Formula For The Definitive Episode VI Darth Vader

First of all, I know a lot of you groan whenever the subject of "core character updates" is broached, but it's not always about you longtime fans. Releasing definitive versions of core characters is good for the Vintage Collection. It allows newer collectors to get in on the ground floor of the best version of an important character which leads to greater investment and engagement in the line. Those of us long timers who go nuts for this stuff, order these figurers literally by the case. In the rare event that the figures actually make it to brick and mortar, the recognizable characters are the ones that might even ensnare a new collector. They need a presence in the line.

The higher sales generated by core characters is good for TVC, and even better, the new tooling return on investment encourages more new tooling investment. I would like to remind you that some of you would give me grief every time I suggested that we needed a definitive update to the Episode VI Boba Fett, and well...



The best way to define the definitive Episode VI Darth Vader is explaining why the current "best" version falls short. For a general purpose Vader, the VC08 - Darth Vader is the best of what we have, but it is far from perfect. In fact, I would say it's not even adequate. Let's explore why.

The Open Right Hand



That open right hand has the affect of greatly undermining the functionality. The FIRST job of any Darth Vader figure is to engage in lightsaber duels because that's the most dynamic thing Vader does on screen. George Lucas explicitly wanted the sword fighting of the Original Trilogy to be in a two-handed "Excalibur" style. A definitive Darth Vader figure must be able to grip the hilt of the saber in both hands in a two-handed-weapon-grip. A scene-specific open hand destroys that possibility.

Furthermore, during the climax of the final battle in Return of the Jedi, Vader is holding the saber in his right hand as Luke furiously chops away. The VC08 figure can't recreate that scene at all because it can't hold the saber in its right hand.

The Removable Helmet



Simply put, removable helmets aren't as aesthetically appealing as non-removable helmets. In the case of the VC08 figure, it looks like dull plastic and lacks the gloss necessary compared to the on-screen counterpart. Moreover, the seam along the helmet never closes satisfactorily. The gap between the top of the helmet and the bottom is always visible. A definitive Episode VI Darth Vader figure should have a non-removable helmet and a swappable unmasked head similar to the recently announced Bo-Katan figure. It should be packaged with the unmasked head on the figure. This would be appealing to even carded collectors as it would be the first packaged helmetless Darth Vader figure in the Vintage Collection (and only the third carded one in the history of the line if memory serves). Additionally, this would give Hasbro the opportunity to use the film-out from the scene where Luke removes Anakin's helmet. This would also appeal to carded collectors. It would give freshness to a familiar source.

It Lacks The Modern Articulation We're Accustomed To

The base tooling from the VC08 figure dates all the way back to 2005's "Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader" Evolutions set. TWO THOUSAND AND DANK FARRIK FIVE! That's not good enough. My esteemed colleague, Mr. Nomad E. Scout, has coined the phrase "Jedi Level Articulation" or JLA for short. This describes the current 14 points of articulation standard with no flat plane (i.e. swivel) joints. It would also mean the inclusion of rocker ankles. A definitive Darth Vader figure must have Jedi Level Articulation. Ironically, Hasbro has already tooled what is close to the perfect Vader, but they seem to have forgotten about it. It was the 3.75" Black Series (2014) #03 - Darth Vader figure. It would just need two new heads, Episode VI aesthetics, and minor retooling to include a thigh swivel, which it needs.

Hasbro, do all these things, and I promise you the figure will sell. I would bet the future of the Vintage Collection on it.

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