Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony) - SW [S - P3] - Basic (’03 #07)

After a brief convalescence wherein Anakin's severed arm was replaced with a mechanical one, he accompanied Senator Amidala back to Naboo. There, at a secluded lake retreat, the two were secretly wed by a Naboo holyman in a ceremony witnessed only by C-3PO and R2-D2. Anakin made this choice in defiance of the rules and traditions decreed by the Jedi code. It may have been the start of a new life, but it was another step to Anakin's eventual destruction.

We all knew it was inevitable that Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala would marry, but perhaps maybe some of us didn’t expect them to do it so secretly as we witnessed in the film. Then again, since it was forbidden, we probably should have expected this very secretive marriage. Expressing their love in this manner was inevitable as both had so much to lose by falling in love. As complete opposites, both "careers" were in jeopardy. We watched Anakin and Padmé give their vows to each other in the final scene of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of The Clones. Although it was against the his creed to fall in love and marry, Anakin Skywalker forsook the Jedi code to satisfy his emotional and physical needs first. This of course was only the next step in the path of his eventual demise. Let's also not forget that Padmé Amidala also had much to lose because she was an important political figure. A very pivotal scene in Episode II, it was this very quick marriage that would forever change Anakin’s path with regards to the light side of the Force and ultimately lead him down a dark path instead. As grim as the final outcome of his destiny will become, it’s hard not to be stirred by this final scene as it shows that Anakin Skywalker is human, vulnerable, relatable and a man filled with undying affection for Padmé. So what better way to memorialize this love affair than with an action figure interpretation? Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony) is a tremendous upgrade from previous iterations released before it in the Star Wars "Saga" line. While not super-articulated, he does come with a decent 14 points of total articulation that give him some good mobility and ultimately the ability to take Padmé’s hand in marriage.

Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony) is an admirable effort from Hasbro, although there is still plenty wrong before he can be close to becoming definitive for collectors. But he was good enough for Hasbro to carry him forward from one phase of the Star Wars "Saga" line to the next. Let's run down some of the facts. The expression on his portrait is rather emotionless. Perhaps that accurately represents the mood of Anakin at the time of his wedding vows. Perhaps he was not gathered in his thoughts. Maybe he was preoccupied. Whatever his emotions, it has been translated well into the figure. We feel however that a slightly happier look would have behooved this action figure a bit more. His outer robes are admittedly too bulky. But even with that being said, they do fit quite well despite creating an unnecessarily larger girth around Anakin. The good news is that they’re easily removable and can be placed to the side while not in use, but you'll need them to recreate the secret ceremony. Once removed, collectors are treated to a good representation of Anakin Skywalker. Most noticeable is his athletic frame. He is articulated well and can attain a vast array of poses that previous versions could not. Aesthetically he looks like he should and between his likeness and accurate costume, he really does favor Anakin Skywalker (the character) from Episode II. A swivel head is joined by two ball-jointed shoulders, two swivel elbows, swivel waist, two swivel hips, and two odd ball-jointed ankles. While completely functional, the ankles stick out away from the bottom of his leg which really affects a natural form. Thankfully they’re functional and provide Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony) with some options that wouldn’t be possible had they not included this articulation.

Originally released in the Star Wars "Saga" [Phase II] line look, he was quickly repackaged in the Star Wars "Saga" [Phase III] line look so that he would remain at retail longer. Anakin Skywalker appropriately comes with a right cybernetic hand. Hasbro has done a great job of making Anakin’s new appendage realistic. This is the one key detail to let you know this Anakin Skywalker is based from the end of Episode II and not the beginning. He also comes with a lightsaber which is great because it’s another accessory, but of course you know that it is clearly not a scene specific one. Overall, this action figure ranks as good, and he will serve the purpose you need him for quite well. We definitely appreciate the efforts Hasbro put forth with Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony). They are a few new details here that make him unique from past releases. And let’s not forget that the enhanced articulation and better likeness also bolters it as well. It’s encouraging to see that Hasbro has the ability to make the newest Anakin Skywalker figure better than the previous version. Stepwise growth is always encouraging. But this is a waiting game of sorts that may test collectors’ patience. Is this a definitive interpretation of Anakin Skywalker? The answer to that is a negative one. But it is the best version in the Star Wars “Saga” line. It’s free from annoying action features and there aren’t any scene specific facial expressions either. So we count this version an upgrade the ones we have received earlier. The Star Wars “Saga” line is a great collection that focuses on key points in Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones (as well as the other films), and Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony) is a perfect example of this. Plus, it truly is a halfway decent action figure as well.