Boy, the back-n-forth over this highly anticipated release from HT is as intense as the HT vs. SSC Jedi Luke discussions, maybe more so.
After venturing through the discussions in here, looking at the many video reviews and comparisons with SSC v2, I have decided to keep my order for the DX16.
Am I blown away by what I've seen so far? Not really. Yes, it looks like another well-crafted figure from HT but as with many other releases from them lately, there are some issues that one would hope not to see with such a prestigious line as the DX series. The bulky body (looking more like the older Maul seen in SOLO), the no-neck, the over-ripe strawberry red face paint (and those etched in lines for the painters to follow-WTF) take away from what could be a perfect release.
There are many pros on this one to be sure...the sharp detailing, the exquisite tailoring (except for that robe - what is it with this company with capes and robes? More often a stumble than not), the well-rendered accessories. The PERS system upgrade looks promising. Hopefully we won't be finding any tech problems down the line. Fortunately this character's dark, bold features lend themselves well to it and don't have that "sunken eyes" look some flesh-colored faces featured with the PERS. I wish they had gone the route with the "plugs" for alternate eyes like the tactical suit Batman did. I find those work really well and there are no moving parts involved , always a good thing.
I HATE the oversized stand and the lack of a crotch-grabber. There is no reason for HT NOT to be offering BOTH the dynamic goose-neck option along with the standard support.
As for the ongoing comparison discussion, it's just another case of the two figures (HT and SSC) looking like two different people. I find the SSC version looks more like Park from TPM. I have that figure and find it to be one of SSC's better efforts over the last few years. It's a great figure. The HT one more closely resembles the older, fuller-faced Maul from SOLO...a little odd to say the least. It's a well rendered sculpt...just different.
As I mentioned, I do have the DX16 on order and am looking forward to getting it. I'm also enjoying following the discussion in here along with (hopefully) many images of the HT figure when it really starts hitting everywhere....