Mandalorian, The - TVC - Basic (VC181)

Hasbro released Din Djarin in beskar armor as “The Mandalorian” because the character’s real name wasn’t revealed by the time they prepped the packaging. Although now commonly known as Din Djarin, we officially have multiple action figures in The Vintage Collection called The Mandalorian, which makes things tricky if you’re not paying attention to their VC numbers. Much like The Black Series [Phase IV] The Mandalorian “beskar” action figure, Hasbro took the first version of The Mandalorian, added new parts, and then repainted it to give us the version that is considered the “main” outfit of the character in the series from here on out. How fitting that Hasbro released The Armorer (VC179) alongside The Mandalorian (VC181) since one is dependent upon the other in creating this spectacularly shiny new armor. Hasbro can sell as many versions of The Mandalorian or Din Djarin as they want to release. All would sell because this character is the new Boba Fett, which means that this titular character’s action figures are merchandising gold. Honestly, this version of The Mandalorian is so much better than the first outfit we see that opens up the Disney+ series. There is something exceptional about shiny armor. Although we would love to see vac-metallization here, Hasbro did a fine job creating the next best thing: a metallic silver paint that is bright and shiny and faithful to the armor we see on-screen.

The Mandalorian action figure is a retool and repaint of 2020’s TVC The Mandalorian (VC166) action figure. This time, Hasbro gave the base sculpt an all-new torso, all-new upper arms, all-new forearms, an all-new upper left leg, and an all-new lower left leg. The result is a revised version of The Mandalorian as the character appeared after receiving the armor upgrade. The figure has also been completely repainted, of course. There are no more colorful blocks of armored plating. All of the armor is shimmery silver. The Mandalorian character is about the same height as our favorite Mandalorian Boba Fett, but The Mandalorian action figure is significantly taller than the Original Trilogy bounty hunter action figure. We’re soon getting a version of this figure with a removable helmet by way of a Walmart exclusive. All of us who collect The Vintage Collection strive for the figures to have unequivocal screen-accuracy. This figure comes pretty darn close. If you have the original version of this figure, you know that The Mandalorian comes with a stunning articulation system. All of Hasbro’s most recent figures in The Vintage Collection have higher standards than past efforts. The Mandalorian comes with an expected, yet impressive, 30 points of articulation. The articulation system, as a whole, has excellent functionality. And because of its fluidity, you can achieve an exceptional wealth of poses. Unfortunately, Hasbro didn’t incorporate “rocker” ankles into this updated release. If The Armorer and Moff Gideon get them, why didn’t this figure?

We receive quite a few accessories with this version of The Mandalorian. You get a removable plastic-molded cape (the same one that came with the first The Mandalorian figure but repainted). Many collectors wished that Hasbro added a soft-goods cape with this action figure. But we think the molded version is excellent. It fits the figure like a glove. The Mandalorian also comes with a blaster pistol that fits into a functional holster on the belt. It also works beautifully into the figure’s right hand if you’re interested. Our most-favorite accessory, the ray staff, is included one again, albeit repainted. Lastly, Hasbro included the jetpack. The new accessory plugs into a slot on the back torso. It also hangs away from the back, far enough away for the cape to hang underneath it. The engineering here is nothing short of impressive. You can still attach the ray staff to the figure’s back as well. It always impresses us how Hasbro managed to design the same interconnectivity of the ray staff to the figure (and through the bandolier no less) that they did for the 6” figure. We’re happy to see that Hasbro approaches both scales of figures in a similar fashion. When fully assembled with accessories in place, The Mandalorian looks as if it jumped off the small screen and into your hands. Thanks to super-articulation, The Mandalorian achieves lifelike poses while holding the weapons. Hasbro should be proud of their accomplishments here. The Mandalorian might not be perfect, but we don’t think collectors will care all that much about the figure’s shortcomings. This action figure will be another one of The Vintage Collection’s hottest releases yet. We guarantee it.