ADVANCE REVIEW: DST Ultimate Quarter Scale DARTH MAUL

The Sith finally have their revenge with first Ultimate Scale figure...

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The biggest surprise at this year’s Toy Fair came from Diamond Select Toys. Past the Minimates, statues and 7” scale Star Trek figures stood something completely new; a fully articulated line of figures over 19 inches tall, complete with cloth outfits and voice chips. But the price point was the real surprise. While most direct market companies are pushing the price of 12” figures over a hundred dollars and 18” close to $300, Diamond promised to bring this in for around $80. The entire industry stopped and took notice.

Now the first Ultimate Quarter Scale figure is here: Darth Maul, the most popular character of the least popular Star Wars movie and the most visually interesting in the entire franchise. It’s a smart choice to lead off this new scale. But how does it measure up?

The packaging is a surprise. While the window box is appropriate for the price point, the Clone Wars trade dress doesn’t feel right for an Episode I product. Blame Lucasfilm.

The head sculpt is superb. The tattoos are all sculpted and the tight brow and gritted teeth really sell that final duel. It captures both Ray Park’s likeness and the larger than life icon. Every company with a Star Wars license has taken a stab at this character (including Art Asylum in 1999), but none come close to this one.

The body is based on the Art Asylum produced Bruce Lee figure. It’s lean and agile, much thinner than Ray Park. Once you add the layers upon layers of Jedi robes, he looks just right.

The articulation is standard for modern day action figures, sporting around 25 points (more if you include both sides of all the double joints). The joints are tight. You may feel you’re forcing some of the limbs to get the pose you need but the sturdy plastic can take it. It also helps support the figure’s weight and balance. In taking the shots, I was even able to position the figure on one leg! Now he won't stay that way forever without the aid of the included display stand, but the ability to do so is amazing.

The hands are all new, sculpted into the gauntlets Darth Maul wore throughout the film. They pop off easily and stay on securely. He comes with an extra hand wearing a communicator gauntlet. I would have liked one more hand to grip the double bladed lightsaber as it can only rest in his left hand.

The lightsaber is also unique. The double hilt comes as two hilts, perfect for recreating the split look seen in his battle with Obi-Wan. In addition, both blades are removeable, and, most interesting, this version connects the hilts with a strong magnet.

The robes are exquisite. Since the layers are black on black on black, it’s hard to see the details until you get up close. The almost corduroy pattern of the outer robe adds the elegant texture that ran through all of Episode I. There’s also a wire inside the hood so you can get some creepy shadows across his brow. I just love the way the collar rides up. Hunch him over a little and he looks ready to spring.

It’s not often you review a voice chip in a high-end action figure, but we have four phrases Darth Maul utters:

- “At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have our revenge.”

- “Tatooine is a sparsely populated planet. It will not take long to find them.”

- “Yes, my master.”

- Humming lightsaber sounds.

The sound button and the speaker are located on the figure’s stomach which means it’s easy to activate and easy to hear. I learned a lot about the population of Tatooine just moving the figure around. The sounds are very clean considering they have to travel though layers of fabric before they reach your ears.

Darth Maul is the first release in a line that has already scheduled figures across three licenses. But make no mistake, this is no a premium format figure. This is not a sixth scale figure. This is truly something different. And it’s off to a great start.

Hit the link below for even more images of the new Ultimate Quarter Scale Darth Maul!

Review and Photos by Jon Clarke

Review Sample Courtesy of Diamond Select Toys

Ultimate Quarter Scale DARTH MAUL Photo Gallery