Anakin Skywalker - Ultimate Quarter Scale

Name: Anakin Skywalker

Homeworld: Tatooine

Born: 41 BBY

Species: Human

Height: 1.85 meters

Affiliation: Jedi Order

Born a slave on Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker came to attention of stranded Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, R2-D2 and Padmé Amidala. Later freed and brought to train with the Jedi, Anakin learned of a prophecy which claimed a Chosen One would rise and bring balance to the Force – a prophecy which remained unfulfilled for decades.

After becoming Obi-Wan Kenobi's apprentice and training for years in the ways of the Force, Anakin once again encountered Padmé Amidala and, despite the teachings of the Jedi, secretly pursued and married the Senator. Further events would push the young Jedi even closer to the dark side, culminating in a showdown between Mace Windu and Chancellor Palpatine with each trying to persuade Anakin to join them. His decision to rebel against the Jedi in hopes of saving the doomed Padmé's life would haunt him for years as he witnessed his own transformation into the Sith Lord known as Darth Vader, however with his final breath Anakin fulfilled the prophecy and brought the Sith line to an end.

There really is no middle of the road for Diamond Select Toys’ Ultimate Quarter Scale line. Sure, it goes without saying that some of the figures are better than others. Some likenesses are excellent while others leave a lot to be desired. But in general this is a line that you’ll absolutely collect or not collect due to the sheer size and weight of them. If they do strike your fancy, you’re probably either significantly limited with your display space, or maybe a $79.99 “investment” is something your wallet just cannot sustain right now. Or on the other side of the fence maybe you just can’t get into anything beyond the scope of 3.75” figures. Whatever your lot, you’re going to hear our opinion that we think the Ultimate Quarter Scale line is the perfect “plan B” for those who just cannot afford Sideshow Collectibles’ 1:6 Scale Figure or Premium Format Figure lines. You get the scale of a Premium Format Figure for much less than the price of a 1:6 Scale Figure (but with most of the articulation). So it goes without saying that these are a bargain from a certain point of view.

Anakin Skywalker (who could also be called “Darth Vader” here) may not be the greatest success in the Ultimate Quarter Scale figure line, but there are probably just as many positives as there are negatives. So how does one rate such a hybrid of quality? First and foremost, the portraits in this line aren’t perfect from a general perspective. We think figures like Han Solo In Hoth Gear and even Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope) edge out Anakin Skywalker as far as face sculpts are concerned. Anakin looks vaguely familiar to the character in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith, yet look almost as nearly unrecognizable. The good news despite this setback is that he comes with tight joints and is able to sustain multiple poses thanks to this and a heavy and deeply grounded center of gravity. Have him swing his lightsaber or Force wave his hands. It’s all the same for this figure and he’s very adept at doing it all.

A strongpoint to the Ultimate Quarter Scale line is the multi-layered costumes Diamond Select Toys fabricates for these figures. Because the bucks used are clones of each other, their individuality comes to life thanks to thoughtful costume replication and a fair but not overbearing amount of accessories. And depending upon the design of the outfit and how many layers are included, it can really assist diminishing the sometimes “too tall and too thin” effect that is so prevalent in this line. As far as accessories go, Anakin Skywalker comes with an interchangeable right hand and a lightsaber that breaks down into hilt and blade. Lastly, a large “doll” stand is included (that breaks down into base and post) to ensure support when these figures are placed high above on a bookshelf or something. Again, Anakin Skywalker isn’t the crowning achievement in the Ultimate Quarter Scale line. But if you’ve ever wanted to own a super-sized action figure of him, well, then this is the perfect item for your collection.