Darth Vader - SW [S] - Basic

The figures that Hasbro chooses to update in the Force Link 2.0 line are as perplexing as they are interesting. This is especially true of Darth Vader. Darth Vader is a character that is constantly required for stores to carry, but instead simply repackaging a version of him from a previous release, Hasbro went all out and created what we can essentially consider an all-new figure. It’s evident that some of the blueprints of the Darth Vader from 2017’s SW [TLJ] Imperial Probe Droid/Darth Vader Force Link set are utilized for the Star Wars [Solo] Darth Vader Force Link 2.0 figure, but there is too much newness here not to consider it an all-new figure. This time, Hasbro felt inspired to craft a Darth Vader as he appeared in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. This was likely intentional, so there is a film-accurate version of Darth Vader to pair with the previously released 2017 SW [TLJ] Obi-Wan Kenobi Force Link figure. Darth Vader is a great simply articulated action figure for the line. Hasbro added a few extra places of movement to give him more mobility, but they’ve also tooled a faithful representation of the character as well.

Darth Vader comes with a decent seven points of articulation. The inclusion of swivel gloves are not only applicable here for lightsaber wielding purposes, but it also allows for more gesturing and unique positions to the character we saw in the film. Once again, although it is evident that Hasbro used some of the similar tooling to create this Darth Vader action figure, it really is new from head to toe. The rest of the figure includes swivel articulation, save for the portrait which is attached via a ball-socket joint. His head had a wide range of movement and gave the illusion that this figure is more articulated than it is. Sure, the shoulders and hips don’t provide adequate movement, but Hasbro has tooled a nice looking version of Darth Vader here, and it’s quickly become one of our favorites. It won’t ever replace The Vintage Collection Darth Vader figures that Hasbro produced, but it’s a nice addition to complement the line. Hasbro tooled great detail in the chest area, especially where the chest box area is. It’s quite amazing how far Hasbro has brought the 5POA line when the action figures look this good.

You can easily remove Darth Vader’s head. You’ll notice that his neck post is extraordinarily long. Once the head is removed, you can remove the molded cape. If you decide to pose Darth Vader without the cape, the figure won’t look right. The elongated neck post is there for a reason. And that reason is that the cape takes space away and the post makes up for what is lost. Darth Vader also comes with his signature lightsaber. And thanks to additional articulation in the arms the figure looks pretty great holding it. Darth Vader is a nice action figure, but there are problems with it outside of the figure itself. Hasbro needs to communicate what’s coming in their respective toy lines better. No one knows that this Darth Vader action figure is new. Most collectors would assume it’s a straight repack. You’d think that Hasbro would have the fiduciary responsibility to let their buying audience know that there is a new figure on the block that we’ll probably want to purchase. We don’t understand why there is such a horrid lack of communication anymore. Whatever you decide, Darth Vader is a good figure. But if you’re looking for articulation, this one might not be for you.