Action figures are action figures, and models are models, but sometimes models are also action figures, so when you get another excuse to collect another Star Wars figure execution, Bandai is all over it.
You have heard me sing the praises of Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts Star Wars action figures for a while now, but I also recently got into the company’s 1:12 character models. I assembled their Darth Vader piece some time ago, and, well, it hooked me. Like my love for Figuarts, I have RoboKillah to thank for the new hole in my wallet as now I have added ANOTHER Kylo Ren to my collection, so I have the moodiest army in action figure history assembling on my shelf. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, this might be the best Kylo yet, and I am always in the market for an upgrade. Plus, the whole assembly process constitutes another hobby, right? Just what I need!
Now, in all seriousness, even though these are models, both Vader and Kylo can function as action figures, especially from the perspective of my Star Wars shelf display – they blend in perfectly. In fact, I have replaced the Star Wars Black Series Vader with the Model Kit as the default Vader in my display; the model does a much better job in capturing the screen-accurate helmet, he is tall and imposing, and the robe is plastic, so it eliminates the much-maligned (by me) soft goods. This new Kylo model has a lot going for it too, and even more than Vader, Kylo pushes the reservation about a model not being an action figure further off in the distance.
If you have never built a model, or even if you have, these 1:12 Star Wars models are pretty straight forward in terms of build. You have to trust me on that, and in doing so, please know that I am not a master model builder or anything like that. While each piece has to be assembled, the basic order of removing the parts from the sprue, snapping the associated pieces together, then assembling the pieces into the larger figure is pretty straight forward. Yes, these are Japanese models intended for a Japanese market, but getting through the step-by-step instructions is pretty easy. Like I said, Kylo is the second kit I have put together, but he is also the second model I have ever put together, and I got through it with no issue at all. I am quite pleased with the results.
As far as the results go, you pretty much know that these will look great upon completion because we have seen them assembled at shows and in press materials. Kylo is no different, and this model might be the most screen-accurate yet. The shape of the hood is definitely more accurate than the Figuarts version, and as silly as it seems, the belt also falls lower than the Figuarts or SWB, so this model does not feel so high-waisted. One thing that I have not gotten into with these yet is the detailing that is added by applying the supplied decals or waterslide decals. I will admit it, they scare me because I am pretty positive I would never be able to get them placed 100% correctly, and that would pick at my OCD every second. Thus, I painted Vader’s details, but I have not yet made a decision on what I am going to do with the detailing on Kylo’s mask. Sure, the silver part looks a little flat, but it is not terrible without the stickers and/or paint, so I might just leave it as is.
The thing that continues to impress me with these figures, though, is the articulation. I still cannot get over the fact that once you have put all of the pieces together, these models function (for the most part) exactly like a super-articulated figure. In fact, if they weren’t so light (due to being hollow), it would be hard to tell they are indeed models, even at a tactile level.
The joints work remarkably well, and the range of movement is on par with just about any other Star Wars figure I own. In fact, I would argue that the articulation is more fluid than the Star Wars Black Series figure, and is every bit as strong. This figure can hold any pose he is capable of achieving, Additionally, he does have double joints in his elbows and knees, and he also has that very fluid (and thus, very awesome) rocker ankle joint, so he is all set.
But what good is all of that articulation if he is buried under all of those plastic robes, you might ask? Well, this Kylo release marks a real game-changer in the Bandai Star Wars model kit world because all of the outer robes, as well as the hood and scarf, are made from a VERY pliable but strong-feeling rubber material that allows most of the movement to happen uninhibited. The hips get bound up just a bit, but you can still get movement out of them. The material really is amazing, especially for a model, and I would liken it to the same material used for the Marvel Select Dr. Doom cape that was released so long ago. It is not exactly the same, but it most certainly allows for the same amount of flexibility, so Kylo can hit all kinds of great poses. At this point, I want them to go back and redo their Darth Vader model because this material is so fantastic and I find it to be a FAR superior alternative to soft goods. Which are terrible. Just so you know.
Now, you can take this model straight from the build and have a fantastic Kylo Ren figure. All of the joints, extra hands, and aesthetics make him that good. However, I am looking to achieve the PERFECT Ren, so I have to admit that I like the articulation scheme of the Figuarts Kylo just a bit better. So, I am Frankensteining these two figures together, and I put the hood and scarf of the kit right on the Figuarts. They fit PERFECTLY, and, as you can tell, the shape of the hood is so much better than the Figuarts. I think I have my perfect Ben Solo now, so I am going keep the combo as is and wait for the MAFEX release to get that coveted unmasked head. Here is what the combo looks like:
If you have not gotten into these kits yet, I STRONGLY suggest them. They relatively easy and fun to build, and when you are done, you essentially have a great action figure. The releases thus far have been mostly droids and troopers, but more main characters like Kylo, Vader, and Phasma have also been released. I am planning on loading up with the troop builders because the price is most certainly right, and I need to take from all corners to build a bigger Star Wars collection.
Thanks for reading and if you want a video look at this kit, check out Robo’s video below:
