“Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi”
A Fan Channel Exclusive wave of two figures from The Phantom Menace was released in March 2024, expanding our limited Episode 1 collection with new figures of the young Anakin Skywalker, and Padme Amidala. The figures were only the second and third figures for Episode 1 in the Galaxy Collection and the first general releases with the 01 figure in the line being the Deluxe release of Jar Jar Binks from 2021. The packaging utilises the usual black base with the yellow colouring of The Phantom Menace used on the character text and artwork. Anakin is number 02 in the Episode 1 collection and his side artwork connects directly to Jar Jar and then onward to Padme.
Anakin is a new figure and is designed on the Tatooine look that he wears for much of the movie. The body starts with a darker brown textured torso over which is placed a softer plastic jacket that then makes up Anakin’s tunic. This extends down into a softer skirt section, tied at the waist with a belt which is painted in brown and given a metallic bronze buckle. The arms and trousers follow a similar styling, with the lower legs changing to a cloth-wrapped texture before finishing in a pair of simple shows. Aside from the belt, the figure is devoid of any paintwork, and considering Anakin’s life on Tatooine - and what we see on screen - the figure is too clean and needs some level of weathering.
The face is a good likeness to young Anakin (Jake Lloyd) without being spectacular and while photo print has been used, the features remain basic and a bit of throwback to some of the earlier Black Series figures. The hair, a plug-in piece on the head, is sandy-coloured and features a darker wash to bring out the depth of the sculpt.
Anakin has 14 points of articulation, a quantity driven by recent removal of the thigh swivel, and due to his small stature. There is sufficient movement in each of the pinless single joints to have Anakin standing, running, or waving goodbye to his mother. Everything works as it should and Anakin is perfectly stable when posed.
Despite a number of obvious potential inclusions, Anakin’s only accessory is his backpack. This is a dark brown piece with soft plastic straps. Detailing is limited with a plain rounded main section and a couple of additional pouches on the upper section - the cylindrical one of them has a small painted trim in light brown. The straps do not unplug as we see with other backpacks from Hasbro, but Anakin is small and articulated enough to get the piece on and off without any issues. Once in place, it sits naturally, shaped to the body and looks just like part of the figure.
The release of Anakin Skywalker from The Phantom Menace does plug a hole in that collection, allowing a display now to feature Qui-Gonn, Obi-Wan and Anakin together. The look is good in terms of the execution of his Tatooine clothing, there is just a lack of weathering. The head sculpt is standard fair, nothing impressive, but a fair likeness and the hair does get a wash to give that element some depth.
The backpack is fine and replicates those scenes as he says goodbye to Shmi, but the figure overall feels short-changed. When you look at Omega from Bad Batch - who is of course a similar size and design - her releases have featured additional weapons, an extra head on the Season 2 release, and Ruby the Lizard with Season 1. Anakin’s box feels empty and we should really have been getting more - perhaps his Pod Racing helmet, or even a Pit Droid considering that sculpt already exists. Accessories aside, Anakin Skywalker from The Phantom Menace is a welcome addition to the Black Series and looks great alongside the older Episode 1 characters - or with Padme, as released in the same wave.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...