“I joined up when the Empire stood for something. By the time I realized what they really were, it was too late”
The Star Wars Black Series figure of Tala Durith in her Imperial Officer uniform was a 2023 release as part of Wave 11 of the Galaxy Collection. Tala was a general release, packed in the plastic-free closed box packaging that was in use for much of 2023 ahead of Hasbro’s reversal of the packaging decision in the Autumn of that year. She was part of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series of figures, number 13 in the collection using the blue designated colour for the figure details and the side artwork. The artwork combines with the other Kenobi figures to create a wider montage, with Tala sitting directly between the 4th Sister from the same wave, and the exclusive Commander Appo release.
Tala is a brand new figure and establishes a female version of the Imperial Officer uniform, cast predominately in grey plastic with black gloves, boots, and belt - the latter then featuring the large silver buckle. Paint apps are applied to the rank badge in red and blue depicting Tala’s rank of Captain, and on the code cylinders to either side.
Tala’s head sculpt is executed inclusive of the Imperial Officer cap. It reflects the likeness of actor Indira Varma well enough, using photo-real decor to pick out the eyes and mouth on an otherwise smooth complexion. The face finish is glossy, an issue that is rife among many current Black Series releases.
Tala is an entirely pinless body with the joints worked well into the lines and folds of the costume so as to be disguised in areas such as the knees and waist. There are 17 points of articulation in total, with Tala retaining thigh swivels but not requiring the butterfly shoulder joints. The two-piece neck does away with the need for a visible pivot on the neck and gives a wider range of motion but you will need to make sure the neck and collar remain aligned otherwise it can look odd. The joints are ratcheted where needed, work as designed, and offer a suitable range of motion for an Imperial Officer - even a traitorous one - with a number of poses available, including a handful of more dynamic options.
Tala is armed with a single blaster, a standard issue Imperial SE-14r that is cast in base grey with limited sculpted detail and zero paint. It can fit into Tala’s right hand or be holstered in the working softer plastic holster to the right side of Tala’s belt.
The release of Tala Durith in her Imperial Officer Uniform does exactly what we would want it to do in terms of replicating what we see on screen in a figure that looks great, articulates well enough, and has an accessory in line with her role on screen. The decision over releasing Imperial Tala rather than Tala in her Rebel outfit is an interesting one - and I am sure future Tala figures are at least being considered - but the creation of an Imperial Officer body does then lend itself to further re-use for characters like Dedra Meero from Andor, or even Admiral Rae Sloane - a potential Gaming Greats option thanks to her appearance in Star Wars Squadron’s story mode. Tala is one for the completists and fans of the Kenobi series and is not likely to be selling out any time soon.
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...