In 2017, as we headed towards Episode 8 The Last Jedi, one of the big Force Friday reveals was the new Black Series figure of the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke. The figure got a standard release as part of wave 14, but the more eye catching release was an exclusive set where Snoke came with his Throne.
The set was a US exclusive for Gamestop stores, and while there was import stock available in the UK it soon sold through. And while US Stores were clearing this set off at silly money, it was still relatively difficult to get hold of in the UK.
Packaging 4/5
The box for Snoke is a blown up version of the phase 3 packaging and carries a more sinister illustration of Snoke than the tame completive version we got on the single release. The figure is named as Supreme Leader Snoke with the Throne Room wording in brackets.
The right hand spine remains bold red, but is without any numbering. The back has a much larger and clearer image of the front artwork and some background text for Snoke. This text is the same as the single release.
"The shadowy commander of the First Order, Supreme Leader Snoke prefers to operate from a distance, looming over his underlings int he form of an immense hologram. As the First Order rallies, this master of the Dark Side emerges from the shadows to seize victory."
The backing card is not the usual plain red and as we will see in a little while is decorated as a backdrop of the Throne room.
Please note : We purchased an open version for our review so the inner contents were not quite as you would usually find them. The set usually has an inner tray that is sat into the cardboard insert.
Paint & Sculpt 3/5
Snoke is identical to the single release. The head is a masterful sculpt considering the detail and damage of Snokes face. The paint is good, but perhaps a bit too pink and I would have liked to see some darker tones and more shadow in the final decor.
The bod is hidden under the yellow gold robes which themselves are tailored and contain some glittering material of sorts. The robe hangs well enough and is tied to the body by means ot a belt segment.
If you do venture under the robes, Snoke has a fully sculpted under body in a sort of pyjama type outfit. He even has gold slippers. The final key point of detail on the figure is the black ring on his left hand. This stands up and away from the fingers with the band painted either side - although not all the way underneath.
The Throne itself arrives in two parts - the main throne and a front semi circular plinth. The plinth simply clips into the Throne to complete the piece.
The Throne is enormous, a real centerpiece for a display. It is follow and cast in a glossy grey plastic. Paint application details the back of the seat and round the two enormous arm rests. A blue strip runs around the throne - which would have been awesome with a light up feature - and the sides of the throne carry a number of painted panels and lights.
While no one will want to display the back of the Throne, it is worth mentioning and showing it is pretty ugly. The sculpt does carry on to include the back, but we then have numerous screw heads where the hole piece is assembled and held together.
Accessories 2/5
The set is completely devoid of any accessories. It might have been nice to include Rey's lightsaber, but of course that comes with Rey anyway.
What you do get is a first for the Black Series - connectivity with another release. The Throne clips into the base section that came with Kylo Ren to make a bigger Throne display. This base piece includes peg holes for posing Rey, Kylo Ren or any of the Praetorian Guards.
The fit is good and the overall diorama is pretty impressive.
If you wish you can also utilise the backing card piece to enhance your display. As we mentioned earlier the card is not a solid red and is in fact decorated as per the Throne Room from The Last Jedi.
Articulation 4/5
Snoke, is very well articulated under those robes, as of course he needs to be to be seated naturally onto the Throne. The body underneath the robes has 16 points of articulation and thanks to the long slim limbs and the positioning of the joints, sitting down is not an issue.
Head : ball joint pivot neck
Body : waist swivel
Arms : ball joint shoulder, single rotating elbow, wrist pivot
Legs : ball joint hips, thigh swivel, double jointed knees, ankle rocker
What is more of an issue when Snoke is sitting is covering up his legs and getting his robe to sit correctly. What is very impressive are the hands which can be articulated over the arms of the chair to sit hanging over the edge.
While this figure will most likely spend his time sitting, he can stand well on his own with the ankle rockers and leg joints being tight and well adjusted to hold up his lanky frame.
Summary
This version of Snoke is no better or worse than the single release - it is identical in every way. It is a solid figure with good sculpt, adequate soft goods and decent articulation.
The selling point of the set, for me anyway, is that Throne and how it forms a centrepiece for a Last Jedi display - particularly when combined with that Kylo Ren set.
While not everyone is a fan of The Last Jedi, or Snoke, the set has appeal and looks great on display - especially when flanked with Red Praetorian Guards.. In the current market it is no overly difficult to obtain for sub £30 and at that price it is worthwhile - although a few other bells and whistles like light effects might have been nice.
I score Supreme Leader Snoke and his Throne a 3 out of 5.
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