Tamashii Nations gives it another try with a second S.H. Figuarts Darth Vader, this time based on Star Wars: A New Hope. Will this time be better than the first?
And I say “better” only from a personal point of view. I never actually got the first release, which is seemingly based on Return of the Jedi. I couldn’t tell you the slight costume differences and such to back that up, I base it upon Bandai’s pairing it with Jedi Luke and the inclusion of the Death Star stand. It was a good looking figure but from pics I knew it wouldn’t fit my criteria, which is being able to loosely fit in with the rest of my 1/12 scale Star Wars collection. It was just too short and small. This seems to be a problem when it comes to any armored character and SHF. But it looks like Bandai may finally be jumping that hurdle.
This new Vader is solicited at 165mm, or 6.5 inches. That’s only ever so slightly shorter than the model kit, MAFEX, and Black Series offerings at 6.625 inches, or 168mm. I know that’s not much, but it matters. Oh, it matters.
The cloth cape may turn some off though. I’m okay with soft goods but it looks to mimic what we got with The Dark Knight Batman, where it looks okay in dynamic poses but it kinda sucks at rest. It also continues the trend of overseas companies mixing a fabric cape with a plastic under-robe. Why? Why not just go all the way? You’ll also notice the plastic robe goes over the shoulder armor.
Finally, there is the head. This is the defining trait of Vader, so easy to miss. And I really feel this is off. It kind of reminds me of Hasbro’s first attempt. It’s not quite sad walrus but it has a….generic look to it? Hard to describe.
Along with a lightsaber hilt, both ignited and plain hilt, Vader comes with several sets of hands. The promo also teases old Ben Kenobi and a “Where’d he go?” rug accessory. That’s gotta be shown soon, right?
Darth Vader goes up for pre-order Nov 28th overseas, which should be tonight. MSRP is 6480 yen, or $61, so expect around $55. Release date is April, 2018.
