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“They're no match for Droidekas” Considering the depth of the Star Wars Black Series and the Clone figures released to date, the opposing Separatist forces have not been as lucky with figures. Up to 2023 we only had B1 Battle Droids to choose from. But late 2023 and 2024 are now providing to be a bumper year for Separatist Droids with the arrival of the MagnaGuards, the Super Battle Droids, and now the Droideka Destroyer Droid. The Droideka arrived in June 2024 and is a Deluxe release in the Black Series, exclusive to both Amazon and Fan Channel retailers. It arrives in the slanted side packaging and is aligned with releases from The Phanom Menace and using the yellow colour scheme and side artwork. While most Deluxe releases are a standard depth but are widened across the front to include the larger character or contents, the Droideka is the first Galaxy Collection release to see the depth widened to twice that of a standard figure to incorporate the larger footprint of the Droideka and to avoid the need for any assembly. The Destroyer is only the fourth Galaxy Collection release from The Phantom Menace and is numbered accordingly with the artwork connecting directly to Padme Amidala. The design of the Droideka is a difficult one to replicate in figure form as seen across the history of the Hasbro figure lines. For the Black Series, the team have followed the usual principles of Droideka design with the circular dome reactor housing base leading up into a complex central spine onto which are connected the weapon arms at either side and the upper dome. The dome, circular base, and a couple of supporting panels are cast in a deep pearlescent burgundy as seen on screen, while the rest of the figure is predominantly a dull grey. Despite the complexity of these mechanical fixings, the inclusive wiring and the jointed sections there is no wash or metallic finish applied which would have enhanced the figure no end. In fact, the only paintwork visible is on the front sensory antennas which are painted silver and black with a red sensor, and a handful of smaller silver sections around the arms and legs. Our Droideka stands at the same height as most 6-inch figures, accurate to their onscreen proportions, and therefore perfect for display across any era of the Prequels. Hasbro have created a 6-inch Droideka previously back in 2000, and this Mega Figure is comparable in both size and design as the new Black Series version with the Black Series perhaps edging it on stability and articulation. The articulation is difficult to measure, but I have found around 24 joints throughout the droid's body, some of which have been enhanced with metal pegs to support what is quite a precarious design. The three legs are all jointed in two places and again with a final pivot where they connect to the domed reactor section. From here the spine piece has a couple of joints to adjust the stance and height as well as a pair of hinged panels that can extend out or fold in. The arms appear to have a joint where they connect to the central body but don’t move within this joint. They are then joined at two further joints down the length of the arm with a clever piston movement seen on the elbow, as well as with flexible wiring that moves with the joint. The upper carapace moves marginally within a clipped hinge that holds it in place, while the front section can be moved more extensively on a very tiny ball joint. This articulation allows you to vary the Destroyer in a number of positions particularly by splaying out the feet or bringing them inward and by adjusting the gun arms to varying firing positions. Hasbro did market this Droideka as being able to achieve the rolling travel position, with some photos of the Destroyer in that pose shown with the initial marketing. The release itself does not come with any instructions or clarity on how to make those changes. With some trial and error - and the help of a few YouTube videos - there are a couple of semi-folded options that can be achieved. These are done by folding in the main spinal section, unclipping the carapace and moving that forward, and then pulling out the ‘head’ via an extending pivot. The arms are the main issue as these do not want to, or have the room to fold inwards, but overall a form of ‘Rolling’ travel position is possible, albeit more aligned with the Droid just starting to fold up or unfold ready for battle. The Droideka is an imposing-looking design, replicated well enough into the 6-inch Black Series but perhaps missing a level of paint application on the exposed workings to give it some added realism. The Articulation works sufficiently for upright posing, but by trying to incorporate a rolling position there are some joints that are perhaps unnecessary in the long run but that do pose a risk of deterioration - an issue that plagued the original Mega POTF2 release leaving some of them (I have two to compare) unable to support their gun arms or upper dome and carapace. So far my Black Series Destroyer is just about holding its poses, but I can already feel a looseness in that upper body and see a sag here and in the arms despite the metallic joints. This feels like a release that has tried to do too much and not done any of what it set out to achieve brilliantly. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports 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...

Revealed through Gizmodo is the sixth figure in the Star Wars Black Series debut wave for The Acolyte. Osha Aniseya will be numbered 01 in The Acolyte Galaxy Collection alongside the already announced figures of Mae, Jedi Master Sol, Jedi Master Indara, Padawan Jecki Lon, and Jedi Knight Yord Fanda. Osha will come with her blaster and backpack as well as her droid, Pip. Osha will open for pre-order as of the 12th of June and will be an August release alongside the other figures which have been on pre-order for a number of weeks. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES OSHA ANISEYA (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES OSHA ANISEYA figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE. At the end of the High Republic era, a former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes – but the forces they confront turn out to be far more sinister and personal than anticipated. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 4 entertainment-inspired accessories, including a blaster and removable backpack. Available for pre-order 6/12 at 1PM ET on Amazon, Hasbro Pulse, and other major retailers. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

Revealed exclusively on Slashfilm are these new 3.75-inch Star Wars offerings from The Acolyte. Up first is the Vintage Collection release of Osha who will come on a newly designed Kenner-inspired card and with a Pip accessory. And fans of the Retro series will be able to pick up this Retro 6-pack featuring Kenner Retro-inspired figures of Master Sol, Padawan Jecki Lon, Osha Aniseya, Jedi Yord Fandar, Mae (Assassin), and Mother Aniseya. STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION OSHA ANISEYA (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $16.99 / Available: Fall 2024) Set at the end of the High Republic era, a former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront turn out to be far more sinister and personal than anticipated. Fans can celebrate the legacy of STAR WARS, the action-and-adventure-packed space saga from a galaxy far, far away, with this premium 3.75-inch scale OSHA ANISEYA figure (VC# 327) inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE. This figure features premium detail and design across product and packaging inspired by the original Kenner line, as well as the entertainment-inspired collector grade deco. Includes figure and 4 accessories including a blaster, a communication accessory, bag and holster strap. Available Fall 2024. STAR WARS: THE RETRO COLLECTION STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE MULTIPACK (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99 / Available: Fall 2024) At the end of the High Republic era, a former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront turn out to be far more sinister and personal than anticipated. Inspired by the original 1970s Kenner STAR WARS action figures, this STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE MULTIPACK features premium design and five points of articulation across all figures. These 3.75-inch-scale figures are detailed to look like the Mother Aniseya, Jedi Knight Yord Fandar, Mae (Assassin), Jedi Master Sol, Osha Aniseya, and Jedi Padawan Jecki Lon characters as they appeared in STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE. These figures feature classic Kenner branding, as well as packaging treated with a weathered look. Imagine the excitement of the ‘70s when the STAR WARS original trilogy had just begun. Includes 6 figures and 7 accessories. Available Fall 2024. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

Revealed exclusively on Screenrant, we have a variant of Shin Hati from Ahsoka incoming into the Black Series. Like the update for Baylan Skoll, this new 'Arcana' version of Shin Hati will feature soft goods robes. It is unclear, but unlikely, that the height issue will have been resolved. The figure is a Target Exclusive in the US and should be available through the Fan Channel here in the UK. Shin Hait will arrive in the new squared packaging. She will be number 14 in the Ahsoka Galaxy Collection and should arrive in the Autumn. Pre-orders are reported as opening as of the 5th July 2024. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SHIN HATI (ARCANA) (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: October 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SHIN HATI (ARCANA) figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: AHSOKA. Shin Hati is adept at Lightsaber combat, a skill she uses as Baylan Skoll’s eager apprentice in mercenary work for Morgan Elsbeth, the former Magistrate of Calodan. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and Lightsaber accessory. Available for pre-order 7/5 at 9AM ET exclusively at Target as part of Target’s Summer Geek Out. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

Revealed through Comicbook.com are a trio of new Star Wars Black Series Holocomm releases. They include figures of Mae and Osha from The Acolyte, and Ezra Bridger from Ahsoka. Each translucent blue 'hologram' figure comes with a holopuck and light-up functionality. Osha and Ezra will open for preorder on the 12th of June with Ezra a Fan Channel Exclusive and Osha sold through Hasbro Pulse - with availability through Shop Disney at a later date. The Mae figure will be going live on the 25th of July as a Walmart US exclusive. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES MAE (ASSASSIN) (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 / Available: Fall 2024) Receive transmissions from across the galaxy with THE BLACK SERIES Holocomm collection, featuring light-up holopucks. STAR WARS fans and collectors can display this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES MAE (ASSASSIN) figure featuring premium detail, multiple points of articulation and hologram-style deco in their collections. Press the button on the puck to light up the bottom and illuminate the figure. Press and hold the button to activate a 30-minute light display! This collectible figure includes a bounty chip with an Aurebesh inscription, a holopuck, knife accessories, and a removable face wrap! Look for more Holocomm Collection figures to build a galactic communication hub on your shelf! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available for pre-order order 7/25 at 10am EST on Walmart.com as part of Walmart July Collector Con. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES EZRA BRIDGER (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 / Available: Fall 2024) Receive transmissions from across the galaxy with THE BLACK SERIES Holocomm collection, featuring light-up holopucks. STAR WARS fans and collectors can display this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES EZRA BRIDGER figure featuring premium detail, multiple points of articulation and hologram-style deco in their collections. Press the button on the puck to light up the bottom and illuminate the figure. Press and hold the button to activate a 30-minute light display! This collectible figure includes a bounty chip with an Aurebesh inscription, a holopuck, a Lightsaber, and a blaster! Look for more Holocomm Collection figures to build a galactic communication hub on your shelf! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available for pre-order 6/12 at 1PM ET at Hasbro Pulse and other fan channels. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES OSHA ANISEYA (HOLOCOMM) (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 / Available: Fall 2024) Receive transmissions from across the galaxy with THE BLACK SERIES Holocomm collection, featuring light-up holopucks. STAR WARS fans and collectors can display this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES OSHA ANISEYA figure featuring premium detail, multiple points of articulation and hologram-style deco in their collections. Press the button on the puck to light up the bottom and illuminate the figure. Press and hold the button to activate a 30-minute light display! This collectible figure includes a bounty chip with an Aurebesh inscription, a holopuck, two droid accessories, a backpack, and a blaster!  Look for more Holocomm Collection figures to build a galactic communication hub on your shelf! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available for pre-order 6/12 at 1PM ET at Hasbro Pulse and at Shop Disney at a later date. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

McFarlane's next DC Collector Edition wave is slowly being previewed over the course of this week, and today we have a preview image of the Teen Titans Connor Kent figure. Assuming the WonderCon 2024 panel is accurate then Connor and Sergeant Rock will be joined by Batman Manga. The full wave will open for pre-order on Friday the 14th of June and is likely an August release. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

"He is a political idealist, not a murderer." It feels like an age since Ki-Adi Mundi was unveiled in full as an upcoming Black Series release. It was in fact February 2023 at a Hasbro Fan Stream and he has since taken 16 months to reach collectors, finally arriving in early June 2024. The figure is part of the Attack of the Clones series within the Galaxy Collection, and only the fourth of that set so far. As number 4 in the series, Mundi’s deep red artwork follows on from fellow Jedi Aayla Secura and will sit before the incoming release of the Phase 1 Clone Trooper. Ki-Adi Mundi’s outfit changed very little across all three of the Prequel Trilogy movies, and while this release is badged under Attack of the Clones he will also fit equally well into displays for The Phantom Menace, Revenge of the Sith, or indeed The Clone Wars. Ki-Adi’s Jedi robes are executed in cast browns with a lighter sandy tone on the arms and inner skirt, and darker brown for the legs and outer tunic and skirt. The boots are a further variation on that brown with further painted detail added with a reddish-brown belt and a small pouch visible between his outer and inner robes. Despite detailing on his boots for clasps and fastenings, these are left unpainted which is a shame. And like most Black Series releases, there is no use of weathering or toned paint washes. The head is fantastic and a superb likeness to the prosthetics and make-up worn by the actor Silas Carson. The Cerean physiology is accurately proportioned with a depth of sculpt to define the cranial ridges on the conical head. We have a sculpted beard and bushy eyebrows picked out in white and then defined with a grey wash and central facial features are applied with printed technology that adds realism to the eyes in particular which are gold in colour. The head detail is finished with Ki-Adi Mundi’s top knot and braided hair which is treated the same as his beard and forms part of the rear head sculpt and is partitioned by a brown hair tie. The Jedi Master features a single accessory, his lightsaber, which is a new silver cast hilt with some tiny black detail on the switch. It features a small peg which can be plugged into a corresponding socket on the belt for a holstered option. The hilt will then fit into either of the hands with a removable translucent blue blade recreating the ignited saber. The Jedi’s articulation is particularly well incorporated into the sculpt of the body and outfit with the elbows the only real joint on obvious display when Ki-Adi is posed in a neutral stance. There are 21 points of articulation throughout the figure - a couple extra than we would normally expect thanks to a boot-cut swivel. Mundi also still retains the thigh cut which was being phased out, and also benefits from the butterfly shoulders and a dual-jointed neck which greatly enhances the upper torso options. The Black Series Ki-Adi Mundi figure was indeed worth the wait, providing us with another Prequel Jedi Master to display along with Mace Windu, Plo-Koon, Kit Fisto, and Aayla Secura. While relatively simple in his execution and with no extensive robes or soft goods, Ki-Adi Mundi is still a detailed and imposing figure with a particularly strong head sculpt. He is supported with great articulation and an appropriate accessory and there is little to fault other than perhaps a couple of missed paint detail opportunities and perhaps some additional Force Gesture hands. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports 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...

Spinmaster's license to create action figures from the PlayStation catalogue of videogames was first announced back in 2022. We are now starting to see the first releases from this 6-inch collectors line with promo images released for Aloy and Varl from Horizon: Forbidden West and for Kratos from the God of War series. Aloy is the most extensive deluxe release coming with 6 different facial pieces, four sets of hands, and a selection of weapons. SHe is in her Nora Huntress outfit. Varl looks to be a more standard figure with alternative hands and a single weapon. He is in his Nora Valiant Armour. Kratos will be based on his appearance from God of War: Ragnarok and his Surivial Gear in particular. He features alternative hands as well as his axe and shield. It appears that Kratos will be joined by Atreus in the line. The figures are window-boxed with a standardized design aligned to the white and blue of the PlayStation brand. They are reported as being July 2024 releases. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

“I must continue to the Mines of Mandalore so that I may be redeemed” In early 2024, Hasbro announced their intention to release some ‘Best Of’ figures into the Star Wars Black Series intending them to ensure key characters were kept available for those joining the line. This ‘Best Of’ series kicked off with a repack of the A New Hope Darth Vader in the Galaxy Collection packaging, and the figure we are taking a look at here - a new version of The Mandalorian subtitled ‘Mines of Mandalore’. The ‘Best Of’ releases remained part of the Galaxy Collection overall and were numbered accordingly within their relevant series. They were initially not intended for overseas distribution which was a frustration for boxed collectors - but that decision was reversed. The ‘Mines of Mandalore’ Mandalorian figure was released in June 2024. The new Mandalorian figure is released under the Mandalorian collection colour scheme and packaging and he is number 37 in The Mandalorian set with his side artwork connecting between the repacked Paz Vizsla and the incoming Mandalorian Nite Owl female release. The figure itself is the same base as the recently released ‘Glavis Ringworld’ Mandalorian, a figure that was released under the Book of Boba Fett collection. This revised set therefore places this significantly improved Mando body into his own series collection - although there are some significant and detrimental differences versus the Glavis Ringworld release. This Mando body has been completely reworked to the Season 3 look and the proportions greatly enhanced. The figure is assembled with a brown base undersuit body overlaid with the Beskar armoured parts. Improvements on the older body included larger shoulder pauldrons, a new chest piece, new thigh armour, and improvements to the bracers and shin. The softer plastic strap, belt and holster are also improved. The overall decor is crisp and accurate with brown and silver dominating, but with elements of blue and beige still visible in places. The figure also receives a new helmet, resized and again more accurate in the proportions - but it is not removable. While the Glavis figure was further enhanced with a soft goods cape - this Mines of Mandalore variant reverts back to the moulded plastic case we’ve seen on Mando figures since 2019. This does not harm the aesthetics of the figure, and of course, there are pros and cons when comparing soft goods to plastic capes - predominantly the impact on articulation. The other key difference to the Glavis Ringworld release is accessories which have been significantly dialled back. The Mines of Mandalore variant does not come with the Amban Phase Rifle, nor does it include the Jetpack - which would have been inoperable with the cape, another advantage of the Ringworld version. The figure still features the peg holes on the reverse for both Phase Rifle and Jetpack but these are not fully backward compatible. While the Phase Rifle from any older Mando will fit, albeit interfering with the cloak to a degree, the jetpack was reworked for this newer body so only the Ringworld Jetpack will fit securely. We do get the blaster, also a newer piece with its longer barrel. It is cast in grey with a gunmetal finish and painted grip. This can be held in Mando’s right hand, or holstered when not in use. Also included is the small knife used on Glavis. This features a silver blade and a duller bronzed grip. It fits into a cleverly incorporated slot in Mando’s right boot when not in use - and this is probably where we will all keep it considering it is too slim to be held in either of Mando’s hands securely. You can get it to balance, but it won't stay put for long. An alternative hand for the knife would have benefitted both this and the Ringworld release. Our final accessory is the now commonplace Darksaber, the same one that has been released with Moff Gideon, Pre Vizsla from Clone Wars and the Amazon Exclusive Mando from the 2-Pack with Ahsoka. This follows the same principles as the Black Series lightsabers with a hilt and removable blade that plugs into place. The hilt is left dark grey like the prop, while the blade is black and trimmed in bright white to create the ignited effect. The hilt can also be slung via a hook on the left side of Mando’s belt, and it can then fit in either or both hands for fighting positions. The figure is supported by 19 points of articulation, all pinless, giving this latest version of Mando his widest range of posing options while retaining the aesthetics. The plastic cape is a hindrance to some poses but it can be removed or replaced with aftermarket alternatives. While the older version of Mando could look awkward in some posing, this updated body is a pleasure to pose with any of the included weapons or any you may feel like donating to him like the Phase Rifle. The Glavis Ringworld Mandalorian released at the very end of 2023 remains the definitive release for Din Djarin. While this Mines of Mandalore version is the same base figure it lacks some key accessories and the soft goods on the Ringworld variant are well designed and help with articulation and allow that figure to also use his Jetpack and cape at the same time. If you were not able to obtain that Glavis Ringworld version then this Mines of Mandalore release is now the second-best Mando on the market and significantly improves on any of the older figures and is the only single-packed Mando to also come with the Darksaber. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports 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...

"You cannot save them. Not from the Empire. Not from the Dark Side. Not from me." The Star Wars Black Series Jedi: Fallen Order 3-Pack Exclusive was unveiled in March 2024 as part of the Imperial March program of product reveals. The set is themed around the Inquisitorius and their significant role in the Fallen Order game. It brings us a new variant of lead character Cal Kestis, while also expanding the ranks of the Purge Troopers and re-releasing - with tweaks - the sought-after Second Sister from 2019. The three-pack is an Amazon global exclusive and arrived in early June 2024 with collectors. The set remains part of the main Galaxy Collection and is colour-coded and badged as a Gaming Greats release. It remains part of the slanted side packaging format, coming ahead of the change to squared-off boxes later in 2024. The height and depth are the same as a standard single figure, with the width expanded to include the three figures. The set is not numbered, and the side artwork depicts all three characters and does not line up with any of the other Gaming Greats side art. The rear of the box, which is extensive due to its larger-than-usual format, carries expanded artwork but fails to take the opportunity to include any character background and simply has a one-line synopsis for the Fallen Order game. Working from left to right we start with the updated version of the Second Sister, a key protagonist in the Fallen Order game. The entire figure is identical to the 2019 release including the same helmet which remains non-removable and no option has been taken to include an unmasked Trilla head which would of course have been a costly inclusion. The body is an Imperil grey in colour with gloss black armoured gauntlets and boots and a softer plastic skirt and belt with silver buckle. Red is used to trim down both arms and legs and on the inside of the Second Sister’s gloves. The Second Sister helmet uses more black gloss with a red visor line. The original figure used a soft plastic moulded cape that plugged into the shoulders along with some slightly difficult-to-use shoulder panels which could replace the cape if you wanted to discard that for more action-orientated poses. These individual shoulder panels survive but are now fixed in place and sandwiched between them and the shoulders is a new soft goods cape. The cape uses a similar material to the Grand Inquisitor which hangs well enough but sits quite flat and doesn't flow and fold as the full-size costume would. The interior of the cape is lined in red, while the black exterior includes the Empire symbols on either shoulder, although due to the flow of the cape these do end up sitting behind the figure and out of view. The Second Sister comes complete with her circular dual-bladed lightsaber, another direct carryover from the 2019 release, and with similar issues in terms of the connections of the two translucent red blades being quite loose and not sitting straight when posed. The hilt itself is well executed with a black inner ring and cross-shaft, with red switches and the outer circular piece then, trimmed in silver. It fits into either hand, although the right hand still features a trigger finger which looks a little odd. There is no functionality for the Second Sister to holster the hilt on her back as we have seen more recently with the other Inquisitor figures. Articulation is 16 points in total with the older format pinned legs, but inclusive of dual jointed knees. There are sufficient options for the Second Sister to pose with or without her lightsaber and she stands pretty well with all joints secure and stable. The Cal Kestis figure is based on his Dark Side Vision ‘cut scene’ where he has joined the ranks of the Inquisitors. This is created using a hybrid of other parts as well as some new sections. Like the Second Sister, the bulk of the main uniform is an imperial grey with the legs taken from the Grand Inquisitor. The torso piece appears to be new as are the arms and neck. A gloss black armoured chest piece sits over the main chest section and this is decaled with the Imperial symbols on either shoulder. Further black gloss is used on the thigh armour, the bracers, and on the boots. Red trim is painted down the arms and legs and around the collar of the uniform. The head is the same as was used on the original 2019 Cal Kestis release but with a much brighter orange finish to the hair and a much-improved photo-realistic likeness showing how much the technology continues to advance. Despite using the same sculpt, this new photo application adds scars and wounds to Cal’s face and a darker sunken look to the eyes. Cal comes with his dual-bladed lightsaber the same hilt as was included on his 2021 Deluxe release in Scrapper Gear. This is cast in gunmetal grey with a slightly darker central core. It does not split into two separate hilts - which is something that does happen in the game - and it cannot be slung or holstered. The set includes two red translucent blades to fit into the hilt depicting Cal’s fall to the Dark Side. These are a much cleaner and more secure fit than the Second Sister and feel more robust for posing. Cal is more articulated due to the newer body and features 19 points of articulation all of which are pinless. This improves his range of motion allowing for Cal to kneel, and to wield his saber one or two-handed thanks to the extensive arm movement afforded by the butterfly shoulders. The final figure in the set is our new Purge Trooper. Despite the availability of newer Clone Trooper armoured bodies, this Purge Trooper uses the original pinned body as seen in both the original Purge Trooper release for Fallen Order and the subsequent Electrostaff Trooper. While this choice does deprive us of the improved aesthetics and articulation of the newer body, it does ensure this new Purge Trooper release is consistent with the other Fallen Order Purge Trooper releases. The body is cast entirely in black with gloss black on the armoured sections, and a duller finish on the ribbed undersuit parts. White markings are added on the right forearm, and thigh, with an Imperial symbol, applied as a decal on both shoulder armour sections. The Trooper is then given a full pauldron over the right shoulder as an individual piece - this is black with a grey-painted central segment. Our Purge Trooper also gets a soft goods fabric skirt with grey trim and a black belt to hold it in place with two extended white painted trim pieces that are meant to replicate straps for the Kama skirt. The helmet is the same as used on the other two releases, a version of the Airborne Clone Troopers with a black gloss finish and red visor. The grey is also used here as a trim around the mouth area of the helmet. These markings and the overall look are consistent with the game visuals for this particular Trooper. This Purge Trooper is an Electro-Hammer Trooper which means we now have three of the four seen in the game with the Electro-Baton Trooper still not yet created within the Black Series. A brand new Electro-Hammer weapon has been created for the set to finish the look and this consists of a brutal-looking dark grey piece as tall as the figure itself. The edge of the ‘hammerhead’ is trimmed in a bright purple with more purple running down the panels of the main weapon just in front of the ridged grip section. The Purge Trooper has 18 points of articulation, with pinned double-jointed knees and elbows a carryover from those original Clone Trooper bodies dating back to 2014. This does mean the arms in particular are extensive in their options for wielding the Electro-Hammer - although the right hand is still the same one used for blasters and comes with an extended trigger finger. The legs still sit slightly bowlegged, but the black armour and skirt piece disguise both the pinned joints and the stances. The set in summary is probably best described as a ‘nice to have’ but certainly not a necessity. As it sits outside the numbered Galaxy Collection series it will not leave a gap in any boxed collection, and the characters within are figures we have seen before albeit with Cal Kestis in a very different look - but like Dark Side Rey, entrenched in a limited Force Vision scene. Cal is the star of the set thanks to him getting the most new parts and using newer figure parts as a base. The head sculpt is also enhanced considerably by the printing this time round. The Second Sister is no better or worse than the original depending on your view of soft goods, but it is a pity the chance for an unmasked version has probably now gone. The Electro-Hammer Purge Trooper is an extension to the ranks and while the older body does have issues, it fits in with the previous releases in overall aesthetics. The set is sold by Amazon globally and priced at circa £70.99 here in the UK, but this did fluctuate quite a bit in the pre-order window indicating sales were perhaps not as Amazon might have hoped. At the time of publication, you can still order this directly with both Amazon UK and Amazon US. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports 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...

McFarlane are bringing Sergeant Rock to the DC Multiverse line. This Collector Edtion release of Sgt. Franklin John Rock, who first appeared way back in 1959, will feature his DC Classic look and will come with his helmet and what appears to be a combat knife and a backpack. As with the current licence arrangements with Warner Bros. he will not feature any firearms. McFarlane have confirmed a pre-order will open on the 14th of June. We would expect Sgt. Rock to be part of a three figure wave which will also include Batman Manga and Connor Kent Superboy. These were previewed along with Sergeant Rock at Wondercon 2024. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...

An Advertising Opportunity is currently available for one of our two top header banners on our main homepage for www.mephitsu.co.uk One of our long-standing supporters is closing their business and their banner position now remains open for new supporters at a cost of £25 per month available on a rolling basis and invoiced monthly (longer term options can be discussed). Payment is made by Paypal and invoiced directly to you. We are not VAT registered so no VAT details can be provided. Your contribution goes directly to our hosting and running costs. We attract circa 10k visitors per month, many of which will arrive via our homepage or who visit it before leaving the site. If you are interested then please contact us at mephitsu.archives@gmail.com or message us via one of our social media options. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s 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 licenses - 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...