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'07 | #28 Concept Darth Vader - Signature Series (Reviewed 9-1-2007) 

Includes:
• Lightsaber
• Blaster Pistol
• Alternate head
• Commemorative Coin 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: One of the roughest finds for the McQuarrie signature series will without a doubt be Darth Vader. The treat of this unique line continues with the Dark Lord of the Sith. We get to see him way before he  strolled aboard the Tantive IV in the opening scenes of A New Hope. I'm a very big fan of the original art being a part of the packaging, a great figure with a history lesson all rolled up in one! Troops can once again rejoice as they gave us the dual helmet option like they did with Boba Fett. Another interesting thing that will immediately catch the eye is the blue lightsaber, as I can hardly imagine Vader without his ominous red blade.

Click thumbnail for large image The feature that grabbed my attention most when I got the figure in hand was the texture of the uniform. You can almost sense the primitive or rough draft in the undersuit with the straps showing around the chestbox. The did something really interesting with the disco chain as I was really impressed to see they finally got the length right after making several attempts with the VOTC and Evolution Vader figures. It almost made me forget they used the rolling elbows I simply loathe. The only thing this type of joint is good for is the loss of an arm from the elbow down. If this is an upside to being cheap, Hasbro could stop. The last time I checked prices were going up, not down on basic figures.

Click thumbnail for large image One very great aspect of this figure is the interesting sense of what could have been. After seeing all six films I must say it'd be hard to think of Darth Vader as handy with a blaster. The extra mile was taken as you can even holster the Sith night special. There were several things that would also catch the eye in the paintjob, most notable the monster size Flava Flav clock on his left wrist! Needless to say if I had to point to the greatest thing it'd be hands down the interchangeable helmets. I think that is something that any collector wants and will really enjoy: choices! I'm just wondering why they didn't start the signature series with this figure vs. a rehash Stormtrooper?

Spice - I can't say enough about the Signature Series. While I'll be the first guy to scream don't give me another Darth Vader, somehow they always seem to find a way to get me for another seven bucks! Great figure overall.

(Figure '07 | #028, Asst. No. 87500, Item No. 87302, Backing Card P/N 6606723400, Window Insert P/N 6606731500) 

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