AT-RTs.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,222: February 18, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,156: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Force Combat!
Revenge of the Sith Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 85173 No. 85283
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #III-10
Includes: Lightsaber, Sith lightning
Action Feature: Squeeze legs for swinging action
Retail: $5.24-$6.99
Availability: March 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Mace Windu is a courageous fighter and respected member of the Jedi Council. In a desperate attempt to save the galaxy, Mace leads a daring confrontation against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's back yard.

Commentary: For whatever reason, Hasbro has struggled a little with Mace Windu. Sure, the 1998 mail-in figure looked great, but most of them since have been all over the place. This particular one had great arm articulation-- the best-ever for the character when released-- plus a great costume sculpt, which, of course, Hasbro had plenty of chances to nail down. Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of difficulty making it look like Samuel L. Jackson's head, outside of being black and bald. This figure looks a little bit like him, but due to his exaggerated shoulders and very thick neck, doesn't really do the actor justice. The super-articulated version from 2007 is different, but doesn't exactly fare significantly better overall.

This figure's best selling point is its action feature. You can put some Sith Lightning on him, and squeeze his legs so he swings his arms and can shake it off. It's pretty neat, not necessarily useful in displays, but a fun little way to mess with the figure when you're bored and have one on your desk. Despite having a plastic "skirt" blocking his legs, the plastic is generally quite flexible, and can sit in some vehicles. Overall, this figure works well as a toy, so if you enjoy action features and unique accessories, it's worth picking up if you can get one for cheap. And most likely, you can.

Collector's Notes: This figure sold in 2005 and was repackaged in 2006. The same figure was reused for the Mace Windu's Attack Battalion Battle Pack for Target, but it swapped out the lightning for a cloth cloak.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,156: November 18, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 970: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Jedi High Council
Saga Collection Screen Scene Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84997 No. 84981
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 1 of 2
Includes: Display stand, additional figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99-$24.99
Availability: Summer 2003
Appearances: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones

Bio: The Jedi High Council is the main interface between the Jedi and the government of the Republic. The twelve High Council members are chosen from the ranks of the Jedi Masters and represent a gathering of great minds who have proven themselves and their abilities in the service of peace and justice. (Taken from the toy's box.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: Hasbro has made many, many attempts at Mace Windu. While not surprising due to Samuel L. Jackson's popularity, the fact that he has one-- or at best, two-- outfits makes it seem a little odd that, for each prequel, he got at least two or three figures. This particular one started life in a Saga Scene as a High Council figure, designed especially to sit down and look like he's thinking something over. Hasbro repurposed this figure in 2005 with a cloak and a lightsaber (pictured) to get the most out of the mold. For its day, it wasn't bad. The figure had ball knees and shoulders, allowing him a greater range of movement than any other Mace Windu yet released. While the quality of the likeness has steadily declined since Episode I, the actual body pretty much peaked here. A 2007 release wasn't able to sit, so as toys go, this is your best bet. He can sit, he can fly a ship, he can stand, he can fight, and he can look good doing it. Sure, his shoulders are a little big, but he holds together well and looks about as good as you can hope for out of a figure at this size with today's toy technology. I think you'd like this one if you bought it.

Collector's Notes: The figure (with different accessories) is available in the 2003 Jedi High Council set or the 2006 Jedi vs. Darth Sidious set. Either is worth getting for different reasons, although the 2003 set will likely net you the least amount of duplicate figures.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 970: March 3, 2009

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 514: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU General of the Republic Army
Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84848
Number: #0348
Includes: Lightsaber, removable gauntlets
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: Forced by the sweeping tide of events to put aside the art of diplomacythat he favors over art of war, Mace Windu reluctantly wields his lightsaber to repel the dark forces that are undermining peace. A man of great wisdom and experience, Mace in nonetheless a skilled and formidable opponent as he is one of the best lightsaber fighters in the Jedi Order. As a General, Mace leads Clone Troopers in ground battles across the galaxy. Also an accomplished pilot, Mace takes part in space battles during the Clone Wars, piloting a Jedi Starfighter in skirmishes against the Separatist forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Seemingly having "got it," Hasbro expanded the universe in 2003 by designing its own costumes for several figures during the Clone Wars, or at least enhancing other designs. Mace Windu was part of the second wave, and was quite popular at retail. And of course, why wouldn't he be? With added armor, some of the best (at the time) articulation, added armor, and appearances (more or less) in part of the biggest multimedia project of the year, he was a hit. Sure, his face didn't really look like Sam Jackson. Yeah, the leg articulation sucked and the robes prevented him from sitting down easily. The figure has ball-jointed shoulders and elbows, plus one of the first-ever ball-jointed necks. Sure, it kinda sucked-- but it was significant, dadgummit. If you take off the figure's removable gauntlets, you're left with an above-average sculpt with decent articulation that almost looks like he could have come straight out of the movies, plus he comes with the first-ever purple Windu lightsaber with a plastic grip. (Look it up.) This is feeling like a very schizo entry, but since this figure is both awesome and awful all at once, that seems to be fitting. For fans of the films, you can skip this, but for lovers of unique toys, you can't miss this.

Collector's Notes: Like many Clone Wars figures, this one never saw a second release-- after 2003, he was gone forever. There's no good reason to reissue him given the unusual armor on his outfit, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him-- or parts of him-- again somewhere.

Day 514: October 2, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 463: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Arena Confrontation
Saga Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84918
Number: 0302
Includes: Lightsaber blade
Action Feature: Total control joystick feature
Retail: $4.99
Availability: January 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Realizing how far the Separatist conflict has degenerated, Mace Windu decides the time has come for swift action. He personally leads a Jedi battalion to Geonosis in an urgent rescue attempt, where he must put aside his diplomatic stance and call upon his finely honed Jedi fighting skills in battle. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Behold, another of Hasbro's grand experiments! Mace Windu isn't a normal action figure-- far from it. The figure has a metal rod going through it, covered by his robes. On one side is a lightsaber, on the other, a joystick. Since his arms are soft plastic, you can basically play with this figure like a puppet-- he can twist and turn his arms to fight, to block shots, or to point at things. I'm somewhat worried it might fall apart over time, but as a new item, it looks good and it's loads of fun to play with, and it has one of the better (but certainly not the best) Samuel L. Jackson head. There's very little meaningful articulation on this figure, but the figure in its default pose looks pretty great, and it's a lot of fun to play with-- so get one for your kids, or for yourself maybe if you like such things.

Collector's Notes: Originally, the figure was going to have a plastic cloak, but it actually came out with a cloth one. Samples of the plastic coat got out on eBay as unpainted test shots, and I got one in my collection. It's pretty cool.

Day 463: August 12, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 355: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Chancellor's Office
Revenge of the Sith Battle Arenas
Item No.: Asst. 85241 No. 85438
Number: n/a
Includes: Display stand base, Darth Sidious figure
Action Feature: Dueling action, sort of
Retail: $19.99
Availability: April 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Mace Windu served the Jedi Order his entire life. He also trained numerous Jedi. It was Master Windu who led 212 Jedi into combat at the Battle of Geonosis and defeated the deadly bounty hunter Jango Fett. He served the Republic throughout the Clone Wars, often on the frontlines of fierce fighting. During a duel with Darth Sidious, Mace Windu was betrayed by Anakin Skywalker and subsequently killed by Sidious. His death marked the beginning of the Great Jedi Purge. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' vehicle shelves.

Commentary: Despite appearing in three films, several cartoon episodes, and many a comic book, Mace Windu doesn't have a lot of outfit changes. Still, this doesn't matter-- Samuel L. Jackson is crazy popular in the 20something fan demographic, and kids love him too. As such, he gets lots of figures, and in 2005 received several different releases at various price points. This particular one came from a $19.99 Battle Arena, in which you get two figures with, at best, about four points of articulation and a giant unnecessary "dueling base" for a whopping $20. Considering a basic figure was about $5.25, this is a little ridiculous and these arenas tended to be weak sellers, seen on clearance at some stores well into 2006.

Of course, money aside, the figure isn't bad. The sculpt is decent, and the face paint, while cheap looking, is more authentic than the basic Revenge of the Sith Mace Windu. If you need a figure for a display, this isn't a bad choice-- he stands up nicely, has a good pose, and can stay in said pose for long periods of time due to the fact he has virtually no articulation that will merit your re-posing him. The textures are good, the sculpt is good, overall this wouldn't have been a bad figure for $5 or so in the stores if you could get past the lack-of-articulation. At low prices, this is a keeper-- but your average fan would be best served buying another Mace Windu figure as a toy. This one, ironically, is best for looks despite being designed as a figure intended for rough dueling action. Note his lightsaber-- it's molded to his hand so he can "fight" better.

Collector's Notes: This is what we call, in the business, a "stinker." Online stores still have leftovers from 2005, as do some Wal-Marts and other less clearance-happy chains. If you want one at retail, you can probably still get one. I don't advise you shell out more than $20 shipped for it, but hey, who am I to judge fans of this fine actor? He deserved better, and frequently got better. This one just isn't fun to play with, sadly.

Day 355: April 26, 2007

Figure of the Day: Day 85: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Geonosian Rescue
Saga Collection Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84095 No. 84091
Number: 0228
Includes: Lightsaber
Action Feature: Push button for lightsaber-slashing action, magnet in hand to help hold weapon
Retail: $4.99
Availability: May 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: Calm and controlled, Mace Windu is a noble Jedi Master and member of the Jedi High Council. Mace observes the widening divergence in the Republic with great fear, and he worries that there aren't enough Jedi to protect the galaxy during these critical times. Adding to the strife, a former Jedi and friend has resurfaced as leader of the very Separatist movement that threatens the Republic. When the Jedi Council is alerted to the location of the Separatists' armies, Mace assembles a league of Jedi to infiltrate the Separatists stronghold and subdue their massing forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' floor.

Commentary: In 2002, Hasbro released two very unique Mace Windu figures with very unusual likenesses of Sam Jackson. One was a very happy smiling face, the other, this screaming, agony-ridden visage. This figure is a real oddity in that it has a face that doesn't seem to appear on screen, doesn't represent the character especially well, but yet, really does look like the actor. Odd as it looks, there's no mistaking this for anyone but Mr. Jackson himself, which may be the result of the use of 3D scanning for reference at this point in the toy line's history. The outfit was an improvement over the Episode I figures, but the pose and action pretty much negate its inner awesomeness. With seven points of articulation (the standard six plus an elbow), it's a nice step in a good direction, but not perfect. Also notable, the lightsaber can "plug" into the sleeve so he doesn't throw it as you employ his saber-slashing action.

Collector's Notes: This figure gets no love, and in 2005, it was rereleased with a new head. On the secondary market, it's common as it was a slow seller shortly after release. Like many modern figures, he can be had for a few dollars before shipping. To date, this is the only eyes-closed, mouth-open human figure in the line. Also, the facial expression was similar (but not identical) to the mini bust, released around the same time by Gentle Giant as one of the very first Star Wars mini busts.

Day 85: July 30, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 39: Mace Windu

MACE WINDU Episode I Sneak Preview
Power of the Force Episode I Sneak Preview Collection
Item No.: No. 84138
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $2.99-$5.99 + 6 UPCs and a recepit
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

Bio: In the days before Palpatine's Empire began its reign of terror, the Galactic Republic governed the affairs of the galaxy from the capital of Couruscant. In addition, the city-planet was also the seat of the legendary 12-member Jedi Council. Wisdom and experience were equally as important as abilities in the Force among the Jedi Council members. For this reason, Mace Windu, a senior member of the Jedi Council, was especially honored and revered throughout the Galactic Republic. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: This one was shot in front of an in-progress custom project of mine.

Commentary: According to Sam Jackson, this is the best Mace Windu figure-- numerous interviews have him lauding this one above all others. While it was made long before actors were scanned for the merchandising, I tend to agree it's one of the best, even if the goofier, screaming head was more authentic. With a mere 6 points of articulation, this figure was loved, but it isn't exactly great. It's good, though. The detail is nicely done and has very subtle muddy boots-- a nice detail. One thing weird, though, is the lightsaber. According to the comics, Mace Windu (and all Jedi) occasionally trade lightsabers with other Jedi as a sort of bonding activity, which is why Mace's weapon in Episode I-related merchandise and photography is, by and large, "wrong." All of the Episode I Jedi were given lightsabers in all sorts of wacky colors, all of which were approved by Lucasfilm, until the "blue, green, red, or purple" rule came into play around Episode II. So, this figure is more or less accurate to the film and true to the merchandising rules of when he was made.

Collector's Notes: While more Mace figures were made, none have been as good as this one, overall. Some have goofy poses, ridiculous arms, silly facial expressions, or some other problem you wouldn't like. This is by and large the best one, the only way it could be better is with a new-and-improved scanned head and a purple lightsaber, a reissue, I'm sure, is on the books somewhere in Hasbro HQ. For the time being, though, buy this one. You can get it on eBay for about five bucks, much better than the 6 UPCs + recepit + $3 Kenner was asking back in 1998. If you think you can do better than that as far as pricing goes, I daresay you're wrong.

Day 39: June 14, 2006