Count Dooku - TBS [P3] - Six Inch Figures (107)

Count Dooku was a menacing Sith Lord and central figure in the Clone Wars. Once a Jedi, he became disillusioned with the Jedi Order and thirsted for greater power.

What is Hasbro’s block with Count Dooku? From 2002 through 2005, there were more Count Dooku action figures than one could count. But once the Prequel Trilogy was all said and done, many of the characters from these three films have ended up on Hasbro’s backburner. Now, almost two decades after seeing the Sith Lord on-screen, Hasbro releases Count Dooku in The Black Series [Phase III] 6” line. As happy as we are to see Count Dooku in the 6” line, we can’t help but worry that the figure will “enrage” longtime 3.75″ collectors, especially those who focus on The Vintage Collection. Why in the world do we not have a quality Count Dooku figure like this in 3.75” super-articulated scale yet, and especially in vintage Kenner packaging? Hasbro? Hasbro? Collectors have wished for Count Dooku in The Vintage Collection for years now, yet Hasbro won’t oblige us. If you collect the 6” line, you’re in for a real treat with Count Dooku. The long near-two-decade wait has paid off for collectors. Count Dooku is the perfect action figure interpretation of Christopher Lee as Count Dooku. And with a new accessory featured here, you’re not going to lose on this figure in the slightest. The biggest negative we have for Count Dooku is the delivery time. But there is no point in complaining now that the figure is released.

One thing we’d like to acknowledge right off the bat is that Hasbro is using significantly better quality plastic. The days of “rubbery” and “pliable” plastic seem behind us, thank goodness. Instead, Count Dooku parts are cast from rugged and rigid solid plastic, which helps with the figure’s posture and prevents it from feeling cheap. Count Dooku has an incredible center of gravity. No matter the pose you choose, Count Dooku can attain it unassisted. From action poses, to calmer at ease poses, Count Dooku can do it all. One thing that was an early detractor for this figure was the cape. And we have to agree with that assessment a little bit. It’s a bit strange to process that Hasbro managed to give the 3.75” versions of Count Dooku a premium dual-layered cape from soft-goods with a beautiful drape. But when it comes to the 6” figure, they use one layer of fabric that’s dyed two different colors, one on each side, to give the effect of a dual-layer that doesn’t physically exist. Also, the drape looks good at some angles and artificial at others. Hasbro needs to up the quality of the fabrics they utilize in the 6” line. Right now, it’s obvious they’re going with the cheapest approaches possible, to pacify collectors and give them soft-goods to the character that needs them.

You may be surprised to learn that Count Dooku’s cape is also not removable. This release may be the first action figure of Count Dooku that doesn’t come with a removable cape, whether it was a soft-goods or molded version. The most interesting aspect of Count Dooku is the new lightsaber blade accessory. For the first time in the 6” line, Count Dooku comes with a removable lightsaber blade attachment that flares out as the blade goes out from the hilt. Surprisingly, the effect works extremely well, and it looks like the character is wielding his lightsaber, and this is the effect that’s created from such movement. Hasbro also included the general/standard lightsaber blade attachment as well for those not ready for this new progressive approach in the line. The Photo Real application on Count Dooku is brilliant. They’ve captured Christopher Lee’s likeness remarkably well. We think the hairstyle is ever-so-slightly off, and maybe the head sculpt a tad too small, but we’re thoroughly impressed with what Hasbro accomplished with this figure’s head sculpt. Collectors will be enthralled with it as well. Overall, Count Dooku will quickly become one of the most popular 6” figures of 2020. We wish we didn’t have to wait this long for it, but at least we have this character now. Other Episode II figures are also en route.