Sohei Darth Maul - Meisho Movie Realization

Added: January 15th 2018
Category: Meisho Movie Realization
Reviewer: Paul Harrison
Score:

Name: Sohei Darth Maul
Collection: Meisho Movie Realization
Number: BAN17573S
Scale: 7"
Source: Expanded Universe
Availability: November 2017
License: Tamashi Nations

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Tamashi Nations via Bandai have assembled a culturally relevant line of Japanese-inspired Star Wars figures. The characters have been pulled from all different sources of the Star Wars universe, but obviously, the most popular characters are getting their chances in the spotlight first. Whether the Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy or Expanded Universe, Bandai isn’t afraid to choose the most popular characters to form their own unique line of collectibles. Envisioned by brilliant sculptor Takayuki Takeya, Sohei Darth Maul enters the 2017 lineup with brilliance and astonishment. Evidently Darth Maul, but also evidently some Japanese warrior, the Meisho Movie Realization line brings some of the most imaginative concepts to Star Wars collecting, and more and more people are latching onto the format. Larger than the standard 6” figure format, the Movie Realization characters on average are about half an inch taller and take what we know about Star Wars into uncomfortable places. They won’t necessarily fit in with the rest of your 6” figures, but they deserve their own shelf space regardless. However, to dismiss the sheer brilliance of the line for its unfamiliarity would be criminal, because these are truly some of the finest Star Wars collectibles we have seen.

Designed with premium materials (like strong and non-brittle plastics), and attention to detail given to these figures is something we have not seen in a scale of this size in a while. With a simple yet incredible range of movement that won’t break when articulated, these are just some of the traits that set the Meisho Movie Realization line apart from the rest of larger-sized action figures (other than the obvious approach of course). And with over 30 points of articulation, who wouldn’t love these figures? The paint operations take this already specific approach to new levels with mixes of color and flawless application that we sadly do not see applied to Hasbro figures. You can inspect the figures from head to toe, and you will be blown away by what was accomplished here. Sohei Darth Maul is a pure example of what can be accomplished in this scale. Forget that he isn’t screen-accurate to Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. That’s not what this line it about here. It’s about bringing the concept of Star Wars to the historical culture of the Japanese people, taking liberties, and executing some of the finest figures in recent memory. Sohei Darth Maul is evidence that a little extra refinement in the approach of a six inch scaled figure is sometimes all it takes to impress the potential audience. They succeed here with that easily.

The Meisho Movie Realization line doesn’t have the breadth of other 6” type lines, but the collection is building, and Sohei Darth Maul is a character that those who love this line have been waiting to see produced. As far as Sohei Darth Maul inspiration is concerned, “Sohei” means warrior monk in Japanese. Bandai describes the figure as “[Sohei Darth Maul is] a perfect fit for this fanatical character. His trademark lightsabers have become a halberd and his face evocative of a fierce Japanese mask.” We can easily sum up the figure by describing it as beautiful. Sohei Darth Maul comes with a bevy of accessories, but the great thing is that you’re not overwhelmed with a bazillion parts. Some of the accessories must be on the figure at all time to give him a “completed” look, while others are truly meant for alternate display. Included are a removable face mask, two lightsaber hilts, and two lightsabers bladed (and these connect to each other for a double-bladed “sword.” Additionally, two sets of interchangeable hands have been included. The skirt and shoulder armor are also removable, but the figure doesn’t necessarily look “right” if they’re not on him. Overall, we’re quite pleased with Sohei Darth Maul. He is a standout in this already great lineup.

Collector Notes

Sohei Darth Maul

Status: Sohei Darth Maul is an all-new figure.

Articulation Count: 36 points (21 areas of articulation)

Articulation Details: ball-socket head (1), double ball-socket (neck) (2), ball-jointed left shoulder (2), ball-jointed right shoulder (2), ball-socket left shoulder armor (1), ball-socket right shoulder armor (1), ball-jointed left elbow (2), ball-jointed right elbow (2), ball-jointed left forearm (2), ball-jointed right forearm (2), ball-jointed left wrist (2), ball-jointed wrist (2), ball-socket torso (1), ball-socket left hip (1), ball-socket right hip (1), ball-jointed left knee (2), ball-jointed right knee (2), ball-jointed left shin (2), ball-jointed right shin (2), ball-jointed left ankle (2), ball-jointed right ankle (2)

Accessory Count: 13

Accessory Details: mask, lightsaber hilt A, lightsaber blade A, lightsaber hilt B, lightaber blade B, necklace, lower skirt, left shoulder armor, right shoulder armor, interchangeable left hand (grip), interchangeable right hand (grip), interchangeable left hand (open), interchangeable left hand (open)

Date Stamp: N/A

Assortment Number: 23190549

UPC: 4549660175735

Retail: $89.99 USD

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

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