Hi all! I’m a little late to the Sideshow 1/6 Darth Vader figure, and while some have felt the re-release of this figure was a cash-grab by the manufacturer, I for one am glad they did, especially with all the improvement they made. I missed out on the Deluxe version from a few years back, but I have since found the Anakin portrait, different hands and helmet display on Ebay. I saw this figure last September in Forbidden Planet NYC, and I was immediately struck by the high quality of the production, from the flawless high gloss armor, to the tailoring and drape of the cape and tunic. My wife purchased it for me as a gift, and I’m beyond happy to have it in my collection as it exceeded all expectations.
I tend to futz/modify/resculpt/repaint my figures for better poseability and accuracy, and this figure was no exception, gathering tips from the precious Deluxe Vader thread. I made adjustments to the body and armor, including lowering the helmet dome, but in light of my experiences with other figures (DX12 Batman or the sideshow Snowtrooper), this figure is mainly stock. I plan to detail my changes for a thread in the customs section when time permits, with pics of my custom display base, LED lightsaber and hand options.
Regarding the use of the Hot toys Rogue One helmet, I actually prefer the Sideshow helmet with the lowered dome. It’s true the Hot Toys helmet is not accurate to ESB (widow’s peak, red lens, tusks, vent grill) but I find the issue is mainly the pronounced “cheekbone” sticks too far outward, and the front mouth grill too narrow. I will end up selling my modified Rogue One helmet on Ebay. I prefer the slightly oversized Sideshow mouth grill, it just looks much more menacing. Some have commented ad nauseam on the figures height, but I love how Vader towers over my 1/6 collection, and looks as if he can square off again my Predator figure!
The only thing I felt where Sideshow could have done a little more is the base. They started a great trend with providing scenic base toppers, or printed graphics on their bases, and doing so here would have added a lot to the perception of value. I remedied this deficiency with simple automotive vinyl sticker in silver.
Cheers,
BOBBY