“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
Re-releases of older figures within the Star Wars Black Series has been dealt with either via the Archive line or the Anniversary line, putting the re-packed figures onto card backs and selling them outside of the mainline releases. That principle changed in 2024 with Hasbro announcing a principle of ensuring key figures from the saga always have on-shelf availability and the first releases of these 'Best Of' figures were confirmed as A New Hope Darth Vader, and the brand new Mandalorian (as seen in the Glavis Ringworld release). These figures would be released as part of the mainline figures in the Galaxy Collection boxes and with sequential numbering that works with the figures around them.
The Darth Vader figure was therefore placed into the collection for A New Hope with the orange artwork and text and the number 06 placing Vader into the side montage between Nalan Cheel and the upcoming Momaw Nadon 'Hammerhead' release. The Vader (and the Mando) release were not originally planned to be released outside of the US and an Archive wave Vader was scheduled for an early 2024 release in the UK and other territories. That reasoning was soon reversed with Vader listed for pre-order in March with a late 2024 release - only for that release date to be sped up considerably and the figure arrived in early May.
Out of the box this 'Best of Vader' is pretty much identical to the 2017 release from A New Hope, and therefore is also the same as the Obi-Wan Kenobi release from 2022 and the 2024 Archive release. This means no improvements have been made, although the look of this ANH Vader is already pretty impressive with a black body, and gloss black armour. Paint apps are included on the chest box and belt with green, red and silver components, and on the chest armour with silver panels breaking up the gloss black.
The helmet is well-proportioned - but not removable as that feature remains exclusive to the Return of the Jedi version. The helmet is the same gloss black as the other armoured panels with use of silver highlights on the neck and 'cheeks' and a red tinge to the visor. Vader is then finished off with soft goods and plenty of them with plenty of soft fabric making up the cape and a second piece running over the chest armour, down through the belt and out into an inner skirt piece. The fabric remains the same as the other Vader releases and it flows and sits naturally around the figure.
Vader comes with his lightsaber as the sole accessory, again a repack from the previous releases and cast in black with silver highlights. The red translucent blade is quite dull but is robust in its connection to the hilt. The hilt also incorporates a loop that can slip onto a hook on Vader's belt to allow it to be hung when not in use. The belt hook is very soft and the fit is not very secure. The saber can then be handheld in either hand and with articulation also allowing a dual-hand grip.
The articulation features 16 points in total and an older format that uses pinned, but double-jointed knees allowing Vader the ability to kneel if the Emperor is around. The figure still has weak hips, an issue that has plagued this Vader body since its inception, and while he can be stood and posed the hips do have a tendency to slide outward. There are no restrictions with the arm movements and the shoulder armour retracts out of the way as the arms are raised.
For those that already own the ANH Vader, this figure only offers minor factory paint differences with a marginally glossier black on the version we are reviewing vs the 2017 release - although that may also include some wear and fading over the years.
2024 release on the left, 2017 release on the right
All in all this 2024 'Best Of' release does what it intended and brings the classic A New Hope Darth Vader onto store shelves for any new collectors. The issue initially will be one of over-saturation with the UK in particular also sitting on an Archive release that is exactly the same, and having also recently had a couple of Obi-Wan Kenobi releases. The choice of incorporating these into the mainline may also frustrate packaging collectors who may have to double-dip to avoid gaps in the numbering or connective artwork montage.
Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive
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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...