Walk The Dark Side: New Darth Vader Collectibles From Sideshow
CompleteSets enters the dark side for Darth Vader Collectibles new and old...
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Since his first appearance in 1977’s A New Hope, Darth Vader has been one of the most enduring and frightening villains in film history. A Sith Lord who is one of the most powerful figures in entire Star Wars canon, Vader is a key character in George Lucas’ universe, and his presence is still felt decades later in J.J. Abrams and Disney’s The Force Awakens.
It helps, too, that his look is so distinct. For starters, his costume — all black with just a bit of color, that black cape and his iconic mask — only adds to his lore, as does his red lightsaber, which made its first major appearance when he used it to strike down Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode IV. With a long list of new Star Wars movies on the way, and his grandson Kylo Ren wreaking havoc in his name in the new trilogy, the galaxy probably hasn’t seen the last of Vader ruthlessly cutting down his enemies with lightsaber in hand.
Because of his appearance and because of his importance in the Skywalker saga, Vader collectibles remain popular. Perhaps most interesting, there have been several life-like Vader collectibles made since his film debut, many of them made by Sideshow Collectibles, who specialize in high-end collectibles based on pop culture individuals and franchises.
Below are a few of their most notable, recent Vader creations from the Sideshow Collectibles family!
Darth Vader Premium Format Figure
Released by Sideshow Collectibles in June 2016
If your favorite version of Vader is the one where he battles his son Luke before revealing his identity, this is the Vader collectible for you!
Inspired by Vader’s battle with Luke on the second Death Star, this Vader’s look is modeled after the costume he wore in Star Wars: Episode VI – Revenge of the Sith. Standing about two feet tall, this collectible has a presence that other options don’t. It weighs in at 25 pounds and makes it an ideal centerpiece to any Star Wars collection. There is even a stand included so this Vader can rule your collectibles from above.
If you want this specific Vader, you’ll have to get a bit lucky. Only 7,500 exist and the figure retails for $499.99.
Ralph McQuarrie Darth Vader Statue
Released by Sideshow Collectibles in March 2017
Made exclusively for Sideshow Collectibles, this is for collectors who not only love Star Wars, but also love George Lucas.
Lucas once said, “When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph’s fabulous illustrations and say, do it like this.” That quote gives this collectible a bit of added value, as it’s designed by Ralph McQuarrie. At a little under two feet, McQuarrie’s vision for Vader is a bit different than any other collectables on the market and for some that only adds to the appeal. The overall figurine is mostly grey and features an alternative design for the helmet. Additionally, the lightsaber is blue – in a way almost a nod to Vader’s previous identity of Anakin Skywalker.
At the moment, this collectible is only available for pre-order and will retail for $474.99. When it drops pick it up quick as only a limited number will be sold.
Darth Vader Sixth Scale Figure
Released by Sideshow Collectibles in June 2016
Another Sixth Scale figure, this piece is currently only in the prototype phase on Sideshow’s site despite shipping in a few months. Still, the version depicted is modeled after Vader’s first appearance. For me, this is perhaps the most detailed Vader model out there. The body armor, lightsaber, and coloring are all sculpted specifically with attention to detail in mind. Most interestingly, the lightsaber is perhaps the most standard red lightsaber on this list, making it stand out from the pack.
Though not available for purchase just yet, but if you’d like to pre-order it, it’ll cost $229.99.
Darth Vader Collectible Figure
Released by Herocross Company Limited in 2016
This figurine is one of the smaller options available. In fact, it hasn’t been released yet and is only in the prototype phase. Made by Herocross Company Limited – which is operated by Hot Toys – this Vader gets the key characteristics of Vader’s look correct, just more compact. The figurine is all black from head to toe aside from blue and red and his chest plate and subtle grey accents.
This figurine is also easier to play with than other Hot Toys options. Its legs and arms are bendable, meaning it can be used as part of your own personal battle for the galaxy. It features six interchangeable hands and yes, the lightsaber looks exactly like the one he wields in the movies.
If this seems like the right Vader for you, it’s available for pre-order at $89.
Darth Vader Life-Size Bust
Released by Sideshow Collectibles in December 2016
Last, but certainly not least, we have our first life-sized Darth Vader collectible. For a cool $999.99, this Darth Vader bust is made of fiberglass, polystone, and fabric for a realistic and authentic look. Each piece is hand-crafted and hand-painted, giving it a high-quality look that no other Vader collectable on the market can touch. It also features a newly designed helmet and mask intended to capture his original look from Episode IV.
This piece is also a bit different because it’s a bust. There is no lightsaber and it doesn’t speak, but it’s still very much captures the look and sense of awe that comes with Darth Vader.