Qui-Gon Jinn - TBS [P3] - Six Inch Figures (40)

A venerable if maverick Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn was a student of the living Force. Qui-Gon lived for the moment, espousing a philosophy of "feel, don’t think – use your instincts."

It’s a figure that will likely change how all future The Black Series 6” figures are approached. Back in February at Toy Fair, Hasbro proudly described their The Black Series [Phase III] Qui-Gon Jinn (4) figure. In their description they detailed that it was the first figure that was going to be produced with separately sculpted eyes. According to Hasbro it would provide for more realism, texture and lifelike comparison. So how did it turn out? The effect is startling, but it works. You can actually look deeply into Qui-Gon Jinn’s eyes and actually see how this new method is actually going to help with likenesses of Star Wars characters. It will hide overspray and as long as Hasbro can center them properly we should have some of the best looking eyes the action figure line has seen to date. Aside from this impressive new approach, Qui-Gon Jinn scores high marks for many other reasons too. But we’d like to point out one trend that Hasbro cannot seem to shake. Why must they give him such a pale skin color? It isn’t nearly as pale as those give to the 3.75” super-articulated releases from the past. But we feel his skin tone is a bit too light. Yes, he’s a white man, but his complexion isn’t white (literally). We hope that Hasbro will be able to give him a little more color for future releases.

Qui-Gon Jinn is a character that seems to be done very well no matter the era in which he is produced. Even many of the 1999 Episode I action figure likenesses of Qui-Gon Jinn look decent. Sure they’re obsolete sculpts at this point, but Hasbro has had great luck making the figures look good throughout the years. That being said, The Black Series [Phase III] Qui-Gon Jinn (40) tops them all. As we’ve already stated, the head sculpt with the new eye approach sets this figure over the top in quality, but the rest of the sculpt borders on magnificent. We don’t believe we have seen a better action figure interpretation of Qui-Gon Jinn than this release. Although lacking in accessories, Qui-Gon Jinn has a definitive sculpt, wonderful articulation and a simple yet accurate paint job that solidify this as one of Hasbro’s finest moments in The Black Series [Phase III] line. The finest of details in this sculpt shouldn’t be overlooked. The boots, the lower skirt (as well as its functionality) prove that Hasbro knows what they are doing when it comes to making quality Star War action figures. Just check out the back of his head and witness the grain of his hair and/or the tie that separate it into three distinct sections. IN all honesty we haven’t seen a more impressive interpretation of Qui-Gon Jinn. Not too many people currently collecting are huge fans of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Hopefully this figure will counteract that.

Qui-Gon’s primary concerned/pensive expression has been captured beautifully here. This rather scene-agnostic expression will work across many different diorama displays in which you wish to place him. What might set you back however is the lack of a soft-goods robe. At this point we have to state it’s unacceptable that the Jedi in The Black Series 6” line don’t come with the much-needed outwear. Why is it such an issue to include these? Hasbro utilizes the cheapest fabrics possible to make these soft-goods, it would literally be pennies to add them to these figures. On the other hand, no pun intended, you do get an interchangeable left hand. This is a rarity in the 6” line today, so we don’t take that inclusion lightly. Hasbro also has tooled an all-new lightsaber which of course breaks down into a hilt and lightsaber blade. Another thing we’d like to acknowledge, Hasbro is really making the lightsabers in the 6” line look better than ever. We don’t think they’re completely perfect yet, but they look a whole heck of a lot better than the ones from the past. We’ve never really disliked The Phantom Menace, so we always warmly welcome characters from this film in any Hasbro Star Wars toy line. It does seem however that we’re not going to get enough characters from this film anytime soon as this is only the second Episode I character in 6” scale. Either way, Qui-Gon Jinn is one of Hasbro’s finest efforts. For us it’s a must-have, hopefully we can help you see that also.