Darth Maul
ARTFX model kit, which stands 7 inches tall (1/10th scale).
*All reviews are based on 5 stars. The review is brief in many respects so it’s readable and not over complicated with details. The review can also be based in relation to the category that the item falls under.
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The packaging is positive yet again from this line. It’s simplicity along with an elegant design is what makes this stand out. There isn’t that horrible see- through window which many of the previous kotobukiya models have displayed. It shows the product from a front view and at the sides of the box it displays each of Maul’s side views which is nicely done. On the back it has the scene the sculpt was partially made for and all in all a nice description and back story to Maul. The box isn’t oversized either. Everything has been done to a high standard.
Sculpt/Outfit****
This really is a decent attempt for Darth Maul. The criteria is best covered in movie accuracy below but overall, the pose and the menace displayed works wonders with the character. With the addition of the interchangeable hands, lightsabers and the two heads the statue/figure is given enough variety for posing even if the sculpt is static.
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Some positive shades used overall. The faces do contain a little slop marginally and the sculpt lines on the head do shine through which is a small point of frustration. If this was a more expensive piece than I would be inclined to mark it down further but overall while it’s not without flaws it is well painted for the most part. The heavy gloss tones on the gloves may be a tad too much for some and you could argue between the red-ish tones and blacks whether it’s shade perfect but it’s definitely not a bad attempt.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/ ... 49e4e3.jpghttp://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/ ... 2fea70.jpgPose ****1/4
The pose is very much a benefit to the animalistic Darth Maul. He looks mean and ready for action without the dramatic feral qualities seen in other statue/figures. Rather than an overly dramatic pose the sculpt lends itself to the majority of observers relating to Maul’s duel in the movie where he begins in a martial arts stance and during the course takes similar poses. Between the head sculpts and hand additions various scenes can be loosely recreated. Sometimes the safe poses also display better. A definite positive for this statue and far more within the realms of the character than some of the more expensive incarnations. The pose is expressive and one of the best movie poses to date.
Movie Accuracy ****
The actual accuracy of the sculpt can be flawed in terms of some aspects of size relation etc but that’s really getting fussy as there isn’t anything that jumps out at you as a real negative. The face is probably the number one aspect that makes or breaks a figure like this and overall it does look like Darth Maul. Does it look like Ray Park as Darth Maul though? I think so, more so for the closed mouth head. Ultimately it’s not 100% but then little rarely is but we have all seen Maul recreated many times and I think most of the time a mix between comic and movie and at times artistic interpretation takes centre stage. The main aspect is that this looks like the character that the company has aimed for and they have done it well and that’s the bottom line. As for the nit picks. Ray Parks style of ears usually get incorporated into sculpts but I was surprised to see this missing and just a generic ear sculpt given that‘s tried to imitate. Small points like this can go along way with fans. Texturisation in the crown area underneath the sculpt doesn’t instil the likeness of accuracy as it just looks a little flawed and then the paint application that tried to hide this it. In some respects it’s a different take on a smooth crown but this is an error in my opinion. As for the opened mouth Maul it’s a good attempt but I definitely favour the closed mouth version as it looks better accuracy wise. Some may say the face colour is off, yet again it’s not a perfect match but I don’t find it all that bad. There has been a variety of pink, red and orange hues seen on many versions of Maul since 1999 and I think very few have got it right. As for the colour used here it‘s positive. As for the rest of the figure it’s generally well done from the boots to the robes. Hard core enthusiasts will no doubt pick up on some small short comings accuracy wise but by in large it’s easy to enjoy the overall flow of the figure as it trumps many versions of the popular Darth Maul character.
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The problem with cheaper vinyl figures is they can look plastic and cheap. This is no museum piece but it does fit well in a classy display room nevertheless as it’s basically a very good representation of Darth Maul. The other benefit is that the size is good to blend in with other props or displays. It’s not the first thing you’re drawn to and the subtlety is an added bonus.
Value *****
This model kit is terrific value. From the glossy visuals on the box down to the interchangeable hands, the 2 different heads and a fairly decent 7 inch size. The RRP of around £45 is a very fair asking price for a figure that is positively a good likeness of Darth Maul.
Overall ****1/2
I would imagine even the hard core Maul fans would be happy with this latest incarnation. Definitely compared to a Darth Vader fan there is more on offer here
In terms of accuracy for the character. It’s not perfect, some minor nit picks hinder a five star rating but if Kotobukiya had got the ears right along with the second head (open mouth) slightly less gloss on the gloves and a more consistent paint finish and the odd nitpick with the sculpt then this would be just about one of the best Maul’s out there. That aside, this really is an all rounded figurine that boasts enough quality with the design and overall function of what the company no doubt set out to do and therefore this comes highly recommended. At the height of the Maul frenzy in 1999 I wished they had released something this good back then.
