Chirrut Ímwe/Baze Malbus - SW [TLJ] - Two-Packs

“I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.” Will any of us ever forget those powerful lines from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? Not only was this line unforgettable, but the character who spoke it was just as unforgettable. The blind Force sensitive Chirrut Ímwe stole the show in Rogue One and had become a favorite character of many Star Wars fans and collectors across the globe. He was originally released as 2016’s RO Chirrut Ímwe basic figure, but now he is back and better than ever in a Star Wars [The Last Jedi] Two-Packs set along with his partner in crime Baze Malbus. Baze Malbus also became a favorite character of Rogue One fans too. He started out life in the 5POA in a Two-Packs set, and here he is again with a much better and more accurately paired character. The two looks great together and the added Force Link technology this time around just makes them perfect. Each character says five lines ranging from action-oriented to humorous. This is an enjoyable Two-Packs set, and we hope that Star Wars collectors will give this set a chance even if they own these characters in the Rogue One line. The Force Link features just elevates them to a new and impressive level.

For us, Chirrut Ímwe is the star of the set. While clearly and evidently based on the same digital files of 2016’s RO Chirrut Ímwe figure, there are differences in both the sculpting and the paint operations which sets this version of him apart from the original release. Chirrut Ímwe comes with the basic five points of articulation and more importantly new accessories. The accessory of interest here is the bowcaster rifle. It’s awesome. It breaks down into two separate parts. What’s nice about this is that you can use it plainly as a blaster rifle, or connect the two parts to make a “close to” screen accurate bowcaster rifle. There are some differences between the onscreen prop and the accessory included with the figure, but you get this gist. Chirrut Ímwe is obviously limited in articulation, but we were able to make him hold this accessory believably. He looks pretty incredible holding it. What a shame it is that this figure isn’t super-articulated! He also comes with a staff, and his robes are removable, just like the original version. Paint operations have been upgraded here too. His eyes are a smoky gray this time instead of crystal blue. Details on his costume are different as well.

Baze Malbus is also based on his original digital files but has received little changes here and there. Plus, he comes included with Force Link technology too. He also comes with a new chain-gun accessory too which looks incredible and amazing. It also has a stunning paint job. The figure itself is also simply articulated and comes with five points of articulation. You don’t get much head movement, but it’s enough to get basic movement. The paint operations are both good and bad on Baze Malbus. From the neck down he is about perfect. But once again has chosen to paint his face which gives him a very unnatural synthetic appearance. We really wish Hasbro would always cast head sculpts in flesh-toned plastic and then paint hair, eyes and eyebrows on top of the flesh color. It just doesn’t look right otherwise. He has a wonky center of gravity and his shoes aren’t perfectly flat. This makes it a bit difficult to pose the figure unassisted. Things get tricky when you attach one of his large weapons to his back and make him hold the gun. From this perspective, Baze Malbus doesn’t come with the best engineering. Despite a few small issues, the Chirrut Imwe/Baze Malbus Two-Packs set is a great upgrade from the Rogue One versions.