Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] - TVC - Basic (VC13)

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We have gotten many Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] figures since 2005, once Revenge Of The Sith impacted Star Wars fans. Still, none have come as close to faithfully replicating the new Jedi Knight-turned-Sith Apprentice as The Vintage Collection's Darth Vader (VC13) figure. It's taken the character to new heights. We got close to this with 2008's TAC Darth Vader (08 02) figure in the 30 (77-07) line. Hasbro gave the 2005 Revenge of The Sith Evolutions figure ball-jointed hips and called it a day. They did not realize that the more significant issue was the angle-cut swivel elbow articulation. It was an upgrade, but it could have been better. Hasbro thought it held up well throughout the years since it was released and repeatedly released. We lost count of how many times Hasbro packed out this figure in the lineup. But after years of pleading and trying to get Hasbro to give us one more and hopefully final update, they revisited that once-good figure and made a new version of Darth Vader that turned out better than expected. Hasbro revisited The Vintage Collection update in more ways than you probably realize. Even if you aren't as micro-managed in your appreciation of your action figures, there is no denying that the new head sculpt will impact, stir conversation, and add debate within the Star Wars collecting community. The figure is quite a sight to behold. The new tooling given to the portrait impresses us. We cannot distinguish if we like it or are perplexed by it. But the old and the new parts work together incredibly well, and Hasbro has found an effective way to make something previously available, exciting, and new again for now. (Editor's Note: Hasbro originally released this figure as "Anakin Skywalker," but multiple collectors expressed to Hasbro that Anakin Skywalker with Sith eyes is technically Darth Vader. Hasbro agreed, and they revised it. Collectors had little faith that would transpire since they said they'd fix other figures from the past that never came to fruition.)

Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] is a retool and repaint of 2008's TAC Darth Vader (08 02) figure. Hasbro included ball-jointed elbows for this release, positively affecting this figure's dynamics. All previous versions of Darth Vader in this outfit are now obsolete and useless to your collection. We have always despised swivel elbows on our action figures, and getting this version of Darth Vader that includes this premium update is beyond overdue. The figure accomplishes so much for collectors and looks excellent in collections, especially those focusing on Episode III. Not only does it satiate our overzealous articulation appetite, but it also gives the figure a better stature; Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] stands much more naturally now and has excellent posture. Of course, it's a given that we are excited about this update, but we are more impressed by what Hasbro didn't have to do but did anyway. For example, they repainted the figure beautifully. The changes are more than subtle but make the figure look fresh and new, and ultimately better. Hasbro colored the boots cordovan; the brown undershirt is brighter, the brown pants are about ten shades darker now, and the leather tabard over the Jedi clothing looks a little more shiny. What's more, Hasbro spent extra time (and money) to redo the look of the belt entirely and has included a ton more extra gold and silver details to help accent the pouches and other metal details on it. It looks fabulous. Hasbro has made better use of its color palette, and the browns flow together much more evenly. Hasbro eliminated the previous reddish browns in favor of more authentic colors. The appearance is more uniform, and there aren't any harsh contrasts of colors anymore. Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] also has spent a little time in the sun, figuratively speaking, as the figure has a slightly darker skin tone. We think this is a small step in the wrong direction, but it is not noticeable unless you compare it to the older figures. And the paint job given to the eyes is nothing short of miraculous. We can't recall one other Star Wars figure with a more perfect paint job in the eyes, given the limited technology Hasbro has for now.

Darth Vader has ball-jointed hips and a soft-goods skirt that allows you to pose the legs pretty much as needed. The soft goods have some give, which is excellent, yet they remain tucked in close to the body without looking sloppy or unkempt. But you know all about this stuff already. You may want to hear more about that head sculpt we praised. In short, we love it. But we are taken aback by its drastic change from all previous Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) head sculpts we have received. Hasbro has taken a new approach to make the portrait as well. Darth Vader is wearing the equivalent of a toupee. The head sculpt is two parts glued together, which gives the hair some extra height, which, at certain angles, harkens a style somewhere back to the 1980s hair-band era. This comparison isn't a knock. Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] did have some length (and height) to his hair in Episode III. But we have yet to see this attention to detail done so exceptionally on an action figure of the character. However, one thing that amazes us is that Hasbro has included strands that fall away from the bulk of the hair and come down the forehead to the brow. It is so unique that we're at a loss for words on how awesome it is. We have never received an action figure with this much hair detail on a figure of this scale. This approach is typically the same attention to detail you expect on a 12-inch figure. The final result they achieved is glorious. This Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] figure has captured our attention, and we're thrilled how it brought freshness to The Vintage Collection. Hasbro worked in some instances of sheer genius here, and Hasbro employed some excellent tactics to make the figure feel new again. On top of that, they updated the figure to include ball-jointed arms and a phenomenal head sculpt and repainted it to exacting standards, and it looks much better than ever. If you're unhappy with these efforts, nothing else will impress you. But Darth Vader [Anakin Skywalker] proves that Hasbro should keep going until a figure's perfected because Darth Vader is closer than ever. Be sure to get this figure. Just get used to calling him Darth Vader after being called Anakin Skywalker first. That feels a bit awkward!