The Bandai model kit Boba Fett yet again mixes the best of two worlds: Models and toys. Good sculpt, excellent articulation, and being a model, a fun build. But some may not like having to paint to get a nice final look.
Yes, I’m biased. I absolutely love these kits. It’s Star Wars and building an awesome action figure. The Sandtrooper may have lulled my enthusiasm a bit, but Boba Fett has brought it back in spades. He brings back memories of the Stormtrooper (who I realize is essentially the same figure as the Sandtrooper, but just go with it) and Darth Vader. the new unique sculpt and build. Just pure fun with a big pay-off.
The kit comes in the now familiar black box. No wrap, no seal, no tape. Just a box with a pretty picture of the character on the front and images of the figure around the side. The bottom is just straight gloss black. Classy.
Opening the box you’re met with sprues of individual parts. I miss the time where I looked at these and thought “What did I get myself into?” That excitement mixed with fear. Now I look at them and try to find parts and start building in my head before looking at the instructions. Then tear them open and go at it.
Because it’s worth it. The final figure is fantastic.
I’ve done my usual video review of the model kits, where I go through high points and snags during the build, and then go through things like articulation.
Initial thoughts are two-fold.
One, the figure cuts and excellent silhouette. The stance just screams dude in a Boba Fett suit. I especially like how the shoulder pads hide the shoulder joint when in a neutral position. The transition from torso to arm is nearly seamless. But it’s hinged and the shoulder is on a butterfly joint to allow full range of movement.
Two, more than any of the other Star Wars model kits, this one needs paint. Even if it’s some silver scuffs and scratches, it just needs something more. The grays of jumpsuit need to be dulled down. And little things like the wrist rocket needs a bit of color to make it punchier. Without paint it just looks like a nice, new, clean Fett costume. It needs that little extra spiff to make him more like the movie look. But it’s a model kit. The more they veer into non-armored character territory, the more paint is going to be needed.
The articulation is excellent. Watch the video to get an idea of the full range, but here’s some thoughts.
The back of the doubles knees aren’t cut as deep so they don’t go back as far as they could.
The front belt pouches move more than the Black Series version, but they do still block forward leg movement a bit.
The jet pack is plugged into ball joints. There isn’t a lot of range but it does tilt up and down. The thrusters are on swivels and rotate around.
Even the range finder is on a swivel.
For the most part though, all of the articulation is nice.
Accessories include and extra right trigger finger hand, a left open hand for bracing his rifle, a set of fists, and then Fett’s standard rifle and pistol. The pistol fits snugly into the holster.
Comparing to the Black Series Fett, who I feel is one of the best in that line, it’s a close race but the model inches ahead in my opinion. The sculpt is similar because Hasbro did a great job here, it’s just that I like how the model stands. Just a better stance and overall shape.
But the Black Series Fett does have the paint details and silver. If you’re not hot on painting to tweak out your figures, the BS is perfectly fine on the shelf. I’ll eventually break out the brush to make the model more like the movie.
Overall, I recommend this kit. But you knew I was going to say that. Don’t take my word for it though. Look over the pics and decide for yourself. Do you like models? Do you like action figures? Do you like Star Wars. If so, give the model kit line a spin. You may be surprised.
