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The Toyark › Star Wars Toy News › HyperReal Darth Vader In-Hand Review

HyperReal Darth Vader In-Hand Review

Posted on September 9, 2019 at 1:49 pm by Tony_Bacala under Random Photo Shoot, Star Wars Toy News

Star Wars Black Series Hyper Real Darth Vader

Impressive. Most Impressive. Hyper Real is Hasbro’s new take on adult collector action figures. It features a metal skeleton under a seamless silicone body to give us the characters with no visible joints. Coupled with higher end soft goods, attention to detail with the paint, these are upper tier offerings. They are in the 8 inch scale, so they won’t work with existing Star Wars Black Series 6 inch figures. Hasbro sent through a slightly early copy of Darth Vader, their first release in this new format. We’ve run him through the motions and have over 80 images showing off what he can do. Read on for those and some thoughts after the break!

Overall Thoughts:

It’s nice, really nice, in hand. But it is a big departure from traditional Star Wars Black Series figures. The construction is different, so it requires different levels of posing attention. Most everything you need to do with this guy requires a full 2 hand action. No quick posing changes. No quick swapping of parts. You are committing to a change, foregoing any fine tuning you had going on with the pose or the cape, and starting over. This is more in line with 1/6 scale figures and how they handle, the little I have done that. The skeleton is also very stiff, so arms and legs aren’t moving with one hand and some downward pressure like Black Series would. Plus side, this guy is keeping his stances once there.

Articulation is good, great range in the shoulders and elbows. Rocker ankles go flat without fuss. Hips and knees are average range, no Spider-Man poses though. The hands pop onto a metal ball, the end of the skeleton. And that does move around, but due to Vader having long gloves and them being hard plastic, the range in the hands are limited. Head pops onto a big plastic ball joint, range is good for a big helmet. There are ratcheting swivels above the elbow and knee allowing for stance adjustment after you get the bend right. The one surprise for me was the lack of range in the torso. There is no ab-crunch, or equivalent, under the rubber body. And the connection of the torso to the legs is a single metal ball joint. This just slightly moves around, there is no ratcheting or clicking involved. So having him hunch over, or even stretch backwards to the side, which I do a lot in action poses, is not there. He’s pretty much looking straight forward unless you really work it. The small peg, thick rubber, and robes just limit that type of posing in the mid section.

Overall sculpt is 10 of 10. The helmet, which is hard to nail the smaller you get, is sharp AF. In close up shots it’s hanging with the 1/6 and prop helmets. The body, which is silicone/rubber, is all sharply molded and slightly squishy. One thing I am concerned with long term, the silicone/rubber body parts attract dust and it sticks to it. Think of the phone grabber things for your dashboard. For those that shoot photography outside – may require a bath and scrub down afterwards. The layered armor pieces and boots are hard plastic and also clean. So from a sculpt and materials, paint execution standpoint, it’s perfect. The robes – better than SWBS6 by miles, but still not there. They fray out and lay in unnatural ways unless you really focus. Any slight bump or movement can nuke what you’ve done. Now, one thing I did here and it helped A LOT – I ironed it with Spray Starch. That got the flap on the inside of the cape where the stitching is to lay flat, and added a bit of heft to the cape overall. I may actually do this again with more starch, I just didn’t want to go nuts the first time around in case it made it weird. Do it in rounds if you try, and evaluate after each round.

Accessories are cool, the Lightsaber and it’s blade work well, it pops in and out easily without threat of breaking the connection point. Hands are good, there are 9 total. Force effect is cool but I didn’t find myself reaching for it much. The base is awesome and I hope they add one into future figures and complete the Carbonite Chamber ring.

Scale – it’s just it’s own thing. Doesn’t pair with anything on the market, any brand. So, these guys will be standing solo, they have to live or die on their own merits. No “I’ll slide this guy in here with these others” thing happening.

Bottom line – it feels great in hand, looks sharp in core stances. It’s a higher end piece, worthy of shelf focus. This one has some mid body articulation issues which limit dynamic posing, a key feature for me in the photography. Is that due to Vader, or the line overall? Will have to wait and see what happens with the next one, Luke. I’ll reserve judgement for then. For now, it’s a great step up centerpiece for those who can’t, or don’t want to, jump into Hot Toys scale and price.

I didn’t know what to expect here, but I was pleasantly surprised and happy it’s here in the world. The key will be how Luke, a non armored person with a human face, his clothes, and articulation is handled. And if that’s done well, how deep are we going, is the line focused on themes and teams, etc. So time will tell on all that. Great start and I’m looking forward to it.

Star Wars Black Series Hyper Real Darth Vader is out now and/or shipping soon. You can grab him here at Amazon, and check our sponsors below as well. Thanks to Hasbro for sending through this copy to review!

Sponsor Links: Big Bad Toy Store, The Toy Source, Entertainment Earth, Dorkside Toys, Hobby Link Japan, The Chosen Prime

Discuss on the Toyark Forums› Views: 18828 › Tags: Featured, Hyper Real Galleries, Star Wars Black Series Galleries

› Companies: Hasbro › Characters: Darth Vader › Scale: 8 Inch › Sub-Line: Black Series, HyperReal

Discussion / Comments (Jump to this Thread on the Forum)

  1. Tony_Bacala's Avatar Tony_Bacala says

    09-07-2019, 06:26 AM

    OK, we are live: Hyper Real Darth Vader In-Hand Review


    I actually did a bit of a review this time too. LMK if you guys have any questions or need more pics.


  2. RamenRider's Avatar RamenRider says

    09-07-2019, 10:28 AM

    Hm... just a short insight on the overall feel of the figure in hand would be nice. Like the quality of materials used and the heft of the figure compared to mainline Black figures. The teasers of the pictures already cover most angles I would want to see.

    Also, is this an articulation demo or a reference to his first clunky steps off of the operation table?

  3. Tony_Bacala's Avatar Tony_Bacala says

    09-09-2019, 10:51 AM

    Gallery is up:


    Hyper Real Darth Vader In-Hand Review

  4. En Sabah Nerd's Avatar En Sabah Nerd says

    09-09-2019, 11:11 AM

    There are some beautiful shots and in final delivery this piece is impressive but with its price and longevity concerns I won't be picking one up at anything close to full price.

  5. Dolemite's Avatar Dolemite says

    09-09-2019, 11:25 AM

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RamenRider View Post
    Also, is this an articulation demo or a reference to his first clunky steps off of the operation table?

    He's obviously doing the Hulk Hogan big boot:

    Up next: the leg drop for the 1, 2, 3!

  6. firmpulse's Avatar firmpulse says

    09-09-2019, 11:28 AM

    Wonderful photos. How does the silicone body feel in hand? Does the figure feel solid?

  7. Tony_Bacala's Avatar Tony_Bacala says

    09-09-2019, 12:20 PM

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RamenRider View Post
    Hm... just a short insight on the overall feel of the figure in hand would be nice. Like the quality of materials used and the heft of the figure compared to mainline Black figures. The teasers of the pictures already cover most angles I would want to see.

    Also, is this an articulation demo or a reference to his first clunky steps off of the operation table?

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dolemite View Post
    He's obviously doing the Hulk Hogan big boot:

    Up next: the leg drop for the 1, 2, 3!
    Hehe. When I was doing it was for articulation demo, but as I was getting a pose without the stand I went full table wake.

    Oh wait, I mean Hulk Boot. Definitely Hulk Boot.

  8. Tony_Bacala's Avatar Tony_Bacala says

    09-09-2019, 12:23 PM

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by firmpulse View Post
    Wonderful photos. How does the silicone body feel in hand? Does the figure feel solid?
    Body is solid. Frame, skeleton under silicone is firm. Almost too firm, requires two hands for most posing. Holds poses well. Feet plant flat. Silicone is very dense, doesn't jiggle or anything. Does give way to all posing.

  9. Joe Moore's Avatar Joe Moore says

    09-09-2019, 01:08 PM

    I really love the pics man. The scale doesn't bother me at all personally as there's plenty of Vader in any other scale you can imagine. I kind of want to grab this as just a random, nice looking Vader.

  10. Smasher's Avatar Smasher says

    09-09-2019, 02:16 PM

    Some of the poses in this review are outright bizarre and out of character for Darth Vader
    But they also show how unbelievably dynamic the figure is.
    Hasbro has not done a very good job of convincing me that this is anything more than a larger, more expensive Black Series figure.
    This pictorial did just that. Well done.

  11. tierneygreen's Avatar tierneygreen says

    09-09-2019, 04:04 PM

    I was on the fence before I saw these pics and read your review, but now I 'm pretty sure want one. I have kind of a "Vader shrine" in my collection, but there's nothing close to what one would consider high-end. This doesn't exactly fit that bill, either, but it's well above anything I do have.

    I'm not crazy about having to starch and iron the cape myself, but I'll do it (Do it!) if I have to. While I'm at it, I'll probably hit those gloves with some dull coat. Based on these pics, they're just a teensy bit to shiny for my taste.

  12. Tony_Bacala's Avatar Tony_Bacala says

    09-09-2019, 06:31 PM

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by tierneygreen View Post
    I'm not crazy about having to starch and iron the cape myself, but I'll do it (Do it!) if I have to. While I'm at it, I'll probably hit those gloves with some dull coat. Based on these pics, they're just a teensy bit to shiny for my taste.
    You don't HAVE to starch it. It's not crazy bad or anything out of package. All the white BG shots are pre-iron in my gallery. But weird hanging softgoods really bother me and take me out of the figure when I catch it on the shelf looking like a 70s doll.

    The fabric is iron-able, and the starch seemed to work, so it was worth it to me. I'd suggest non-steam medium-low heat tho, it's synthetic.

  13. Vamp has no avatar! Vamp says

    09-09-2019, 06:35 PM

    Meh, im happy with my Black series vader, ill pass.

  14. Skoob's Avatar Skoob says

    09-09-2019, 08:19 PM

    These photos are very helpful to me. It looks like they did a fine job with the helmet sculpt, and I wondered if the arms had enough articulation to make them to look like they're gripping the belt: they do, evidently.

    Did you have to prop the figure somehow to prevent it from falling over in image 12, where Vader is down on one knee?

    Medicom and Figuarts look crummy by comparison. I'm sold. I wonder what other characters are planned for this scale. Given the slightly larger scale and improved soft goods, I would anticipate more unmasked characters with fabric outfits. If Luke's headsculpt looks reasonably good, I could go for a entire line.

    Thanks for the great shots.

  15. digger318 has no avatar! digger318 says

    09-10-2019, 12:25 AM

    At a similar price and gimmick to mezco, this figure is a rip off, they still cant mould and paint a lightsaber properly, or the chest details.

  16. digger318 has no avatar! digger318 says

    09-10-2019, 12:29 AM

    while the 1st figuarts vader is a little skinny etc compared to later releases by mafex for example.
    you should look at their new release
    https://tamashii.jp/item/12972/

  17. DarthSpank has no avatar! DarthSpank says

    09-10-2019, 05:13 AM

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by digger318 View Post
    while the 1st figuarts vader is a little skinny etc compared to later releases by mafex for example.
    you should look at their new release
    @digger318, sorry mate. How can you compare this to SHF? SHF pales in comparison to me.. That short cape and its the only soft goods, not to mention the visible joints. To each of its own, but I can't wait for next week when my Vader is joining my collection. Even harder to wait for Luke once they make him right as current images are renders only and not a final product. I do hope they go for all major chars in the saga, so I can get them all

  18. Tony_Bacala's Avatar Tony_Bacala says

    09-10-2019, 07:04 AM

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Skoob View Post
    Did you have to prop the figure somehow to prevent it from falling over in image 12, where Vader is down on one knee?
    Yeah, so that was weird. They have him in this pose ON THE BOX, but I could not get him to do it naturally. I couldn't get foot A and knee B on the ground at the same time. Then I noticed the box also hides what's going on with knee B, tom-trickery I say. .

    So yeah, I have a riser under his knee and wrapped the cape around.

    I am not sure about the pure capabilities of the skeleton, but it is possible that the silicone body overlay reduces it's range.



    More skeleton pics here

  19. anindrew has no avatar! anindrew says

    09-10-2019, 01:01 PM

    This looks like a fantastic figure for $80. I'd imagine if this proves to be successful for Hasbro, they'll try it in other lines. I'd love to some MCU Avengers in this style, but only if they had super accurate costumes and accurate face printing.

  20. Wonderful Toys's Avatar Wonderful Toys says

    09-10-2019, 01:32 PM

    While it certainly looks good, I wonder if Darth Vader, a character constantly covered head to toe in his outfit, is the best first release of a series of figures touted for a seamless, silicon skin overlaying a metal skeleton. This could have had a traditional action figure body under a cloth suit(like Mezco's One: 12 Collective and NECA's 8 inch clothed figures)and there wouldn't be much of a difference.

  21. Mommar has no avatar! Mommar says

    09-10-2019, 01:39 PM

    I’m interested but the fact it attracts dust is an absolute no-go for a guy who lives in the desert. Dusting your collection is bad enough, but washing? I’m out.

  22. Skoob's Avatar Skoob says

    09-10-2019, 06:30 PM

    I have a couple of Phicen figures, and they don't attract dust any more than your standard silicon placemat in the kitchen: a non-issue, especially if you have them in a display case. Anyway, we're talking about silicon, so no big deal even if you DO wipe it occasionally.

  23. Synth's Avatar Synth says

    09-11-2019, 09:26 AM

    Awesome figure! but 8" would be an oddity not scaling with anything in my collection... If only it was in 6"!
    I have a 1/12 (6") Phicen figure which is great in that scale.
    8" feels like the mistake Bandai made with ThunderCats Classics Lion-O and Tygra. To start a new line in an odd scale is a disappointment imho.
    If this was in 6" I wouldn't need a 2nd thought to get this.
    My main reason to not buy it is it would break my collecting rules which I had to make to prevent the hobby from getting out of hand and keep things more organized. I'm still going through the horror of having to sell half the collection because it got out of hand without clear rules.

  24. Joe Moore's Avatar Joe Moore says

    09-11-2019, 10:06 AM

    I'm not sure why people keep saying this needs to be 6" scale. If you're not into 8" scale, that's cool. That's understandable. But there are numerous 6" scale Darth Vader figures available. MAFEX has done at least 3, at least 2 SH Figuarts, a Revoltech Vader, and 3 or 4 Black Series. So it's not like 6" collectors are starved for an articulated Darth Vader.

  25. En Sabah Nerd's Avatar En Sabah Nerd says

    09-11-2019, 11:05 AM

    I also think the size is actually where it should be. I'm not sure Hasbro would have been able to make it as effectively in any smaller size and going bigger would just continue to inflate the price even though it would benefit the cape. I've already got my ideal 6" Vader with the black series vintage/RO figure so if I'm going to pay a premium I'd rather it be something bigger.

  26. There are more replies on the Toyark Forums.

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