The expression “you get what you paid for” usually has a negative connotation.  In the case of the eFx Collectibles Signature Edition Lightsaber, it’s a positive statement.  The MSRP is one dollar shy of $400, but art does not come cheap.  From the moment the shipping box is opened, the quality is apparent.  The elegant black and gold box opens like a roll top desk to reveal a movie quality saber hilt encased in custom fitted styrofoam.  You’ll feel like a secret agent on a wetwork assignment.

The subject matter may be puzzling to some Bantha Skull regulars.  I’ll never miss an opportunity to point out how terrible the Prequel Trilogy is.  But I do delight in some of the scenes and characters.  Like many, I’ve been captivated by the Sith attack dog, Darth Maul, since I first saw the trailer for The Phantom Menace.  While that film did not deliver, Ray Park did.  I have a shocking confession as a Star Wars fan.  Lightsaber battles largely bore me.  While Return of the Jedi is my favorite Star Wars movie, I find my attention drifting during the climatic lightsaber battle.  The Duel of the Fates saber battle in The Phantom Menace completely awes me.  Ray Park’s Wushsu master skills make that my favorite lightsaber battle in the entire saga.  In short, I am a Darth Maul fanboy.  George Lucas should be brought up on charges for dismissing the best character of the Prequel Trilogy after fifteen minutes of screen time.

Part of the premium of this piece is the gold name plate hand signed by Ray Park.  This serves as a double duty collectible.  In one item, you can bolster your autograph collection and prop replica collection.  The autograph nameplate comes inside the eFx packet wrapped in tissue paper to ensure the integrity of the signature.  It then slides into the plaque stand.  The stand itself does not attach to the display base in any way.  It just sits on top of it.  This means using the display base is optional, which is nice due to the width of the item.  The saber is perfectly secure using just the plaque stand.  This means the double saber can be displayed on a shelf that isn’t as wide as the item itself with the sides of the hilt overhanging the shelf.

The detail on the hilt itself is amazing.  The Star Wars “used” universe is captured to an incredible degree.  Since Maul’s saber hilt wasn’t featured in any close up scenes, I doubt the actual prop was detailed to this degree.  Every recess and pit has an amazing amount of lifelike griminess.  Every button and switch has a degree of wear that is befitting a combat arm.  The ignitior ends show the distress and scorching of an implement that would have to accommodate the several thousand joules of a plasma blade.  Can you tell that I love this piece?

This item sold out on the eFx website within the first 24 hours give or take.  Before I make my next statement, please take into consideration that Bantha Skull receives no commission or advertising fees from Big Bad Toy Store.  I say this only as a service to our readership: