It has been a long time since we’ve done a full blown review of a collectible here on the site so with the release of the Darth Maul – Dark Disciple Mythos Statue from Sideshow Collectibles, we felt this would be the perfect opportunity to do so. With Hasbro collectibles being few and far between for the first part of 2013, click on through to see if this subset of high-end collectibles is something you’d like to pursue.

AN INTRO TO STAR WARS: MYTHOS

For more about the Star Wars: Mythos line, be sure to check out the Sideshow Experience at Sideshow Collectibles’ website.

THE STORY:

The winds throw a stinging sand across his bare skin, while his black robe snaps around the metallic hilt of the saberstaff hanging dormant at his waist. Maul is coiled, lethal, the force of his will pent-up with the violent need for his muscles to spring. Closing his eyes, he finds and grasps an agonizing memory.

Torture. His memories are of pain, of electric fire arcing from the contorted fingers of his master, coursing through his synapses as he cried out for relief. There would be no relief, though, short of marshaling his hate. He knows that hate unlocks the Dark Side. Only once consumed with hate would a master end the agony.

Anger builds around him now in waves. He allows it to increase, fed by those memories of pain, and of his master’s mocking laughter. A terrible rage grows, swelling within him, and a roaring fills his ears. His eyes snap open, glowing in horrible hues of red, orange, and yellow.

His anger is pure hatred. And that hatred explodes.

THE PACKAGING:

Right out of the shipper box you’ll immediately know you are in for something special. Sideshow has produced packaging for this line that is so well done that it deserves display right along side of the statue itself. The presentation box has a simple matte black and gray finish but is adorned with gorgeous thematic illustrations and product photography that wrap around the box in a blood-red band. This artwork has a glossy (varnish) coating that force pushes the artwork right off the box. It also features the ever-present Star Wars logo on the top flap which gives way to a nice surprise inside – a constructed envelope featuring the same artwork as the outer box. Within the envelope is a heavy cardstock Certificate of Authenticity which (on the reverse) features the concept artwork again making this a framable piece of art in its own right.

THE STATUE:

Now we’re to the good stuff. After some minimal assembly, Maul take shape and he looks as if he’s not to be trifled with. Sideshow’s sculptors captured the essence of Maul in a very simple, yet striking pose that feels very much alive with the flutter of his clothing and a single outstretched arm. Despite being constructed out of polystone, the “fabric” of Maul’s outfit is well sculpted with intricate folds and creases that enhance the overall realism and invoke a sense of motion of fluidity. At this point in our collective minds, we are all well aware of Darth Maul’s ornate body tattoos and they’re again featured prominently here in what I feel is the best expression thus far – by any manufacturer. Sideshow elected to be a little more subtle in this application and only expose half of the torso and right arm. It looks as if he is in the middle of disrobing or perhaps the clothes were pulled from his body as a result of an intense duel.

The definition of Maul’s musculature is very impressive, hyper-realistic to a point, and does not look the least bit out of proportion or “cartoony”. The skin has been given a subtle, dark wash that defines each muscle, in fact, it almost makes you want to go lift a few weights, or at least entertain the idea. The tattoos themselves feature crisp line work and capture Maul’s signature look perfectly.

Sideshow has also allowed for the Mythos line to have some measure of configurability in the form of interchangeable parts. For this piece, collectors have their choice in displaying one of two head sculpts (stoic or angry teeth), a right hand wielding a wooden staff or one formed in a “force push” gesture. Both accessories are well done and look absolutely natural displayed either way. You can also display either both, one, or none of the lightsaber blades for Maul’s lightsaber – which is certainly beneficial if display space is an issue.

 SUMMARY:

Overall, I find this first piece in the Mythos line to be extremely well done and it may be one of the most displayable and conversational pieces one could have in their collection. I am optimistic that subsequent offerings in the line will only get better and I look forward to adding those to my collection as well. For more images, be sure to check out our exclusive photo album on Facebook.

PROS:
– The sculpt is some of the best work SSC has done. The facial sculpts alone make this an item worth considering
– The use of magnets to secure the head in place is a nice (but unnecessary) feature
– Hefty in terms of weight and overall dimension – doesn’t feel cheap in any way
– Comparable to the Premium Format line, but at a better price point
– The base, with its Geonosian column aesthetic is well done and attributes to the weight of the entire piece

CONS:
– Glossiness of the head paint apps (on both portraits) are off a bit compared to the rest of the exposed skin
– Seams for the switch out portrait are a bit too obvious, I would prefer only one head to avoid this or have a tighting in the tolerances between the head piece and torso cavity
– Slight curve on one end of the saberstaff – although this might be a fluke defect not a wide spread production issue
– The left hand/gauntlet doesn’t fit as securely as one might like so the possibility is there for the hand to fall off if inadvertently bumped, again this flaw might be unique to my sample

This piece is available now from Sideshow Collectibles and retails for $249.99 and is limited to 2500 pieces.