Issue 52 : Saturday 22nd April, 2017
Diamond have released the promotional image and blurb of their Marvel Select Spider-Gwen figure. Gwen was originally pictured at Toy Fair 2017, and on that display Diamond showed two head options - one hood up and one hood down. These interchangeable options are not pictured but they are quoted in the promotional blurb and we should be thankful that this option has not been dropped either due to cost or approval. Gwen will come with a diorama base.
The Diamond Select Daredevil figure has gone up for preorder today at BBTS with a delivery date in October 2017. There are some new promo images and the following blurb.
Gwen will hit stores in October 2017. Expect to be paying around ÂŁ22 here in the UK.
Worryingly the Charlie Cox unmasked head from Toy Fair (see the 4th image below) is not shown or mentioned. Let's hope that hasn't fallen due to budget as I can't see Disney Store picking up an unmasked version.
A Diamond Select Toys release! The Daredevil of Hell's Kitchen is now the first-ever Marvel Select action figure to be based on the Netflix TV universe! Capturing Daredevil's costume as it appears at the beginning of Season 2, and featuring the likeness of actor Charlie Cox, this 7-inch action figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and a pair of billy clubs, as well as a sculpted diorama base depicting the elevator from the season premiere! Packaged in the display-ready Select packaging with side-panel artwork. Sculpted by Gentle Giant!
A Diamond Select Toys release! From the other side of the Spider-Verse comes the rockin'est Spider-hero in town! Mary Jane's drummer and protector of New York City Gwen Stacy is the latest Marvel Select action figure from DST, and she's sure to be one of our best sellers! The approximately 6.75-inch action figure comes with interchangeable raised and lowered hoods, various interchangeable hands, and a sculpted diorama base depicting a fallen robot! Packaged in the display-ready Select packaging with side-panel artwork. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean!
Images have been circulated showing the 7 figures in the Marvel Legends 2nd wave of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 figures. C2E2 is underway in the US and one of the early reveals has come direct from Diamond Select Toys who have the first figures from their Select range of 7" Kingdom Hearts on display. The image shows (from left to right) Mickey, a Dusk. Sora with Keyblade, Roxas and a Heartless Soldier. It is unclear how any of these will be released. Select waves tend to be 3 sets at a time, and Diamond will pack smaller characters with larger characters where required.
The wave will contain Rocket (including alternative head) and Baby Groot, Gamora, Nebula and a long coat Starlord. The comic book inclusions are Adam Warlock, Ex Nihilo and Death Heads 2. The build a figure will be a movie version of Mantis.
There are a couple of smaller figures behind the main group that we can't identify at this stage.
Medicom will be releasing a new version of their Selina Kyle MAFEX figure in December 2017, with revised head sculpt of Anne Hathaway from her appearance as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. Badged as Selina Kyle Ver2.0, little else is known at this time. We will update you as we find out more details.
Tamashii Nations have teased some images of their Joker 1/12 SH Figuarts figure. Joker will be based on his appearance in The Dark Knight as played by Heath Ledger. The only other details we have at this stage is that he looks to be coming with a Machine Gun and Playing Card accessory. And he is scheduled for a September 2017 release date.
After tackling Deadpool, Spider-man, Venom and Spider-Gwen in their 1/12 series, Revoltech seem to have Wolverine in their sites as one of their next releases. We had seen an unpainted sample back in February, but now these images have been shared online of a fully painted version of Logan in his classic Yellow X-Men outfit. He appears to come packed with three head options and various hands including the obvious Adamantium claws. Based on previous releases, expect to be paying around $75 in the US and £60-£65 here in the UK. While the release date is listed for 2017, it doesn't specify a more accurate date at this stage
Square Enix have revealed that Doctor Strange will be the next Marvel character to join their stylised Play Arts Kai figures. Following in the footsteps of characters like Captain America, Iron-Man and Black Widow - Doctor Strange is a blend of comic-book styling with obvious Japanese Anime influences. The figures stand around 10" (260mm) in height. Stephen Strange will come with a variety of magic effects as well as swap out hand options (human and astral) and a flying base for levitating the Doctor if that is your preference. Pre-orders are apparently going up soon, and the RRP for UK customers is likely to fall around the £100 mark.
Following on from the Ultimate City Hunter, the Ultimate Jungle Hunter from NECA will be hitting US stores in May 2017, and hopefully here in the UK shortly after. The following images show the red and black themed packaging of the Jungle Hunter and how he will be packed within the box behind that front flap.
We got our first look at the 7" Color Tops Jareth The Goblin King from Labyrinth at Toy Fair in February. Now McFarlane have released a new promotional image of the figure - based of course on the late, great David Bowie. Jareth comes with his masquerade mask and crystal orb and is based on the outfit worn in the Ballroom dream sequence. He is released in October 2017
McFarlane have released details of their next 7" Color Tops release from The Walking Dead. Dwight will be #32 in the overall Color Tops line. He will come with the usual 14 points of articulation and a stylised base. He is due for release September 2017
McFarlane Toys has released a new image for their upcoming 7" Color Tops Jareth The Goblin King figure which is based on the classic Jim Henson Labyrinth movie. For those not familiar with the movie, Jareth was played by late and great David Bowie. A mystical figure possessing powers of transformation, Jareth, is the Goblin King of the Labyrinth. With an ability to create crystal orbs within his hands, Jareth is able to use them to create various illusions to entrance and manipulate others. Despite ruling over the Goblins, Jareth resents this position and often dreams of a different life. - Detailed 7-inch scale collectible Jareth action figure depicted in his velvet tailcoat from the iconic Ballroom dream sequence - Figure includes masquerade mask, and crystal orb accessories - Designed with 12+ points of articulation for dynamic posing - Figure features a stylized Labyrinth branded display base and showcased in window box packaging
Dwight, often referred to as "D," is a high ranking member of The Saviors and is seen as Negan's "right hand man." A manipulative individual, Dwight initially garnered the trust of Daryl and other survivors before luring them into Negan's capture.
McFarlane have released images and full details of their Negan 7" Walking Dead Color Top figure. Negan will be articulated with 14 points of articulation and comes with his trademark bat, Lucille. Like all Color Tops he will arrive with a display base. Negan will be #23 in the Color Tops series, and hits stores in July 2017. The US RRP is $19.99. Here in the UK expect to pay between ÂŁ18 and ÂŁ20 For completists, there will be a bloody variant of Negan - numbered as #23a in the Color Tops and feature additional blood splatter decor.
Tamashii Nations appear to have some big plans for bringing the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 to their SH Figuarts range of figures. A number of promotional images have been revealed showing Star-Lord, Rocket and Groot in 1/12 scale. Star-Lord looks to be coming with a Chris Pratt head as well as a helmeted version. Rocket is in his new blue jumpsuit with hand guns. Rocket also appears to have two mouth option - grinning and open mouth - these will either be a swap out head or a swap out jaw?. There are two versions of Baby Groot pictured. One is Groot without clothes, the other is wearing the red jumpsuit we see in the trailer. From what we can gather Peter Quill will be released in September 2017 as a stand-alone release. There will then be a Bandai Webstore exclusive set containing Star-Lord, Rocket and Groot. This goes up for preorder on 28th of April - the date the film is released. .
Leader of the group known as The Saviors, Negan is one of the most merciless enemies to ever cross paths with Rick Grimes and the other survivors. With no remorse, Negan executes those who get in his way with his weapon of choice, Lucille. With the barrel end wrapped in barbed wire, Lucille is the iconic baseball bat that Negan wields to not only intimidate others, but eliminate them as well. Joining the McFarlane Toys Color Tops Collector line, this Negan figure features a spectacular likeness of the actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan and is sculpted in his iconic outfit from Season 7 of AMC's The Walking Dead. Negan has over 14 points of articulation and includes a scaled version of "Lucille", his barbed-wire baseball bat, as well as a stylized display base. Like all other figures in the Color Tops Collector lineup, Negan is packed in a numbered window box package that is perfect for display in your collection.
At this stage no other details are known. It is still unclear if we be able to get Rocket & Groot elsewhere outside this set, or indeed if SHF are planning on a full set of Guardians?
After an 18 month wait, Hasbro have confirmed what will be the #02 release in their Star Wars Black Series line. The original release was the monster First Order Tie Fighter at the back end of 2015. At the time Hasbro did say that this was the start of more vehicle releases not just a one off. Hasbro have now announced via iO9 that they will be releasing this stunning Speeder in the Autumn. And if that wasn't enough, it will be packed with a brand new 6" Rey figure that boasts 28 points of articulation. It is brand new sculpt and comes with soft goods to allow Rey to ride the Speeder. She now sports her Scavenger head gear with removable mask. The satchel has also been updated and is now worn as a back pack.
Arriving on the 1st September 2017 as part of Force Friday will be this set of Luke Skywalker (Tatooine) and his trust X-34 Landspeeder. The set includes a new head sculpt for Luke, he will also come with the head gear and the poncho that he wears in the early scenes of A New Hope. The macro binoculars, as included in the original 2016 and subsequent 40th Anniversary Release (2017) are also included, as is his light-saber. The set will retail in the US at $59.99, that will equate to somewhere in the region of £60 in the UK.
The speeder is also articulated with 9 points of articulation and two opening panels. The base is clear but sculpted to look like the super heated displaced air under the speeder when it is in motion. You can use the base and articulation to tilt and pose the speeder as you wish. The US RRP will be $60. That converts to $8 here in the UK, but I suspect the RRP for UK customers will come out somewhere around the £55 mark. As far as we are aware these is no exclusivity on this and it will be available for all retailers to order and stock.
For those attending SDCC 2017, there will be an enhanced release of Luke and the Landspeeder exclusive to the show. The SDCC version will come with added decoration and weathering - something Hasbro couldn't replicate on the standard release due to cost. It will also come with moving parts under the bonnet (hood). It won't be cheap at $89.99. That is £72 in the UK, but unless a deal is made to distribute internationally you will have to rely on the secondary market which will bump the price - particularly as this will also be a large item to ship
Hasbro revealed the release of a Grand Moff Tarkin figure in the 6" Black Series range. Tarkin is based on his appearance in A New Hope, but works just as well for a Rogue One display obviously. As Tarkin carries no weapons or accessories, Hasbro have included the Interrogation Droid from A New Hope as his accessory. This Droid is a piece they've wanted to release for a while and this feels a great figure to include it with. We initially thought Tarkin would be released in the Autumn as part of the Force Friday event - however, the release date has since been updated to an eye watering Spring 2018, a whole year to wait before Tarkin can take up Vader's leash and take over your Imperial Forces
At SDCC 2016, the Expanded Universe (now Legends) Jaina Solo won the Fan's Choice - controversially beating Starkiller among talk of rigged voting. Celebration 2017 saw Hasbro unveil their design for Jaina - which I must admit looks stunning. Hasbro have looked at Jaina in the Legends novels and have chosen to represent her in a black pilot suit as part of Rogue Squadron. He comes with removable helmet that goes on and off over her sculpted hair. To capture a realistic likeness for the figure - Hasbro started with characteristics of Harrison Ford (Solo) and included eyes from Carrie Fisher (Leia). That has left Jaina with a definite Solo smirk - which is very clever. She will be released in the Autumn. Most likely in a wave on or around Force Friday with Tarkin and Thrawn.
November 2017 see's the release of EA's sequel to the Star Wars Battlefront game. The 2nd installment brings a number of new era's and characters to life as well as introducing solo play. To celebrate the release of Battlefront II, a special Battlefront II Inferno Squad Pilot 6" Black Series figure will be available from Gamestop. The new figure, a repaint of the current Original Trilogy Tie Fighter Pilot, will be in stores from the 17th of November and will cost $22.99. Fan's can pre-order now via Gamestop Gamestop will allow UK orders, and ship to UK for $14.99, that means you will be able to pre-order the Inferno Squad pilot for $37.98. That works out at around ÂŁ33.50 delivered, but as you will be charged on dispatch that means the actual cost is dependent on the exchange rate come November. As the figure is also over ÂŁ15 it is also subject to tax on arrival in the UK (not guaranteed but should be expected).
In the wake of the Death Star's destruction, the Empire created the Inferno Squad to ensure that Imperial secrets would remain safe. Pretend to fend off the REBELLION with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH INFERNO SQUADRON PILOT Figure from the all-new Star Wars: Battlefront II video game. Figure will be available exclusively at GameStop later this Fall. Star Wars: The Black Series Battlefront II Inferno Squadron Agent Figure - Pre Order is now up. Only at GameStop. $22.99 USD. November 17, 2017 release date.
But that is not all. For SDCC 2017, the Thrawn figure is getting a deluxe release. He will be packed in special packaging and will come with a wealth of accessories as seen from his collection on Rebels. Parts will include Hera's family heirloom and Commander Gree's Clone Trooper Helmet. You will also get the mask from a Jedi Temple Guard and a statue of the ysalamiri. And the eagle eyed among you will have spotted the Easter Egg in the Rebels series that Thrawn has the Grail from Indiana Jones in his display - this is also included. We finished day 1 of Star Wars Celebration 2017 with a Black Series reveal of Commander Gree. We thought that might be all until the Saturday Hasbro panel, but no - as Day 2 closed, Dave Filoni helped reveal the next Star Wars 6" Rebels release. The stunning looking Grand Admiral Thrawn is taken from his recent run in Rebels and sculpted in a realistic style. He will be the 5th Rebels figure in the line, following Kanan, Ahsoka, Sabine and Hera. In fact Thrawn may overtake Hera to retail as she appears to have been taken off the release schedule and Thrawn is down for a 1st September 2017 Force Friday release.
The SDCC version will be sold at the show from the 20th to 23rd of July. The RRP is a heavy $49.99 - that's ÂŁ40 in UK, but unless there is an international option to get this you will be relying on secondary market and will likely be paying much more.
Also on the artwork at Celebration 2016 was a re-colouring of the Boba Fett sculpt to create a Jango Fett release. This is now also proceeding to release, with a sample on show at Celebration Orlando.
The Hasbro panel at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando has confirmed a new release in the 6" line coming later this year. Commander Gree, as seen in Revenge of the Sith, will be a Toys R Us exclusive.
Tamashii are also creating a white version of the Fett armour to create a Prototype Boba Fett release. This was only visible via a card insert with the text confirming this is the 2017 SDCC exclusive, and will also be available at the Bandai Webstore for Japanese collectors.
Gree will utilise the existing Mark 2 Clone Trooper helmet and will then tweak the existing body and panels to represent his lighter armoured gear from the battle on Kashyyyk. Gree will come with what looks to be the standard Clone weaponry - DC15A and DC15S - and will also come with a pair of macro binoculars. While some Toys R Us exclusives like the First Order Snowtrooper and this years Hover Tank Pilot have crossed the pond and been widely available in the UK others like the Astromech 3-pack have not been sold outside the US. For UK fans we would hope that Gree falls into the latter camp and will not be restricted to UK collectors and leave us once again paying a premium. Price wise the US RRP has gone up from prior releases and now sits at $24.99.
If you followed our coverage of Star Wars Celebration last year, you will have seen the images we captured at the Tamashii Nations booth of some concept images for future Star Wars Realization figures.
Fast forward to Celebration 2017 in Orlando, and one of these concepts is now getting a release. The Darth Maul Realization figure comes inspired by Feudal Japan with Skull head and Samurai inspired armour and a twin curved blade weapon.
Expect to be paying around ÂŁ75 for Maul and Jango when these hit releases in the UK. Proto Boba is unlikely to get an official UK release and you will need to rely on secondary market.
Disney and Lucasfilm Celebrate Iconic Heroes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away…with Star Wars Forces of Destiny Micro-series of original, animated shorts will focus on untold stories of everyday heroism that shape the destinies of Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones, Tiya Sircar, Ashley Eckstein and Lupita Nyong’o reprise their roles for new series launching in July Books, apparel and toys including new ‘Adventure Figures’ from Hasbro launching this summer
Star Wars Celebration saw the launch of a new Star Wars animated series of short stories and a supporting line of 11" figures. The Forces of Destiny stories will focus on characters like Rey, Jyn, Sabine, Ahsoka and of course Princess Leia. It's goal appears to be to bridge the gap between Action Figures & Dolls and engage more younger female fans. The series will launch in July with books, clothing and the new Adventure Figures (made by Hasbro) arriving at the same time.
Glendale, Calif. (April 13, 2017) – Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Star Wars Forces of Destiny, a new initiative celebrating the inspiring stories of iconic heroes from across the Star Wars universe. An original series of animated shorts (each 2-3 minutes in length) will explore exciting, all new adventures of key characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year. The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new ‘Adventure Figures’ – a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures, creating a whole new way to play Star Wars. “Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. “We’re thrilled that so many of the original actors are reprising their roles in these shorts which capture the small moments and everyday decisions that shape who these characters are. It is a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars.”
The first 11" figures shown were Leia, Rey, Sabine and Jyn Erso. Rey will be available in Jakku scavenger outfit and her "Jedi" outfit. Also on show are figures of Chewbacca, R2-D2, Luke (Bespin), Yoda and BB8. Leis is also coming in her Endor outfit with Wicket.
Developed by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars Forces of Destiny will remain true to the Star Wars canon, showing how choices both big and small ultimately shape the destinies of beloved characters. Launching in July, the animated micro-series will be available on Disney YouTube ahead of a two-part TV special featuring eight additional shorts on Disney Channel in Fall 2017. Fans will be delighted to hear familiar voices in the series, including: Daisy Ridley (Rey), Felicity Jones (Jyn), Tiya Sircar (Sabine), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) and Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata as narrator). Star Wars Forces of Destiny will also be supported by global product extensions, including books, apparel, bedding, and toys – including the new line of ‘Adventure Figures’ created by Hasbro, which bridges the gap between traditional action figures and dolls. Each individually designed figure features dynamic action, like Rey swinging her lightsaber, along with multiple points of articulation to help recreate the characters’ adventures and heroic moments with different poses. “From Princess Leia to Sabine Wren, Star Wars heroines are unique, and we wanted to represent that in the product line for Star Wars Forces of Destiny,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The result is the creation of our new ‘Adventure Figures’ that celebrate the power and stories of these incredible characters and allow kids to recreate their most heroic moments at home.” The 11-inch figures will depict characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, plus loveable sidekicks and epic villains like BB-8, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and many more. Hasbro is also rolling out Star Wars Forces of Destiny role play and accessories—from Rey’s Extendable Staff, to a new, electronic Jedi Power Lightsaber, which are part of their Star Wars Bladebuilders system. Adds John Frascotti, President of Hasbro: “As the Star Wars fan base has broadened over the last 40 years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the Star Wars brand, to engage fans across generations. We’ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from Star Wars Forces of Destiny to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.”
Review : Legacy Pack with Darth Vader Star Wars Black Series (Hasbro) Wave/Series : 40th Anniversary Carded Special Released : April 2017 Price : ÂŁ44.99
The US version is obviously reflecting the key French & Spanish languages used in Canada & Mexico - while the Euro version sticks to the main languages of France, German and Spanish.
Hasbro surprised a lot of collectors by announcing the Legacy pack that would sit alongside their 40th Anniversary retro carded 6" Black Series figures.
On the right hand side of this yellow central line is a deep glossy red section in which is some very small text in black that covers the contents of the set in each language (again this differs between US and Euro release). Above this content text is an image of the constructed set and Vader. And right at the top is a shiny foil 40th Anniversary logo.
The idea behind the set is to replicate the original 1977 Early Bird set, giving fans a set with real retro and nostalgia written all over it, but still usable with today's action figures. The result is a set containing the 12th figure you need to complete your 40th Anniversary recreations of the Original 12 back. Along with a display base that is based on the original Early Bird set. Now I must admit at this point that I was only 1 in 1977 and therefore my Star Wars experience hadn't officially kicked off - it wasn't until 1983 or so with Return of the Jedi that I was fully immersed in the Kenner figures. I therefore had not really heard much about the Early Bird set until adulthood. I am not sure if that will have bearing on my feelings or review of this set - but I suspect what I think vs someone who got the Early Bird set for Christmas 1977 will differ.
The final section of the box across the bottom from part right to far left is where the Kenner artwork comes in. Here we find the original 12 figures illustrated as they were on the 1977 Kenner set. Above them flies an X-Wing and a Tie Fighter and in the very bottom right corner is the Kenner logo. Not a sniff of Hasbro or Disney logo at any point on the front cover. The very top of the box see's the Star Wars Black Series logo. This is very faint against the gloss black - nicely done but not in your face. To the far right of the top flap is the end trims of yellow and red from the box front. The left spine is gloss black with some star effects. It is made up of the curve and run down of those silver double tramlines. The right spine is red at the top and then a repeat of the tramlines running vertically to the base. The base flap carries all the copyright details, the Hasbro logo as well as the Lion Mark and CE logo (Euro release).
The set comes in a cardboard box, and a pretty impressive one size wise. It measures 17" (440mm) across, 11" (280mm) high and just over 2" deep (55mm). While the design is based on the Early Bird set - it isn't a direct replication. It does, however, use all the same design principles and certainly evokes the styling and design of the Kenner toys of the era
Round the back and the whole rear of the box is a very high sheen red colour. The top couple of inches holds the Star Wars logo and some white text in four languages that reads "Authentic looking Action Figures from the Smash Hit Movie"
First of the Early Bird didn't have a window cut out - this set does to the left hand side, through which you can see your Vader figure. Above this triangular window is the original 1977 Star Wars logo - complete with the Luke holding aloft a light saber image from the original movie poster. These logo's sit on the double silver line tram rail that runs the full length at the top of the box.
This is the text used on the Early Bird pack in the 1970's
A yellow line splits the box in two and in here is the Legacy Pack name which is then repeated in three other languages. While these different languages appear on both the US release and on this UK/Euro release - the wording is different
The centre part of the box rear has an image of the stand, fully populated with the 6" Black Series figures. To the side in a yellow insert is the "Special Edition" Darth Vader image. And to the left is a picture of the reversible cardboard insert of the stand. Above this is more white text in four languages which now talks about the features and that all important "Additional figures sold separately".
UK/Euro = Coffret Heritage : Klassiker-Paket US = Ensemble Heritage : Set Legado : Kit Legado
:
Pack
Legado
Under this is the wording "Start or expand your collection with a 40th Anniversary Legacy Pack! Now you can have fabulous fun reliving the movie Star Wars". This text too draws on the wording of the original set although is obviously amended to the new release and 6" range.
The bottom part of the box is the same colourful checklist of the figures that we see on the card backs of the single releases. There is only 11 of them having already pictured Vader above. The first wave sits at the left hand side, with wave 2 to the right. Each wave two figure is asterisked and underneath is the text "Coming June 2017". The box ends with the warning text in a variety of languages. And the first sign of a Disney & Hasbro logo at the bottom right. The box can be opened by the right or left side flap - each is taped down with a single piece of tape. Once opened a plain black cardboard tray slides out. The Vader sits in one half, and the disassembled stand is in baggies in the other side.
To Vader first. And to Hasbro's credit the figure is packed inside the box but also on a card back to match the other 11 figures in the 40th Anniversary series. That means collectors still need to buy the set to obtain Vader, but can still have him matching their other figures if they are displaying on the card-back.
Vader stands dead on 7" high, the same as the original Vader release, and means he will scale well against the other figures in the line. You can see the Helmet, which doesn't come off, is much sleeker an angular. The eye lens on the helmet retain the red sheen, but it is darker and stands out less than the first Vader release. The shoulder armour also looks less bulkier and the soft goods flow much better. These start at the shoulder and go down the chest under the belt and out as a skirt. A second set comes down the back as Vader's cloak. The chain that was so problematic on the first release has disappeared. Paint work looks awesome, with very subtle touches like a silver highlight on the cheek which was apparently present on the real prop. Areas like the chest plate and belt are neatly painted in crisp green, red and silver. While they say this is the definite Vader, it is clear from the chest box that this is based on the A New Hope Vader and therefore Rogue One also. This of course is fine as the original phase 2 Vader can now be used as an Empire or Return of the Jedi version - particularly with that Anakin sculpt.
At the time of writing we are only in possession of one of these sets and therefore we will not be removing Vader from the card. This review will be updated once a Vader figure can be reviewed in hand. Vader comes on the same design of card that we see on all the other 40th Anniversary releases. The new card backs are sized to accommodate the 6" figures, without being a direct upscale of the original 3.75" figures. They utilise the same character image as well as the Star Wars and Kenner logo's. His colouring is an orange and this sits behind the figure on the card making it pop really nicely - and to the right on the nameplate. A neat 40th Anniversary logo sits in the top left corner. Round the back of the card is a checklist of the 12 figures that will be released. These are framed in various colours, each colour matching the scheme that will be used on their card. Under the 12 figures is an image of the Legacy pack, the stand that revisits the original Early Bird pack and gives collectors who aren't keeping these on card a display option for loose figures. A subtle Black Series logo is atop the card and of course being 40 years after Kenner & Lucasfilm, we now find the Disney logo at the base of the card along with the present day safety notices and legal logo's
I may be mistaken, but the left hand appears to be sculpted in a force choke pose. This is not the right hand vs the scene in the Imperial Briefing Room but it is a brilliant addition aside from adding in swap out hand options. Vader's saber is packed to the left of him in the card. It is a truly deep red this time, darker I think than the original. The hilt also looks better painted with a black design and silver highlights and the tiniest orange control button.
The next element is the stand which is made up of four interlocking plastic stands. While they all look and interlock the same way, you will need to make sure you find the end pieces - these have an extra hole at the far right or far left to take the slot in overhead rail. The instructions now tell you to slot the cardboard insert into the rail. There is a groove on the top rail to aid positioning and once in place there are two hinged clips which swing down to hold the card in place....
The second half of the set is the stand. And this will require some assembly. Thankfully Hasbro has included a fold out instruction leaflet in Black Series red & black livery.
Or at least that is the theory! In reality, or with fat 40 year old fingers, this is harder said than done. I found the easier option is to slot the card insert into the groove in the base first. You can then position the rail over the top and guide it carefully around the cardboard. The two side rails clip into the base and the top of the card meets up with the slot in the top rail.
You will find two bags of black stands, a bag containing the two curved side parts of the rail, a bag containing the top rail and overhead sign and a sticker for the same overhead sign. The cardboard insert is then found behind all these folded up in three sections. My advice is to get that out and flatten it ahead of construction.
The instructions start with the construction of the rail. This is dead straightforward with the two sides sliding into the corresponding top rail.
As carefully as you go you will start to get nicks in the card back from the minor casting defects in the plastic. While it is nice to recreate The Early Bird set in similar materials - for longevity a more robust backing in printed plastic may have been better. The final part is to take the logo sticker and position that on the sign. This goes on really well and I had no bubbles or anything to sort out. The sign then clips into four holes on the top rail.
With the stand assembled you can now add your figures. Each segment of the base has three pegs to stand the figures on. There are two pegs on the back step and a third peg on the angular lower front step. These have worked on most figures I have tried, but I suspect some early figures where the peg hole is different may struggle.
Size wise the stand measures 22" (565mm) across. This is too wide to fit in that workhorse of many collections, the Ikea Detolf. It is also too wide for the 400mm Billy Bookcase, but it will go into the 800mm version with space either side. Height wise the stand is 10" (260mm) at the tallest point where the logo is positioned. It i 9" (235mm) the rest of the way round.
While the pegs work, I think it would be tough to get three figures to stand on each section without being cramped - particularly figures like Vader or Chewie. It is doable but each figure will have to be in a neutral pose. The other issue is height. Put Chewie on the back step and he will be touching the silver of the top rail. This means a lot of the background is lost behind the figures and therefore you would argue why a background image was needed at all. So to sum up. And as I said earlier, I do feel a bit detached from this set having not experienced the Early Bird release back in 1977. So let's look at it as it stands today. First off is the price, which is ÂŁ44.99 in Toys R Us. Take off ÂŁ24.99 for Vader, which is the equivalent to the other 40th carded figures, and you are paying ÂŁ20 for the stand. For a 22" by 10" stand made of plastic, this isn't completely out of the ball park -but the stand has a couple of flaws around the engineering including my suspicion that the card will deteriorate over time. It only needs a few tweaks on the quality of material to step it up a good couple of notches.
Talking of the background, and you can choose between the figure line up image or the X-Wing battle image - again the same images that were included with the original Early Bird set. Both images are crisp and glossy but the folds at either end are visible, more so on the X-Wing image. Swapping the set is a reverse of the process from earlier but I would advise caution as every swap over comes with the risk of damaging the cardboard either at those folds or at the top or bottom with nicks as they slot into the grooves.
I suspect this set will sell purely on the Vader figure, and a lot of collectors will display it boxed alongside the rest of the carded 40th figures. Either way is of course fine, but either way is pushing the value for money aspect of this set and as Hasbro have chosen to pack the 40th Vader this way we have to score this as a set and not just the figure. With all that considered I will score the Legacy Box Set a 3 out of 5.