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INTRODUCTION
While the 12-inch line from Sideshow Collectibles continues
to re-invent the figures, their first endeavor into the world of a 2-pack
would come in the form of the Chancellor Palpatine & Darth Sidious. This is
no doubt a heavy hitter, a rock-solid addition that will compliment some of
the characters they have already released. There isn’t a doubt in my mind
they’d look great next to Mace Windu, Kit Fisto or Anakin Skwalker. Perhaps
the most fascinating aspect of the set is using two figures to display
Palpatine when he was in his greatest glory. In a time when his dual lifestyle
allowed him to wage war and straddle the fence of good and evil like no other.
The art department at Sideshow has
done some really great head sculpts in the past. Qui-Gon Jinn and Mace Windu
were done so great I’d never thought they’d be able to outdo the likeness the
put into those pieces. It’s safe to say Ian McDiarmid would be most please with
the look of the Chancellor. The look of determination that they managed to capture
in the face is beyond impressive. There have been a couple facial expressions in
the past I’ve thought might have done better, as for the Chancellor figure that’s
definitely not the case.
It’s pretty safe to say that Chancellor is the more
boring of the two, not to say it’s not a good figure. However it’s safe to say I’m a little
bit biased towards the Dark Side. The transformation to Darth Sidious appeared to be a pretty
painful and difficult, yet the team at Sideshow made it look so easy! They only thing they
missed could be the smoke resonating from his scalp. The transformation of the dark lord was
made complete with the extra accessories and weapons that we’ve come to know and love with each
and every release so far. Even though the price tag was pretty steep at $119.99, I think collectors
that dig deep with be very satisfied after they get the set in hand and can give it a good look for
themselves.
PACKAGING - 9.2
For some reason I was expecting a much larger package like the Sith Lord two-pack Hasbro produced back
in the Power of the Jedi line. To my pleasant surprise the packaging was the exact same size as Kit Fisto,
therefore they won’t be taking up too much room. The other upside would have to be the way the set displays
when you have enough room to open it up. The fact they make these figures so you can open them to display is
just another fine example of how close the ear is to the rail at Sideshow.
SCULPTING - 9.6
It’s pretty safe to say extra crispy is my preferred head sculpt, but as mentioned above I
think they did a great job on the Chancellor. The other major upside would have to be the heavy
detail that went in to all four hands included. The got it right down to the grimy finger nails!
PAINT - 8.9
Other than maybe the Chancellor looking just a bit pale, the paintwork was an excellent
compliment to the superior sculpting and design. The work in the eyes of Darth Sidious is
nothing short of breath taking, there is no doubt they were able to paint the evil to near
perfection. I was also impressed with the intricate detail that went into not just the sabers,
but the Sith Holocron as well.
ARTICULATION - 7.9
I’ve yet to break the few figures I’ve opened up and displayed. However there is something in
the elbow joints that just feels like you are going to. I’d advise Troopers to exercise caution
when bending, just in case. The good thing is they have a pretty solid body and the movement
options are there across the board.
ACCESSORIES - 9.2
Even though this isn’t a category where Sideshow would normally slack, I was overly impressed
with the selection and all around original choices they put into both figures. The lightsabers
were a necessary, but the Sith Holocron and Senate Cam Droid were also an excellent touch. The exclusive
piece offered with this set is the statue from the Chancellor’s office. That’s another great aspect of this
line. If you are not fortunate enough to get one of the two thousand, the regular edition is certain not
to disappoint.
OUTFIT - 7.9
Even though the figure was off the charts in every area, I felt the outfit lacked the sort of flashiness
I’d expect of the Chancellor. However I really enjoy the wire they install into the hood. This is no doubt
the best way to go, you wonder how Hasbro couldn’t come up with something so simple! While I really enjoyed
the garb of Darth Sidious, I couldn’t shake the feeling the Chancellor was a little plain.
VALUE - 9.1
It’s a classic example of getting what you pay for. As for the sake of my bank account, I hope they
wouldn’t make a regular habit of doing two-packs. It’s difficult enough to keep up with the line,
and I wouldn’t like to see this done again unless it was something equally important or special.
I’m very surprised this wasn’t a convention exclusive.
OVERALL- 9.4
It just keeps getting better and better as far as this line is concerned. While I’d like to see them
venture off a little more into some of the alien characters, as long as they continue to deliver a slam-dunk
on the humanoids I can patiently wait. The variety of poses, weapons and accessories make this set worth
owning. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want the most evil of all in their collections?
RATINGS RECAP
Packaging - 9.2
Sculpt - 9.6
Paint - 8.9
Articulation - 7.9
Accessories - 9.2
Outfit - 7.9
Value - 9.1
Overall - 9.4
SPECIFICATIONS
Edition Size of the
Palpatine Two-Pack is 2000.
SOLD OUT!
PHOTOS
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