Carnor Jax - TBS [PP] - Six Inch Figures

Commemorate the first 50 years of Lucasfilm with figures inspired by Star Wars book and comics!

Training himself in the ways of the dark side of the Force, Carnor Jax became one of the most formidable members of the Imperial Guard. He betrayed this brotherhood by usurping the Imperial throne.

(Editor’s Note: Hasbro mixed up Kir Kanos as Carnor Jax. For clarity, we’ll be referring to this figure as Kir Kanos from here on out. Otherwise, we’ll confuse ourselves.)

We wondered how long it would be until Hasbro produced characters from Crimson Empire in The Black Series 6” line. We now know that 2021 was the year it happened. Paying homage and tribute to the original old Expanded Universe, Hasbro is treating collectors to action figures we thought we’d never see. We’re happy they’re doing this, and we hope the sky is the limit. There are many other old Expanded Universe characters they must release, and we hope this four-figure collection is only the beginning. Kir Kanos is one of the main characters in the Dark Horse Comics’ Crimson Empire series. Kir Kanos and Carnor Jax are two Imperial guards who battle each other in the quest for power. Kir Kanos is the primarily red Imperial guard, while Carnor Jax is the one in predominantly black. We may never get Carnor Jax in the line, but would be a fantastic figure to have in the 6-inch line so the display can be completed as needed. We expected the Kir Kanos 6-inch figure to be the weakest of the four released in the Comics And Books collection in the Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary collection, but it became our favorite.

Hasbro took 2017’s TBS [P3] Imperial Royal Guard (38) figure and, well, repainted it to be specific to Kir Kanos. While most of the paint operations are similar, you will find differences between the two figures. The costume is accurate to what we see in the comics. Hasbro thought about the Imperial Royal Guard’s design proactively and was all prepared when it came time to develop characters from Crimson Empire. The most impressive aspect to Kir Kanos is the new cape because Hasbro lined its interior with a shimmery and metallic-looking purple lining. It’s gorgeous. It’s the highlight of the figure by far. What’s more, the cape has a stunning drape and hangs naturally on the figure, whether implementing static or action-oriented poses. Kir Kanos also comes with a battle staff that fits beautifully into the figure’s hands. It seems a little bit shorter than the version created for the 3.75-inch line, but they captured the spirit of it nicely, and it works with the 6-inch version of Kir Kanos well. You also get an E-17 blaster pistol, but that weapon is only for the figure’s left hand, as the fingers have a distinct design to accompany it as needed. However, the holster to house it when not in use is too big, and the blaster flies out without much effort. We almost lost it a couple of times. Be sure to secure yours well before changing the figure’s poses.

Underneath the flowing crimson red and metallic purple soft-goods cape is a fully detailed figure with exquisitely tooled armor. This armor suit was seen throughout the Crimson Empire comics. The detail is unprecedented, and we’re thoroughly impressed with the work Hasbro has done here. Something is striking about a figure that is all red. Aside from the black darker-colored visor, Kir Kanos has no identifying characteristics. There is no removable helmet like there was for the 3.75-inch figures. (Check out 2007’s TAC Carnor Jax/Kir Kanos (No. 01) Comic Packs set.) We’ve seen it plenty of times before now, but Carnor Jax has a stunning head sculpt. They’ve nailed the scale and details perfectly. The portrait also comes with the same articulation as most other figures in this line. For that matter, the articulation system is nearly identical too. Kir Kanos retails for $24.99 and comes displayed in a beautiful and colorful package that mimics the graphics of the original comics based on the action figure. Hasbro erroneously named this figure “Carnor Jax,” so we hope they put in a running change to correct it to Kir Kanos. This action figure deserves correction. Until we do, lets’ hope that Hasbro has a wrongly named “Kir Kanos” figure in all black so we can complete the dioramas!