Geeky Goods Review: Darth Vader - The Return Of Anakin Skywalker ArtFX+ Statue by Kotobukiya

Published November 17, 2016

You know you shouldn’t mess with a dude when he says stuff like, “ I am altering the deal, pray I do not alter it any further… ” — Star Wars: Episode V — the Empire Strikes Back

The Search Continues

With Lord Vader making his big screen return following a hiatus of 33 years I had to fish around to check what Darth Vader merchandise there is out there.

What’s that you say? Hayden Christensen cosplayed as Darth Vader on the big screen in 2005?

Oh, is that right?

Well, you need to know your role and shut your mouth, because I refuse to acknowledge the abortion that was the “Darth Vader” cameo in Revenge of the Sith [Spits angrily at the ground].

Anyway [slicks hair back into place and wipes spittle from corners of mouth], as I was saying; with Darth Vader finally making his return to the big screen after 33 years in next month’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, I hit up my chommies to find out what we can buy that is within my more modest price range (especially since the Hot Toys version of the Figure re-ignited my passion for the Sith Lord, while breaking my heart because of these darn budgetary constraints – be sure to read that review here .

Thanks once again to “The Nas” (formerly known as Naseemah) and Reza from Project Mayhem for letting poke and prod today’s figure to make this review possible.

Now I got to say right off the bat that this particular statue from Kotobukiya’s ArtFX+ line is a solid argument for why this product line is one of my favourites. The reasons will become apparent shortly.

Once again, we are going to deviate from our usual two part formula for statues where we consider Two A’s (ie Aesthetics and Aish-Factor) and add on “Accessories” for good measure.

AESTHETICS:-

For a line that is pegged as being Kotobukiya’s “cheaper” product line one would be hard pressed to fault this rendition of Darth Vader.

It is never easy to do justice to an almost all black clad character without having the character, or more accurately the figure looking a little flat. Some companies add in paint highlight here and there which is kind of hit and miss.

Kotobukiya on the other hand use differently textured materials to achieve that effect and that creates a nice contrast between the blacks. The beauty of it all is that the figure is made out of a type of plc. which means that the variations you see are all the result of creative sculpting.

While this figure doesn’t have any light up parts, as we saw in the Hot Toys version, the choice of colours used for the instrument panels and clusters across the battle suit have faded areas which almost simulates the effect of flickering lights. As if that wasn’t enough, despite the fact that these paint details are as fine as they are, there were only very few signs of admittedly nearly imperceptible) bleeding. Though if I am being honest, this observation is probably more of an example of me nit-picking than anything else.

I don’t want to pre-empt the discussion on accessories at this stage, but the included alternative head sculpt depicting the unmasked Darth Vader is another testament to Kotobukiya’s reverence for the character as it depicts a sinister, albeit battle-worn version of the character. One notes some very subtle shading and texturing across the alternative head sculpt. Unfortunately my ineptitude with a camera has resulted in the lighting being a bit harsh- which in turn results in the loss of some of this effect in the pictures.

Overall, and irrespective of which visage you choose, you are gifted with a very attractive version of Darth Vader.

I digress to mention that the fact that this figure includes the additional head sculpt is proof of my argument that Kotobukiya was a little like a selfish lover on a Friday night when they held back from giving us an additional head sculpt in their Marvel Now! Deadpool ArtFX+ statue. However, my Mama raised us to be gentlemen back at home so I can forgive them for that incident and appreciate this experience on its own merit.

ACCESSORIES:-

You know that little quirk of ours? That thing were we get that warm fuzzy feeling on our birthdays because we are getting all those free things? That’s pretty much how I feel with this statue and the included accessories.

Before I go on, I just want to take a moment to qualify the fact that when referring to accessories, I am referring to the included additional body parts.

Not only do you get the additional head we spoke about earlier, but you also get a total of 5 different hands which allow you to mix and match to achieve your favourite poses.

The included lightsaber comes in two pieces so you can display the figure with the blade activated or not entirely at your discretion.

The figure also comes with the standard Kotobukiya magnetic base.

AISH-FACTOR:-

I am always partisan to Darth Vader figures. Lord knows that there are innumerable versions of the character that are available on the market. The question you have to answer is whether or not this particular one is worth adding to your Star Wars collection.

This figure successfully captures the aesthetic of the character and the included accessories really help one bring the character to life.

The pieces are easy to swap out and all fit in nicely in the designated slots.

The figure has a solid build and can probably take some punishment without sustaining any damage.

In summary, between the impeccable attention to detail and the poses that are possible as a result of the interchangeable accessories, this figure elicits a resounding AISH and is a must have for any star wars fan.

Where to from here?

Local Suppliers offering this statue (including payment plans) include:

Project Mayhem who can be reached at:

[email protected] or www.projectmayhem.co.za

and

Cosmic Comics who can be reached at:

[email protected] or www.cosmiccomics.co.za

Be sure to tell them that Zaid sent you. Do this with the words “DarthZaidyBun is my master – give me a discount” in your best Darth Vader voice and you may even get a small time discount. You’re more likely to get weird looks and offered an asthma inhaler but its would be worth a shot.

You know you shouldn't mess with a dude when he says stuff like, “I am altering the deal, pray I do not alter it any further…” — Star Wars: Episode V — the Empire Strikes Back The Search Continues With Lord Vader making his big screen return following a hiatus of 33 years I had to fish around to check what Darth Vader merchandise there is out there. What’s that you say? Hayden Christensen cosplayed as Darth Vader on the big screen in 2005? Oh, is that right? Well, you need to know your role and shut your mouth, because I refuse to acknowledge the abortion that was the “Darth Vader” cameo in Revenge of the Sith [Spits angrily at the ground]. Anyway [slicks hair back into place and wipes spittle from corners of mouth], as I was saying; with Darth Vader finally making his return to the big screen after 33 years in next month’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, I hit up my chommies to find out what we can buy that is within my more modest price range (especially since the Hot Toys version of the Figure re-ignited my passion for the Sith Lord, while breaking my heart because of these darn budgetary constraints – be sure to read that review here. Thanks once again to “The Nas” (formerly known as Naseemah) and Reza from Project Mayhem for letting poke and prod today’s figure to make this review possible. Now I got to say right off the bat that this particular statue from Kotobukiya’s ArtFX+ line is a solid argument for why this product line is one of my favourites. The reasons will become apparent shortly. Once again, we are going to deviate from our usual two part formula for statues where we consider Two A’s (ie Aesthetics and Aish-Factor) and add on “Accessories” for good measure. AESTHETICS:- For a line that is pegged as being Kotobukiya’s “cheaper” product line one would be hard pressed to fault this rendition of Darth Vader. It is never easy to do justice to an almost all black clad character without having the character, or more accurately the figure looking a little flat. Some companies add in paint highlight here and there which is kind of hit and miss. Kotobukiya on the other hand use differently textured materials to achieve that effect and that creates a nice contrast between the blacks. The beauty of it all is that the figure is made out of a type of plc. which means that the variations you see are all the result of creative sculpting. While this figure doesn’t have any light up parts, as we saw in the Hot Toys version, the choice of colours used for the instrument panels and clusters across the battle suit have faded areas which almost simulates the effect of flickering lights. As if that wasn’t enough, despite the fact that these paint details are as fine as they are, there were only very few signs of…

Geeky Goods Review: Darth Vader – The Return Of Anakin Skywalker ArtFX+ Statue by Kotobukiya

2016-11-17

Darth Zady Bun

The Force is strong in this one

Total - 9.5

9.5

Making a decent Darth Vader figure is a lot like trying to fire a pair of proton torpedoes down a small thermal exhaust port.

Nearly impossible unless you are guided by the force. Boom - They nailed it!

User Rating: Be the first one !

Packaging – Front

Packaging Reverse

First Glance

Front View

Right View

Back View

Left View

Alternate Heads

Helmet on body

Alternate head on body

Force Choke

Battle Ready

Close up of control panels

The following two tabs change content below. - Bio

Latest Posts

Darth Zady Bun

Geeky Goods Editor

Zaid is a story teller, traveller, artist, entertainer and comic culture geek of note.

Powered by chocolate, and guided by an ever growing bucket (and collectibles) list, he finances his addiction to geek merchandise, comic books, action figures and all the cold cast porcelain and PVC pieces of heaven he can buy by giving (mostly) legal advice. He is also rumoured to have once eaten an entire pack of Marie Biscuits with a single mug of Five Roses Tea.

Witnesses deny the incident.

Geek Node is a volunteer-run publication. If you like this writer's work, please consider supporting them by giving them a tip. How do tips work?

Latest posts by Darth Zady Bun ( see all )

- Geeky Goods Review: King Arts Hulkbuster - March 6, 2017

- Comic Book Reviews: The FUSE, Vol. 4: Constant Orbital Revolutions TP - March 2, 2017

- Comic Book Reviews: James Bond Volume 2 – Eidolon - March 1, 2017

- Geeky Goods Review: Marvel Select Carnage Action Figure - February 27, 2017

- Geeky Goods Review: Wonder Girl Bishoujo Statue by Kotobukiya - February 20, 2017

Article Tags: Artfx+ · buy now · darth vader · Darthzadybun · featured · geeky goods review · Kotobukiya · review · Star Wars · statue review · Zaid Hassen Motala

Article Categories: Geeky Goods · Geeky Goods Reviews