line. These figures have been a Star Wars fans dream. These highly detailed, fully articulated figures with real authentic costuming and great packaging make for some of the finest Star Wars collectibles ever. On top of their aesthetic appeal is the collectible nature of these pieces. Sideshow has made them in limited numbers with a special run of exclusive or inclusive editions that make collecting them even more exciting. These editions include special bonus accessories which are often times as exciting as the figure themselves (Han Solo’s Mynock Bat accessory!).
Today I am reviewing the 1:6 Scale Darth Maul figure (Regular/Inclusive).
Packaging: Sideshow outdid themselves with packaging on this line. The first thing I noticed when removing it from the shipping carton is that they are now including Styrofoam shells at either end of the box for extra padding and stabilization, big thumbs up for that. Darth Maul stands out because his box is slightly taller (about 2 inches) than the other figures in this line due to his fully extended saber.
The flap on the right side has two magnets that hold it shut and the box has two windows on the inside displaying the figure and it’s accessories. These packages have the added bonus of being collector friendly, with unsealed tops for easily removing your figure for display without damaging the box. One complaint I have that may not be common, is that the magnets do not really hold the flap shut on this figure, which I have not had a problem with on other figures.
Sculpting: The sculpting on Darth Maul is top notch, as with all Sideshow products. Looking closely at the face, you can really see the likeness of Ray Park stand out through the red and black paint. They also made sure to include the piercing in his ear. One of the more impressive things to note about this figure, and the line in general, is the quality and craftsmanship that goes into the clothing. All of the different layers, fabrics and textures that would be on the real costume are represented very accurately, and with no defects, snags or loose threads that I can see. Well Done!
Paint Application: Generally, the only real paint apps on this figure are in the head and accessories. The paint is done perfectly on the head with no flaws or runs.
Articulation: Sideshow has basically three or four different body styles that they use for their 1:6 scale figures. They will only create a new body style when they have to for accuracy, for example they haven’t made a Chewbacca because of the fact they would need to create a new taller body type. That being said, Darth Maul uses Sideshow’s short male body type that has approximately 30-points of articulation. This includes all the major bends on the arms and legs, neck and torso movement, and the hands are removable up to the forearm to swap out for differently posed hands.
Accessories: As I have said, the accessories are a key selling point of these figures. Darth Maul is no exception. He comes with two extra hands, his black cloak, a stand, electro binoculars and three lightsabers: Both ends fully ignited, Single ignited saber, and non-ignited saber. The Inclusive addition has two bonus lightsabers: The battle damaged saber ignited and non-ignited. By including all of these sabers it allows you to pretty much recreate any scene in the movie. Be careful with the sabers though, as they are very fragile and can break at the hilt if you are too aggressive getting them in his hands. I may be asking for too much, but I think it would make these figures even more appealing by including a second, swappable head, especially for Darth Maul, who only has one outfit and would benefit from having a second, snarling head or for Mace Windu, a second open mouth screaming head to go with his severed hand. Here’s wishful thinking Sideshow!
Cost & Overall Impression: These 1:6 scale figures are more than worth their price. You get a lot of flexibility and a ton of accessories for a limited, high quality collectible. The Darth Maul figure retails for $54.99 (regular or inclusive).
For die-hard fans, an additional Sith Probe Droid Expansion set to go along with your Darth Maul is out now for $24.99. A benefit to the exclusive version of that set in a sand base to use on the stand of your Darth Maul.
Review and Images Courtesy of: Michael Klein
Sponsored by: BriansToys.com. Sideshow's 1:6th scale Darth Maul figure is available HERE.
