Darth Maul [2017] - Premium Format Figures

"At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have revenge.” 

Hmm. We take issue with the Darth Maul [2017] Premium Format Figure for a couple of reasons. But where to begin this discussion is the real question. It’s great that Sideshow Collectibles is intent on bettering their products and upgrading past efforts, but in a range of many products that the average collector just cannot afford, isn’t it better to develop never-before-created characters instead of rehashing previously developed efforts (whether they need it or not)? We know that there will be a dichotomy on how this approach is done. If something just didn’t turn out the way it was expected, then of course a new update is welcomed. But the Star Wars universe has bordered infinite status…. and there are a ton of characters that collectors want to see get made instead of the repeats. That’s the side of the issue that we’re aligning ourselves with at the moment. As longtime collectors of the line, there have been many releases throughout the years. Because of space constraints, doubling up on the same characters is painful. On the flip side, we do understand how new collectors interested in this scale would want a chance at a character like Darth Maul. Sideshow Collectibles is clearly at a crossroads. We’d just encourage them to keep bringing new characters into the Premium Format Figures line and let the characters they’ve already completed continue to let their aftermarket value skyrocket.

You know where we stand on a repeated character. But there are other issues we take with Darth Maul [2017]. We’re thoroughly impressed with his portrait. It’s probably one of the best Darth Maul likenesses Sideshow Collectibles has done to date. But our interest and excitement for this figures ends at the neckline. We’re just not happy with the pose. We’re over the light-up lightsabers. And we’re REALLY over the wiring added to soft-goods parts for extra posing options. That may make us sound like miserable collectors, but that is how we honestly feel. Darth Maul [2017] has a very awkward stance. It looks like he is involved in some sort of dance choreography instead of just pursuing two Jedi who he wishes to destroy. The downward angle of his portrait fits nicely on his body and gives him an ominous feel, but the position of his body will leave you feeling that something just isn’t right. The costuming is of course beautiful. His scale looks perfect. And we even like the way he holds the lightsaber behind his body. But overall this is a just a weak release. This is something that saddens us. We didn’t need another take on Darth Maul, but is pales in comparison (save for the new head sculpt) to the original version. By the way, the first Darth Maul Premium Format Figure is separate by a decade to this new release. Where in the world does all of the time go?

Darth Maul [2017] breaks down into seven (7) separate pieces. These include the aforementioned portrait, the body, the removable left hand with lightsaber hilt portion, two lightsaber blades, AC plug and environmental display stand. It’s very simple to put Darth Maul [2017] together. His posture is upright and although we aren’t crazy about the pose, this should likely impress a new collector of this high-end format. These are mixed media figures, so there are different types of materials used to design Darth Maul [2017]. The clothing is fabric and the body portions are cold-cast polystone. His belt is made of some leather like material, but it’s hard to know for sure. We didn’t notice any metal details on Darth Maul [2017] but it’s quite possible that medium has been included as well. For Sideshow Exclusive collectors, they included the battle-damaged lightsaber and hand attachment for alternate display. We actually prefer this version of the lightsaber than the double-bladed version. Altogether, Darth Maul [2017] is a nice recreation of the character we saw in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. And this figure would be the perfect start for those looking to invest in this high-end line. As it has been for the last couple of years now, we’re taken aback by the MSRP. Darth Maul [2017] has an MSRP of $519.99. This immediately alienates the average collector and we find this problematic. Hopefully there will be relief for this line in the future.