Darth Maul

Kotobukiya decided to try something a little different with this release and chose to represent the Sith Lord as a Japanese Demon. Inspired by the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e (“pictures of the floating world”) art style, Darth Maul balances atop a rocky outcropping in a samurai-like pose.

Darth maul ships un-assembled in a high gloss box with images of the finished piece decorating the box. Inside the figure is packed in vacuum-formed trays with all his parts and pieces neatly laid out.

Assembly is easy and requires no paint or glue. Just like previous ARTFX releases, the statue is a snap-fit kit that is completely pre-painted. Just plug in his limbs, set him on his perch, and he is ready to display.

Paint detail of this release is excellent. I have never been disappointed in the fit, finish, or paint detail of an Art FX release and Darth Maul doesn’t disappoint.

The face, teeth, and body spare no detail, and boy does Maul need to brush his teeth.

Sculpt detail is very generous and intricate. The folds of the cloth look real and the detail in the body just make this look life-like.

Kotobukiya didn’t stop there. Maul’s lightsaber comes with 2 sets of blades. One a more cloudy colored blade for normal display, and a clear colored blade that is designed to light-up in the dark. This is a nice feature but it doesn’t really show in normal lighting. You have to get the lights out to really make the blades glow.

Darth Maul (Japanese Ukiyo-E Style) is a stunningly beautiful and highly detailed vinyl statue, but probably only of interest to fans of unique Japanese Star Wars toys or Darth Maul fanatics. I think die-hard Star Wars fans in general will find the non-cannon look off-putting. If you are considering getting one, just know it is an excellently crafted piece up to the usual high quality Kotobukiya standards.