Darth Maul [2011 PGM Exclusive] - Mini Busts

Originally a Zabrak from the planet Iridonia, Darth Maul abandoned all traces of his former identity when he took on his Sith name and became a deadly disciple of the evil Darth Sidious. His devotion to the dark side was so extreme that he underwent the application of detailed Sith tattoos to his entire body.

Darth Maul's primary weapon is a double-bladed Sith Lightsaber. It can be selectively used with only one end ignited. Customized controls increase its lethality and allow each blade's length to extend from a half a meter to on-and-a-half meters.

2012 is all about the resurrection of The Phantom Menace for Star Wars fans, but this time in glorious and high definition 3D. For the first time Star Wars enthusiasts can experience the very first episode in the Star Wars saga in three-dimensions, something that thrills some while many other are indifferent. But a new multimedia event means that licensees are cracking the whip and getting to busy to release Episode I themed collectibles in time for this exciting event. Gentle Giant Ltd. prepared for this way in advance. In fact, they will have plenty of characters from Episode I released in the Mini Bust line in 2012 just in time for the film’s release. And they’ve even treated Premier Guild Members very well by releasing an exclusive Darth Maul Mini Bust based upon The Phantom Menace Concept Art. The Mini Bust has an excellent likeness to the fan favorite Star Wars villain, although he also looks an awful lot like Darth Serim. We’re just a little concerned that demand will not be met with such a large Star Wars character being relegated to only 1250 pieces.

In a very surprising move, we’re not so sure we can say that it was a wise move for Gentle Giant Ltd. to devote a major player like Darth Maul as an exclusive in the first place. Their first interpretation of Darth Maul in Mini Bust format did meet demand and actually we have comfort in the statement that he was likely overproduced. An astounding 10,000 pieces was created and it took years for the Mini Bust to disappear from retail. But the point is here that it did sell out. Only a little over a tenth of that edition size has been reserved for the 2011 PGM Darth Maul exclusive Mini Bust, one that is designed significantly better and in a cool action pose with a double-bladed lightsaber, something that is signature and synonymous with Darth Maul anyway. Perhaps the folks at Gentle Giant Ltd. are busy with other things and may have tunnel vision here, but we bet there are going to be quite a few Darth Maul collectors (and Mini Bust fans) that are going to be quite upset by not having the opportunity to secure this beautiful piece for their collections. And what a bonus to have this sent for FREE to those that joined up for the the 2011 Premier Guild Member program.

The actual Mini Bust is a stunning work of art. If you recall, the first Darth Maul Mini Bust from 2006 had a pretty decent sculpt, but it was hard for the painters to decorate his face nicely. That issue has been completely eliminated here. Remembering that Darth Maul is shirtless on this Mini Bust, the painters had to execute a precision and neatness they didn’t really need to worry about on the last version. The red is the perfect shade in our opinion and the black tattoos look absolutely fantastic. Maul holds his double-bladed lightsaber hilt close up and up to his chest, showing off the musculature in his chest and abdomen. The blades secure tightly to the prongs on the ends of the hilt and when fully assembled takes up quite a bit of room on your shelf. (We’ve found that only one blade is practical here – you’re available space will of course vary. This is a fantastic gift for PGMs. Gentle Giant Ltd. has really done a splendid job here and it’s quite incredibly to get such a main character as an exclusive. We hope you were able to secure one.