Fans were instantly excited about this figure because of the inclusion of Dr. Ball, M.D. in the package.  While the fact that Robot Chicken’s name has not been canonized is a sin, we are compelled to reference the accessory by it’s official name of IT-O Interrogator.  You know it as either another tool in the Empire’s mechanical intimidation arsenal designed to extract the location of the rebel base or as one of the most annoying enemies in Dark Forces.  Unless I’m forgetting a release,your only two options to own an IT-O Interrogator is through this figure or the Saga Imperial Forces Battle Pack.  This CommTech Vader is easily the more accessible of the two.  Editor’s Note:  Matt from the comments section reminded us that the IT-O droid also came with the TAC Capture of Tantive IV Battle Pack.

The Vader figure is notable for a few reasons.  First, this is the only basic carded Darth Vader figure that does not come with a lightsaber. I feel bad for the kid that got this figure as a present.  Who wants a Vader figure without a lightsaber? Next, this is the first 3.75” scale Darth Vader figure to feature a soft goods cape.  I know there isn’t a unanimous preference for soft goods, but I prefer soft goods capes over plastic capes especially on Darth Vader figures.  Lastly, the figure is sculpted to emulate Vader’s pose with his hands resting on the belt boxes.  We’ve had some fairly supremely articulated Darth Vader figures at this scale, but none can fully replicate this pose.  If you want a Darth Vader figure to strike that intimidating stance, this is your best bet.  Because of that iconic pose, fans were clamoring to have this figure released as a holographic Vader to represent the AT-AT cockpit conversation with General Veers.  Hasbro promptly said “That’s great, but that hologram is based on the Episode V costume and this figure is based on the Episode IV costume, so yoooooou’re stupid, ” and used 2001’s Emperor’s Wrath Darth Vader.

Another novelty on this figure is that there is a lightsaber hilt sculpted onto the belt and hip of the figure.  It’s as if to taunt children who want to arm their figure.  It’s like super gluing a quarter to the sidewalk in front of a hobo.  For the adult collector, the lack of a weapon matters not since the figure is specifically designed with a non-combat pose.  As far as the aesthetics go, the only jarringly dated design element is the familiar overly large POTF2 hands.  While not as bad as some of the earlier figures, the hands have a bit of a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man vibe.  Other than that, if you want this specific pose out of a Vader figure, you could integrate it with a modern collection.  Because of that and the included IT-O droid, this figure warrants a 4 out of 10 (and cue the hate hooting).

Click here to find this figure on Ebay