Darth Maul (Sith Training) - SW [S - P1] - Basic (’02 #42)

Added: February 20th 2014
Category: Star Wars [Saga - Phase I]
Reviewer: Paul Harrison
Score:

Collection: Star Wars [Saga - Phase I]

Adjusted Source: Expanded Universe (The Phantom Menace Concept Art)

Number: ‘02 #42

Availability: September 2002

License: Hasbro

Visual Analysis

Detailed Visual Analysis

Darth Maul (Sith Training)

General Analysis

After rescuing Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover Anakin Skywalker, a nine-year-old slave unusually strong in the Force, on Tatooine. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces, while the two Jedi fight the evil Darth Maul and realize that the invasion is the first step in a sinister scheme by the dark forces known as the Sith.

Darth Maul

The chosen apprentice of a Sith Lord, Darth Maul has undergone years of demanding and sometimes brutal training in order to become a Sith. After expertly wielding his lightsaber to prove his skill, he bows respectfully before his Master.

During Episode I’s preproduction, Lucas commissioned many artists to develop concepts for the film’s central villain, Darth Maul. From feminine goddess types to more of the evil warlords, Darth Maul went through an incredible transition before George Lucas approved the final design. One of the sketches featured a unique version of Darth Maul, somewhat different from the on-screen character, including red piping along the edges of the character’s garments. This design inspired the Darth Maul (Sith Training) action figure for the Star Wars “Saga” line. Darth Maul in any basic figure line is popular. It didn’t matter when Hasbro produced it. Every Darth Maul action figure is a hit at retail. Ever since the Episode I line went dormant, fans and collectors waited patiently for a Darth Maul action figure with upgraded articulation and a remarkable likeness to the on-screen character. Many previous versions of Darth Maul lack in quality, especially when it comes to these features. And while Darth Maul (Sith Training) isn’t perfect, you see a marked improvement overall.

Darth Maul (Sith Training) may turn off those collectors who loathe action features in their action figures. You’re not alone in this assessment. We feel similarly. Action features are a massive letdown in the 3.75” action figure line. But something is interesting about this action figure. While action features obstruct its aesthetics, Hasbro tooled the figure in an action pose, and the final figure is gorgeous. It interacts wonderfully with the included accessories and other action figures. It also possesses realism not present in past versions of Darth Maul. Hasbro installed rollers on its back, which affect the sculpt’s aesthetics, yet they’re hidden well, and we’re nearly able to overlook them. What makes Darth Maul (Sith Training) an action figure that we can look at with fondness (without being impressed) is that this figure’s dynamic sculpt gives it emotion and anger and a believable presence in a display. The face’s likeness is decent, but the body is better. And while Darth Maul (Sith Training) constantly looks downward, we doubt collectors will care due to the nature of the figure’s pose. It has a very aggressive posture and stands unassisted as needed, whether battling other action figures or the included Sith droid.

Darth Maul comes with more articulation than most figures in the Star Wars "Saga" lineup. Of course, most of the articulation points contained in this sculpt are swivel. But they do allow for a nice amount of movement that helps make the action figure a little more versatile. But it’s probably a much safer bet to say that this action figure has one pose, with very few subtle additions thanks to the swivel articulation points. Darth Maul (Sith Training) comes with a healthy amount of accessories. You get a metal lightsaber hilt that is realistic and is something that impresses us. You also get two removable lightsaber blades, so you have multiple options here. Also included is a Sith training “probe” droid and an “invisible” display stand to train Darth Maul well in the way of a Sith Lord. Oh, and that action feature? If you move the rollers on his back, the figure’s arms spin to recreate the twirling of a lightsaber. Yes, it’s a stupid thing to include here, but it is a lovely-looking figure if you look at this figure as a display piece. We won’t say it’s a superb action figure, but it certainly isn’t the worst we have seen from Hasbro.

Collector Notes

Darth Maul (Sith Training)

Status: Darth Maul (Sith Training) is an all-new figure.

Articulation Count: 15 points (15 areas of articulation)

Articulation Details: swivel head (1), swivel left shoulder (1), rotating right shoulder (1), swivel left bicep (1), swivel left forearm (1), rotating right forearm (1), swivel waist (1), swivel left hip (1), swivel right hip (1), swivel left knee (1), swivel right knee (1), swivel left boot (1), swivel right boot (1), left roller action feature (1), right roller action feature (1

Accessory Count: 5

Accessory Details: metal lightsaber hilt, 2 lightsaber blades, Sith probe droid, hovering effect base

Date Stamp: 2002

Collection: 1

Assortment Number: 84905/84851

UPC: 076930849057

Retail: $4.99 USD

Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on Click here to check the market value on eBay! listings.

Reference Data

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