Axe Woves (Privateer) - TVC - Basic (VC315)

A skilled warrior and privateer, Axe Woves travels the galaxy as a Mandalorian mercenary.

Unfortunately, The Vintage Collection is increasingly becoming a disorganized mess. We are all for improvements made to action figures. But why add it to a numbered lineup with a different VC number and character name on the nameplate? The new and improved Axe Woves (Privateer) action figure sanitizes the sins made with the first figure and tweaks it to be as near-perfect as one might expect. While it’s rare for any action figure to have a perfect status, Axe Woves (Privateer) now has a different kind of perfection, technically screen-inaccurate but systematically stunning. The new functionality of a removable helmeted portrait and tightened up paint operations, although we see little difference in the colors applied. That said, we strongly feel that Hasbro should have made this figure a Fan Channel exclusive with the improvements but the same old VC number and name. It’s ridiculous that this character has two versions that don’t trail each other too far. Another way of saying this is that we have identical action figures as separate entries in The Vintage Collection. It’s ALMOST as annoying as the Rebel Fleet Trooper or Imperial/Death Star Gunner debacles. The first “inferior” Axe Woves was an exclusive action figure to Target, and while it sold well, it didn’t meet collectors’ expectations. This new version of Axe Woves (Privateer) should.

Based on the Death Watch Mandalorian figure released before it, Hasbro gave it a new head sculpt and paint job, making it as close to screen-accurate as possible. Still, there are sadly notable differences between Axe Woves’ costume and the one used by the Death Watch Mandalorian. The final figure, however, is a passable representation of the on-screen character from The Mandalorian Disney+ series. Our kneejerk response to Axe Woves is that it resembles Jango Fett from Attack Of The Clones. Think of a modern and revised version of Jango Fett, which we have here. The figure has an exquisite articulation system, and the paint operations are clean and defining. The new portrait is stunning and is solely responsible for giving this action figure character. As The Mandalorian continues, we expect to see more in the 3.75-inch line. But until that happens, we have plenty of new characters to enjoy and appreciate, like Axe Wolves. With enhanced articulation, a gorgeous paint job, and a stunning design, collectors don’t have much to complain about here. With Bo-Katan Kryze (VC226), Koska Reeves (VC230), and Death Watch Mandalorian (VC219) from The Mandalorian, the popularity of this series has allowed Hasbro to add the likes of Mandalorian Death Watch Airborne Trooper (VC247), Mandalorian Super Commando (VC243), and Mandalorian Super Commando Captain (VC246) into the lineup as well.

Axe Woves (Privateer) should prove it will become an essential addition to The Vintage Collection action figure line. They included enough accessories to keep things interesting. Besides, it’s a macho male character. We get so few of those in Disney Star Wars anymore. The posture of this figure is one of its highlights. When posed standing on guard with the included blaster, you can’t help but be reminded of the other Mandalorians we’ve seen throughout The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian. The likeness of the action figure is mind-blowingly realistic, and we’re happy to see Hasbro perfect Photo Real in this range of action figures. Axe Woves has a lean and athletic silhouette. And we can’t help but note that the boots are a big part of the distinct look of this character. It lends a more streamlined and military-esque inspiration and complements the armor perfectly. The jetpack plugs into the back of the figure tightly, so it’s nice not to worry about an integral part of the figure falling off if you look at it the wrong way. Also included are a Mandalorian blaster, the WESTAR-35 blaster pistol, and a removable interchangeable helmeted portrait. It works as an accessory, too. Axe Woves (Privateer) feels wrong as a re-released TVC figure with a new name and number, but that’s our lot in life. We’ve been made to suffer. But don’t suffer more than you must, so please consider this figure for your collection.