Darth Maul (Sith Training) - SW [S - P1] - Basic (’02 #42)

During Episode I’s preproduction, Lucas commissioned many artists to develop concepts for the film’s central villain, Darth Maul. From feminine goddess types to more of the evil warlords, Darth Maul went through an incredible transition before George Lucas approved the final design. One of the sketches featured a unique version of Darth Maul, somewhat different from the on-screen character, including red piping along the edges of the character’s garments. This design inspired the Darth Maul (Sith Training) action figure for the Star Wars “Saga” line. Darth Maul in any basic figure line is popular. It didn’t matter when Hasbro produced it. Every Darth Maul action figure is a hit at retail. Ever since the Episode I line went dormant, fans and collectors waited patiently for a Darth Maul action figure with upgraded articulation and a remarkable likeness to the on-screen character. Many previous versions of Darth Maul lack in quality, especially when it comes to these features. And while Darth Maul (Sith Training) isn’t perfect, you see a marked improvement overall.

Darth Maul (Sith Training) may turn off those collectors who loathe action features in their action figures. You’re not alone in this assessment. We feel similarly. Action features are a massive letdown in the 3.75” action figure line. But something is interesting about this action figure. While action features obstruct its aesthetics, Hasbro tooled the figure in an action pose, and the final figure is gorgeous. It interacts wonderfully with the included accessories and other action figures. It also possesses realism not present in past versions of Darth Maul. Hasbro installed rollers on its back, which affect the sculpt’s aesthetics, yet they’re hidden well, and we’re nearly able to overlook them. What makes Darth Maul (Sith Training) an action figure that we can look at with fondness (without being impressed) is that this figure’s dynamic sculpt gives it emotion and anger and a believable presence in a display. The face’s likeness is decent, but the body is better. And while Darth Maul (Sith Training) constantly looks downward, we doubt collectors will care due to the nature of the figure’s pose. It has a very aggressive posture and stands unassisted as needed, whether battling other action figures or the included Sith droid.

Darth Maul comes with more articulation than most figures in the Star Wars "Saga" lineup. Of course, most of the articulation points contained in this sculpt are swivel. But they do allow for a nice amount of movement that helps make the action figure a little more versatile. But it’s probably a much safer bet to say that this action figure has one pose, with very few subtle additions thanks to the swivel articulation points. Darth Maul (Sith Training) comes with a healthy amount of accessories. You get a metal lightsaber hilt that is realistic and is something that impresses us. You also get two removable lightsaber blades, so you have multiple options here. Also included is a Sith training “probe” droid and an “invisible” display stand to train Darth Maul well in the way of a Sith Lord. Oh, and that action feature? If you move the rollers on his back, the figure’s arms spin to recreate the twirling of a lightsaber. Yes, it’s a stupid thing to include here, but it is a lovely-looking figure if you look at this figure as a display piece. We won’t say it’s a superb action figure, but it certainly isn’t the worst we have seen from Hasbro.