The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with our first entry and the first figure in the The Black Series 3-3/4″  line – #01 Padmé Amidala

PROS: At first blush, you’d think this was a simple rehash of a prior figure with new parts, but when doing a side-by-side with the TLC/Evolutions figures, you’ll quickly see that this is a new figure from the ground up. A refreshing notion coming off of a nasty drought of quality products. The last version of this scene-specific figure was back in 2002 and it featured that wonky quickdraw (throw the gun across the room) action feature, so finally that one can be retired mercilessly. It is a solid figure all around with a nice sculpt and exacting details. Even the color of the outfit is better and isn’t so stark white as with previous iterations. The “nexu damage” applied to her back is well sculpted and is finished off with bloody scratches.

CONS: Was a total retool really necessary? For all the times that Hasbro sites tooling costs as a prohibitor for new figures, it seems that they could have retooled the torso and one arm to keeps costs in check. The likeness, while good, is a step backward from the previous (TLC) Geonosis outfit figure which looked more like Ms. Portman. One final issue is with the mismatch joint in her right arm . Yikes.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this piece is worth adding to your collection.

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