Toyark’s week of Black Series continues today with another catch up gallery! Black Series Wave 8 (2015 wave 1) is on tap and today’s session is of Emperor Palpatine! Darth Sidious himself features a mostly plastic design with a big soft-goods cloak that allows for some awesome evil looking head shots. He even comes with an action cane for tons of fun! Just kidding, but this is a pretty solid figure in the line up and works great with Black Series Darth Vader. Check out our full set after the break courtesy of site sponsor Entertainment Earth!
Related Entertainment Earth links: All Star Wars Black Series, All Hasbro Star Wars, All Star Wars Products.
Star Wars Black Series Emperor Palpatine
Pros
Solid face sculpt
No hunk of plastic lower body like the OG 3.75
Soft goods hood works well, stays flared out
Cons
No lightsaber or lighting effects!
Overall
Overall, very happy with this pick up. Within the scope of Black Series, he is well done and has a nice presence on the shelf along with Vader. The face really works in a creepy way at certain angles, and mixed with the paint apps it really pops. The soft goods cloak can be wonky at times, but if you get it positioned right it works. Bottom line, for Black Series teamed up with Vader, this is a must grab. Check some key shots below and the full gallery after that!
Related Entertainment Earth links: All Star Wars Black Series, All Hasbro Star Wars, All Star Wars Products.
Running catch up on Black Series waves. Botcon, July 4th, SDCC, TFCon etc delayed my shoots. Doing Waves 8 & 9 plus the Wampa this week. First up is the Clone Captain!

Black Series Clone Trooper Captain Gallery - The Toyark - News
I remember the second clone trooper toy that I got was the original captain figure, the one with the missile launching turret, glittery looking gun, and a piece of angled rock for dynamic poses. I don't get any PT figures for my small 6" collection, but this one is one of the cool looking ones.
I wish Hasbro would release the Phase 1 officers in 3.75 inch scale on the same buck they used for the Vintage Collection Phase I Clones. They did release the Lieutenant in the Vintage Collection and I believe they used the buck for the Black Series Sergeant, but they never released the Captain or Commander which is a shame because I would love to army build Phase 1 Clones but I don't have the funds or space to do it with the 6" figures. I do love the 6" ones though. Great figure, and they usually do a good job with the deco.
They also need to re release the 3.75 inch Private that used that buck, they go for like $20+ loose. Same price as the 6" version. Not exactly ideal.
Anyways, great photos!
Yes, great shots again.

Those clone helmets have always seemed 'wrong' to me. I love the original Stormtrooper design. Looking at these, it's as if somebody took a regular trooper and force-fed him an entire bottle of lemon juice, causing his helmet mouthpiece to pucker up cartoon-style. It just has that silly quality for me, so consequently, I never felt any inclination to collect clones.
My preference would be more variants of the original design, like a 6" Snowtrooper, Spacetrooper, etc., with different colors and markings for the command structure. We've seen a bit of that already with the Sandtrooper. That said, there should be clear limits. This is Star Wars, not Iron Man.
I really want them to make a snowtrooper.
The Black series still exists? I thought Hasbro canned it considering none of my stores have had anything on their shelves for 6 months now. Hell, Target's entire Star Wars section has been barren since Xmas. TRU has only had 5 prequel Obiwans and 4 slave Leias that have been collecting dust since then too.
Dropping this in for Tony B.



Black Series Emperor Palpatine Gallery - The Toyark - News
Thanks Joe. This is one of my favs from 2015 waves. He just looks evil as shit with Vader.
What would be cool is to grab one of those diorama pieces coming with the Figuarts figures. Would make a great display for Vader, Luke and the Emperor.

LOVE that group shot with the troopers!
I agree re: the clever Figuarts background prop. With patience, you might find one loose in the secondary market.
(Addendum: Confirmed. Run a search for "Figuarts Star Wars Darth Vader LIMITED DEATH STAR DISPLAY STAND ONLY.")
Asia has a long tradition of mini-dioramas for sculpture, but it's rare in modern action figure culture, except for promotional display props at conventions. More than once, I've approached a vendor to ask for a price for some gorgeous, fantastic background display piece, only to be told "Not For Sale."
Rgds
oh, and gorgeous pics as per usual.
Ah yes, those derpy fins. It's strange how many of the first designs were so inspired. I don't know about you, but from my reading of recent articles, I sense that Abrams wants to minimize derpitude.
Dropping this in for Tony B.



Black Series Luke in Stormtrooper Disguise Gallery - The Toyark - News
Great shots of Palpatine! I don't have Black Series Luke or Vader because they never showed up in my area, but once I find a good looking 6" scale throne for Palpatine I intend on putting him on the stand that came with SHF Vader.
I appreciate the photo of the three Lukes standing side-by-side, for comparison purposes. Note the unique face sculpt for ROTJ. I understand that Mark Hamill was in a car accident prior to ROTJ, and suspect the bangs might be combed straight down to cover scars. Poor guy. He seems to have recovered well, so naturally we're all glad for that. Really, they're all very good and complimentary sculpts. My favorite is the Pilot version.
Dropping this in for Tony B.



Black Series Commander Cody Gallery - The Toyark - News
IG-88 is UP!

Black Series IG-88 Gallery - The Toyark - News
Picture 22 of IG-88. I think if I saw that coming at me I'd be all OMGWTHBBQ. Then I'd run screaming.
Wow, an IG-88 with actual good articulation. Why woulda thunk it?
That figure looks rad.
That figure looks rad.
The new leia is the only one I haven't found yet
But on cody does anyone else have a problem with the ball joint for the head??? Mines got that issue where it seems the joint is too big, like when I move the head at all it just pops right off
Pics by Tony B.



Black Series Princess Leia in Boushh Disguise Gallery - The Toyark - News
I like the Boushh Leia a lot. I display the detonator on her belt but I would suggest plugging it into her thumb if anyone intends to display her in negotiating mode, otherwise it's too loose just sitting in her hand.
I think the Boushh Leia is solid too. Really what I want is Ep IV white robe Leia, and 3PO. Then I'll be content.
Keep reading: Toyark's Black Series Wave 8 & 9 Galleries - Page 2
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