Captain Phasma - S.H. Figuarts

S.H. Figuarts is a new standard figure series that incorporates the Bandai action figure "Art" under the theme "Pursuing Character Expression through Humanoid Action."

With each successive S.H. Figuarts action figure we review, the more we fall in love with the 6” format. Now, we say that being staunch proponents of the classic and standard 3.75” action figure line by Hasbro, but this larger-scaled format by other licensees are impressing us beyond measure. A Japanese company like Bandai SHOULD be making these higher-end action figures. And Hasbro should stick with what they know best and make the best: 3.75” action figures. The level of detail, authenticity, articulation and overall quality in the S.H. Figuarts completely paralyzes anything Hasbro is able to make in The Black Series 6” line. And as harsh as that may seem, it’s not a dig at what Hasbro makes. They are making toys for kids now. The Build A Weapon, Armor Up and Two-Packs lines prove this. And while The Black Series 6” line is certainly catered to a pickier audience, Hasbro has been all over the map with what they’ve produced thus far for the line. In all fairness, The Black Series [Phase III] wave 5 and wave 6 has impressed us greatly. Whether intentional or reactionary, the level in Hasbro’s quality has increased dramatically, and we give our stamp of approval on the figures in those waves. But as great as they are, we still don’t think they can compete with a line as brilliant as S.H. Figuarts. Captain Phasma is a testament to this fact.

The S.H. Figuarts Captain Phasma is a sterling thing of beauty. There’s no vac-metallization here, but S.H. Figuarts gave her a beautiful paint job that is about 100% shinier than 2015’s TBS [P3] Captain Phasma (06) figure. S.H. Figuarts Captain Phasma is also more streamlined and a whole lot less chunky than the Hasbro figure too. Her articulation is identical to the S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper. And as you might imagine, this is a wonderful thing. Captain Phasma can move ANY which way you desire her to move. The complex joints structures are simply amazing what they can accomplish. Whether positioned in a wide stance, or in a completely action-oriented pose, Captain Phasma is sheer brilliance when it comes to what a 6” action figure can and should be able to do. One of her best features is the sculpt of the helmet. It has been done so accurately to the prop in the film that we’re stunned by how incredible it looks. Her stature is tall and confident. Despite her lackluster appearance in The Force Awakens, collectors will have the ability to give her command and presence that the onscreen character just wasn’t able to articulate or deliver. With just shy of 50 total points of articulation, you’re going to be able to cull a great deal of personality out of this action figure.

Captain Phasma comes with a healthy dose of accessories as well. In addition to the two hands she comes with, Captain Phasma comes with two additional pairs of hands that have been designed to interact with the other included accessories much better (like gun holding and grasping alternate attachments for example). Her gun is perfectly sized and looks great with her larger frame. The First Order blaster is colored gold just like in the film and has an articulated handle for additional posing opportunities. We love her molded cape. It has a drape that is much more aesthetically pleasing than the cape that came with Hasbro’s version. It has a more level angle in the way it falls. It looks marvelous. What’s great about this accessory is that Captain Phasma looks amazing in action poses while wearing the cape. They did a fantastic job with the interaction of accessory and figure here. For one reason or another, S.H. Figuarts packed her left shoulder armor piece separately (and off of) from the figure. We don’t know why they did this unless the reason was to educate the collector that these pieces are removable. They sit on a complexly articulated hinge-jointed post with a ball-socket end. The range of movement that you get from this is impressive in and of itself. Captain Phasma is a total win.... and it blows The Black Series 6” figure away.