Darth Vader/Ahsoka Tano - TFA - Two-Packs (Space)

Darth Vader: Intent on eliminating the scattered survivors of the Jedi Order, Darth Vader ruthlessly hunts them down across the galaxy.

Ahsoka Tano: Anakin Skywalker's apprentice Ahsoka Tano left the Jedi Order before it was destroyed during the Great Jedi Purge, but the truth of her fate remains unknown.

They are here. And the wait was grueling. Fans of Star Wars: Rebels began instantly drooling when Hasbro presented the world with the first images of the Darth Vader/Ahsoka Tano Two-Pack. Well, when it was announced we assumed it would be part of a revised Mission Series line. But Hasbro has scrapped that convention altogether and renamed it unofficially as the Two-Packs line. Arguably one of the better Two-Pack sets in The Force Awakens branding, the Darth Vader/Ahsoka Tano brings what might be the two most popular Rebels characters to date into a pack together. And what makes this so emotionally engaging is that we have Master and apprentice, unwittingly together again, in a very dynamic and beautiful multipack. It will undoubtedly be the most sought after set in the entire first wave. Smartly, Hasbro arranged the case ratio to include two sets of the Darth Vader/Ahsoka Tano Two-Pack, so hopefully it will meet demand. But if you see it, we highly suggest you pick it up right away. Ahsoka Tano has a reputation for accruing high aftermarket values the further out she goes from no longer being produced. Even for casual Rebels observers, the Darth Vader/Ahsoka Tano will absolutely grab you and pique your interest. And it should. This is a great set to own.

As you’re well aware of the strong Ralph McQuarrie influence in the Star Wars: Rebels television show, we would expect Hasbro to faithfully recreate this in the toy line.... and they have. Darth Vader is a stunning action figure and that is saying a great deal since it’s hard to use such words while describing a figure with only five points of articulation. But his sculpt is beautiful and although both figures somewhat lack in their paint operations, the paint jobs are overall very nicely applied. Darth Vader clearly has the simpler paint job, but remember that he has both glossy and flat black colors within his costume. Hasbro was careful to ensure both shades of black were accurately reflected in this action figure. Darth Vader has a shiny helmet and shiny boots, but his body suit and cape are duller just like they should be. Sadly, his cape isn’t removable. This disappoints us a little bit, but it certainly isn’t a deal breaker. But between the dead to rights McQuarrie Darth Vader resemblance including red “eyes”, this Darth Vader figure will hold a special place in many collectors’ hearts. Darth Vader comes with a lightsaber and a circular blast effect. A launcher has been included to add play value to Darth Vader, but we think it’s safe to say that this action figure doesn’t need any gimmicks. It’s worthy of its own merits.

Ahsoka Tano is perhaps the star of the set. Many fans of the Star Wars: Rebels show quickly figured out that “Fulcrum” was the code name for her very early on in the episode which featured her. The action figure is good, but we think it could have been better. Don’t get us wrong, it’s exciting to get another Ahsoka Tano action figure, but he face is too flat and too wide and, sorry to say, she looks a whole lot like Eric Stoltz in his “Mask” costume than the Togruta former Jedi we have all grown to love. You may be able to overlook her disproportioned features, but it bothers us just a tad. Thankfully, the paint operations are excellent and cover up a lot of damage of the sculpt. There is a surprising amount of detail for a simply articulated action figure. She also is significantly shorter than Darth Vader, so all is good. Ahsoka Tano comes with two lightsabers (the smaller one is really a shoto) with curved hilts that are very reminiscent to something Count Dooku would use. The blades are also light blue/white which is a nice change for her. Her face patterns are also nicely and cleanly applied. Hasbro has evidently worked hard ensuring paint jobs are looking better than ever. The Darth Vader/Ahsoka Tano Two-Pack is a wonderful set. Hasbro did a great job. Now let’s just get these characters super-articulated now.