Customer Reviews

Star Wars Ultimate Quarter Scale Darth Maul Action Figure

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I get a laugh out of all the Sideshow snobs who have written this Diamond Select figure off as a "decent budget sculpt" or a "poor man's display piece." Sure, you can go pay $300+ for a Sideshow Premium 1:4 Darth Maul, and although it will look nice, it is NOT poseable and does not include Darth Maul's outer robe. Or you can pay $200+ for a Sideshow 12" Darth Maul that IS fully poseable with all the intricate costuming. However, I own a few of Sideshow's 12" figures (including their Darth Maul), and I can tell you that as far as looks go, this Diamond Select Darth Maul quarter-scale figure puts ANY of Sideshow's 1:6 scale figures to SHAME. Just the detail of the robes, tunic, trousers and belt alone is worth the $50 that this figure's retail has been reduced to. In other words, I'd have gladly paid the $80 MSRP this figure is worth.

Still a little skeptical? Not two days ago, I had a friend over who is a visual effects supervisor for motion pictures. As soon as he saw this figure, he asked me how I was able to procure a quarter scale maquette from ILM. When I told him it was a $50 toy, he was so impressed that he immediately got on his cell to call another of his special effects cronies to tell him about it.

Anyway, it's only a matter of time before collectors truly catch on to this kind of value, and in a couple years you won't be seeing this figure for any less than a couple hundred bucks on eBay.

That said, I'm really not impressed with the other figures in this line, except for Emperor Palpatine and maybe old Obi-Wan. Once you start having to sculpt natural "likeness" in character faces, that requires a whole new level of artistry (and yes, Sideshow does that much better). Diamond Select did originally have a Darth Vader in the works, but they've since cancelled its production. Too bad, because it really would have given this line the boost and recognition it deserves.

But back to Darth Maul. There are really only two things I do not like about this figure, and one thing that I'd add. First of all, the dual lightsabers are clunky, cumbersome, and do not fit into Darth Maul's right hand very well (the sculpt has too large of a grasp with no flexibility due to the heavy plastic construct). Like the Sideshow figure, the lightsabers use magnets as the couplers, but the Diamond Select magnets are not as powerful and they cause the attached sabers to sag a bit at the middle. The removable red lightsaber blades themselves are made of translucent red plastic. I'm thinking about boring out the lightsaber hilts and adding some battery powered LED effect to them. The second thing about this figure that you should keep in mind regarding its usage as a toy, is that the cheaper, harder plastic does not work well for joint poseability, especially at the legs. I'm going to tell you right now that I busted the left leg of mine right out of the box by simply trying to bend at the knee. Yes, I forced it and it snapped right off. Luckily, that didn't matter for my own display purposes, and I was able to secure the leg back on by simply bracing it between the figure and the display stand (which is excellent, by the way). As far as what I'd add, well, the figure already comes with a change out left hand allowing Darth Maul to hold his signature binoculars. I would have taken that a step further and given him a change out portrait, one without his action-ready leer so memorable from the film (as bad as the film was :-) But I realize that would be asking too much for such an affordable figure.

Bottom line, if you're reading this review, you're considering buying. Consider no further. BUY IT. You'll be very impressed. Also, if you're into displaying quality pieces like me, this particular figure is worthy of some good track lighting to make its features pop. I'd suggest a key light shining gently at a 60 degree angle below. It was the lighting that fooled my buddy into believing I'd procured a one-of-a-kind maquette ;-)

BTW - If you want to know more about exactly how I'm displaying this piece, read on. First of all, I suggest displaying him elevated in a corner. I used Creative Connectors 6990350 Invisible Mount Corner Wooden Shelving, 12-Inch, White. Then use a bottom spotlight at 60 degrees from at least 3' below the shelf. I used one light from the Lumen 3 Pack LED High Output Spotlights with Remote Control and devised a 2" diameter amber gel to warm up the cold LED light. The result: a very nice display that grabs all the texture and depth of Darth Maul's outfit and makes his colorful and striking face jump out at you!

I had been eying this at Toys R Us for quite awhile - it really is gorgeously done. Cloth clothing, detailed sculpting, and huge - this is 1/4th the size of a person. I think the box came up to nearly my waist - the biggest 'action figure' I had ever seen. The figure has quite a few points of articulation and is incredible posable - you can really make that large size figure interesting by doing all kinds of interesting poses from the movie.

I am VERY happy I bought this. It really is one of those 'ultimate' Star Wars items that can be proudly displayed or played with if you have kids (or are so inclined yourself!). It's too well done to actually leave it in the box as a collector item.

It was delivered, and I was thinking that's a big box. When I opened it I was like "Wow!" it was huge. The detail was Awesome, and the clothing true to the movie. I collect Star Wars items as a hobby, and this was the perfect addition to my collection.

this action figure is one of my best.
The Cloth clothing, detailed & the quality not that bad
Actually I've seen an action figure with this details before,but in opinion this action figure it's not for 8+ I can say minimum 10+.
finally about the price it's little high,but it's still A great action figure & i'm so happy to buy it.

In the end I would like to thank you all for reading my review

this thing is huge,
19 inches, the detail on this is amazing,
the only problem is that it dose not hold the lightsaber vary well, but this in not to much of a problem.
this is not really a toy more for looks,
grate for any star wars collector!

Any Star Wars fan will appreciate the detail of this figure. It has multiple joints for various poses and the robes are magnificent. This is truly an amazing figure, Star Wars fans or not!

Got this for my nephew, it's not what he wanted but he did say that it was better. I think it's better for collectors. He won't really play with it, especially since all of his other star wars figures are a whole lot smaller. detail on this one is great I thought it would say more than what it does, but still great item. I will try to find him one to play with everyday!

Hye im from Malaysia, n believe me..nobody has ever put this bad guy in any toy store(the quarter size i mean of course.) I received it yesterday, n how i was blow away by the size of it,for an action figure to me its BiG! lol. i'm truly satisfied with the price given. its cheaper, bigger, more detailed and articulated than the pricey, small sideshow (luckily i didn't bought that one). It's worth every penny of yours, a truly collectors item for any star wars fan! :)

Darth Maul action figure was just what I wanted to add to my collection of Star War Figures. Most of mine are the 12" or bigger colletion from back when the movie first came out. Price was good. Enjoy collecting theses pieces of all star war movies.

This item is a real bargain for the serious Star Wars Collector. Great detail put in the figure and clothing.