Hasbro
Released February, 2003
Reviewed by Adam Pawlus
Photography by Michael Sullenger
Reviewed on March 12, 2003
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Part of an army of the Man who would be Vader, Anakin Skywalker returns again in a collector- and kid-friendly Secret Ceremony release.

This figure includes a lightsaber, blast effect, and a cloak.

Sculpt/Articulation/Gimmicks/Paint

With three basic and two deluxe versions released in 2002 as well as a pair of 12" releases, it's really amazing that most fans have yet to be truly happy with any of the releases. This one, though, is actually really nice.

As this is Secret Ceremony Anakin, though... one might be left asking "which ceremony did Anakin attend with a lightsaber that was being shot at?"

The sculpt of the figure itself is actually quite spectacular. Unfortunately, it's package in a big bulky cloak which is one of those rare accessories that actually detracts from the figure's overall looks. With the cloak, the figure has a fair range of movement and his arms aren't really blocked, which is good and it shows some foresight on Hasbro's part. The cloak is a little action-oriented, sort of blowing in the wind and it's obvious he's ready for action. While this is labeled as a figure from a wedding, it only makes sense that he'd be ready for action, but obviously, it's not that kind of action.

Once the cloak is removed, fans are treated to a much nicer looking figure. He's well-jointed, sculpted nicely, not posed in any strange way, and he's even got a decent face. (Again, not one for a wedding.)

The outfit is nicely sculpted and the "cloth" hangs well. There are some nice details, like the cybernetic replacement hand, and of course the articulation that allows for a nice, reserved pose as well as a variety of action stances.

He's jointed at the neck, biceps, waist, and hips with ball-ish joints at the shoulders and ankles. I may be wrong but I believe this is the first Star Wars figure to feature ball ankle joints. It might also even be the first figure in this scale with this kind of joint, but since I never bought 21st Century Toys' Xtreme Detail soldiers or Bionic Six, I really don't know. (I know the new Joes have ankle joints on some figures, and I think some Micronauts do, but not ball joints.)

The head is acceptable... but not in this picture. It doesn't look goofy and it doesn't look fantastic. It could probably benefit from a slightly altered paint job, but overall it's hard to fault it too much.

Overall, it's a nice figure. Just drop an accessory. Unlike many previous Anakins, he has no magnets anywhere on his person.

Accessories

He includes a lightsaber, deflected shot, and a cloak.

First up, the cloak. Hasbro did buyers a disservice by including this ugly thing. Anakin doesn't need it and neither do you. Take it off and stuff it in a box with your weird Force projectiles from April of 2002. It adds significant bulk to the figure as wel as a sense of awkwardness that this character doesn't need. While I am glad to see that Hasbro finally release the cloak with this character, fact is it doesn't look good. At all. I appreciate the effort but we definitely need to see them revisit this accessory.

The lightsaber is pretty much the same one included with the Hangar Duel version from last year-- except its blade is not removable. Why, I don't know, but it is unique for this reason.

The blast deflection is, well, nothing special. Mine resides next to the cloak.

Packaging

The 2003 Saga packaging is changed only slightly from that of 2002. It does the trick, it looks fresher, but it's by no means any big change.

Availability

He's new, so keep your eyes peeled.

Fin

Of the basic figures, he is by far the best. He's shed the awkwardness of the Outlander Peasant, the inability to keep it together of Hangar Duel, and the general crappiness of the Tattooine Attack, a figure which, I should say, gets worse every time I pick it up.

This Anakin supposedly replicates the final moments of Attack fo the Clones, but he really works as a good version of the character for any adventures you may have directly following the film, which may make him a great pre-Clone Wars version of the character. He's fun to play with as he's posable, he looks on the happy side of good, and he can actually stand up-- and he doesn't have any immediate flaws. (Well, aside from the easily avoided cloak.) If you want a good Anakin to futz with, get this one. Some fans may lament the inclusion of the robo-hand, but I think it adds character to this excellent figure.

Buy one, or more if you can. You won't be sorry.

Our sample was obtained from Entertainment Earth in February 2003.