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INTRODUCTION
In 1977 Darth Vader entered our lives and cinema history forever changing both. In 2008 at San Diego
Comic-Con Sideshow Collectibles introduced their Darth Vader forever changing the expectations of how great Star Wars 1:6th figures should be. This Darth Vader is Darth Vader from A New Hope and Sideshow first attempt at him in this scale. So with
Comic-Con coming around again I figured it would be a good time review this
figure.
PACKAGING: 10.0
Darth Vader comes in the same box style that so many figures in this line come in. However, the box is larger than many of the other figures in this line because Darth Vader is the tallest figure in the line on a new body. Graphically it has the same design as the other figures in this line. The inside of the box has the same panel set up as the other figures with one tray for the extras and one for
Vader.
SCULPT: 10.0
Now, Vader's helmet is one of the most recognizable items in the history of cinema. Some people have taken the time to go into lengths since this figure has been out to show that Sideshow
didn't get the angles 110%. That to me is being over the top with these figures. For this reviewer the reason
I'm giving it a 10 is simple. It looks like Darth Vader did on screen. When I look at it on my shelf its Darth Vader and with my naked eye I cannot tell if its off by a tiny margin. Neither can anyone who I've shown my
collection to. The sculpting on the rest of the armor, belt, chest plate, hands, and shin guards are all exceptionally well done. This figure in sculpting regards does Darth Vader a great
service.
PAINT: 9.9
Vader is really hard to mess up paint wise. It's black with a bit of grey mixed in there. Yes, there are some other colors as well. Sideshow did an excellent job on making sure Vader came out perfect. Even the lenses of his helmet came out with the hint of red
or amber that is very hard to notice to the naked eye.
ARTICULATION: 8.2
Vader's articulation is pretty decent. I think there are some issues with getting extreme poses but
that's more due to his suit than anything. Also some can also be attributed to the new body that was made specifically for Vader himself. All that said I think most people including myself have been able to pull off the Vader pose we want the
most.
ACCESSORIES: 9.0
Darth Vader came with a pretty full slate of items that are essential to the character. You get multiple hands for many of the different poses including the exclusive force choke hand. This lets you have Vader captured in those moments where he simply wants to take the life out of someone. You also get ignited and unignited lightsaber for various display opportunities. The only thing I think missing from a chance to really make it great with extras was a mouse droid. That would have put it over the top.
OUTFIT: 9.9
Sideshow has shown that Darth Vader can be done really exceptionally well in
1:6th scale! When examined this is the best version we've ever seen! The suit is so well put together I think if properly taken care of will have little problems of falling apart like other companies versions of Darth Vader. The detail in the armor is great as well and as I stated earlier is Darth Vader to a
"T." The helmet is really great despite not every angle being exact.
VALUE: 10.0
I think when you look at what you get with Darth Vader and how nice he is compared to what figures cost even now you'll agree. This figure could easily cost around $150 right now
I'd say. Then you factor in the level of detail that you get for his price tag and it truly is a home run in virtually every
way. Also seeing as he's possibly the most iconic character in
Star Wars, no doubt he's worth it!
OVERALL: 9.2
Really when you compare to many figures out there this figure is a great item to own! Now, when you compare it to other Vader figures out there it tops then by a fairly safe margin. Why? Well, as
I've said when you factor in the detail in the sculpting, paint, articulation, and quality of the suit you can see that Sideshow really took every chance to get Vader right. I do believe Sideshow will do better with the next version of Vader we see but there is no loss in adding this figure to your
collection.
RATINGS RECAP
Packaging- 10.0
Sculpt- 10.0
Paint- 9.9
Articulation- 8.2
Accessories- 9.0
Outfit- 9.9
Value- 10.0
Overall- 9.2
SPECIFICATIONS
Edition Size of the Darth
Vader is 1977. SOLD OUT!
PHOTOS
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