Star Wars Play Arts Kai figures started dropping back in June and it’s been a furious release schedule since, one a month leading up to today’s look at Darth Maul. These are alternate takes on classic Star Wars characters, merging the unique design styling of Square Enix with recognizable elements from the originals.
On quick glance, Darth Maul looks like any Darth Maul, but when you dig in changes in the robes and legs give off a more “future tech” vibe. The heads are pretty similar to classic Maul, and the lightsaber is also standard fare with a double or combined dual saber setup. We’ve run him through the motions so check out over 40 shots of him in action after the break courtesy of Big Bad Toy Store!
BBTS – Get ’em while they’re hot: Darth Maul, Storm Trooper, Boba Fett, All Play Arts Kai.
Check out our previous Star Wars Play Arts Kai Galleries – Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Stormtrooper.
Overall
Darth Maul was a surprise, better in person than the preview pics. His neck is a bit long, and the head a bit narrow, so it can look weird when posed certain ways. Once you get him in hand that can be minimized based on whatever pose you decide on. He has a wide range of articulation that allows for the dynamic aerial moves he’s known for.
I think the choices for the Star Wars Variant figures were good, focusing on baddies and ones with helmets. The biggest turn off for me, and many fellow fans I spoken with over time is that the heads/faces look weird with PAK figures. It’s an artistic style that doesn’t translate well at least in the States. Here, we have helmeted characters for the most part, and with Darth Maul, he’s got his tribal tats and paint. So they work. I really hope they stick with that if they continue because I have no desire for 125 dollar versions of humanoid characters with that facial styling.
As for Maul, and the previous three, they are tops and I’m glad to have them in rotation on the shelves. Pick them up while you can if you want a little Star Wars variation on your shelves!
Key shots here, all 40+ below that! Make sure to let us know what you think on the forums!
CompaniesSquare Enix
CharactersDarth Maul
Scale10 Inch
Sub-LinePlay Arts Kai