Review of Darth Talon - Star Wars
Mini-bust and Premium Format Statue
Gentle Giant/Sideshow
Date Published: 2010-08-18
Written By: Michael Crawford
Overall Average Rating: 3.25
out of 4
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Introduction
It's pretty rare to get two collectibles of the same character within a couple weeks. Even more so when that character is
practically unknown.
But Darth Talon must have somebody on her side, because there is both a mini-bust from Gentle Giant and a Premium Format
statue from Sideshow Collectibles both hitting doorsteps at the same time.
So who exactly is Darth Talon? She's a Sith Lord
from the comic book Legacy series, so it's not surprising that many fans won't immediately know her. She has three things
going for her: she's Twi'lek, and God knows us Star Wars geeks love Twi'leks; she's a Sith Lord, which means she's a bad ass;
and, of course, she's hotter than Texas asphalt. What more could you want?
The exclusive PF (with extra removable cape) is limited to just 650 pieces, and was originally $290 at Sideshow's site. The
regular, limited to 1500, was $280. They are both on wait list now, but you can buy the regular for at least 10% off at
several sponsors - check the Where to Buy section at the end.
The mini-bust is limited to 3850, and is likely to run you any where from $45 - $65, depending on the retailer. SRP was $60,
but many places have these for closer to $50.
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Packaging - PF ***; Bust ***1/2
Both come in the standard colors with the usual text and design, with solid foam holding the precious cargo safe. The
bust edges out the PF because it has a window to show the head sculpt (always a plus for the window shopper), and it has the
cool little baseball card style Certificate of Authenticity. The edition number for the PF is printed on the bottom of the
box, but it's tough to beat the cool COA's from Gentle Giant.
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Sculpting - Bust ***1/2; PF ****
Here are two interpretations of the same character, both slightly different. Is either 'right'?
Interestingly enough, most of the real differences line in the next category, Paint. They've done some things differently
there, while keeping the same basic sculpt.
The face, as well as the tentacles, are slightly longer on the GG version. Generally, the armor is a very close match
with the exception of the triceps coverings, which sport a slightly different design. Other scale issues are similar,
including the rather large breasts. The Sideshow pose tends to accentuate them a bit more, but she'd be a definite D cup
either way.
Neither expression is extreme, but neither is completely dead either. I'd call the GG look 'thoughtful', while the SS version
is a bit more on the 'determined' side. Both are very beautiful female sculpts, and match the screen cap version well enough.
The bust isn't in a very dynamic pose, simply holding her lighted saber in front. My biggest overall issue with the bust
sculpt is the saber blade itself, which is very thick and has little taper. In face, the quarter scaled PF version has a
thinner, more realistic blade than the smaller sixth scale bust.
The PF is a much more dynamic pose, with Talon in half stride, looking over her right shoulder, preparing to strike. The
musculature is well defined, the proportions are excellent, and the armor itself has some beautiful detail work.
Both the bust and PF have sculpted edges to the myriad of tattoos, giving them extra definition and sharpness. These tattoos
represent the biggest differences between the two versions - while they might look similar at first, a basic comparison will
show how very different the patterns are. I'm not sure that either one is necessarily right or wrong, since I can find all
kinds of screen caps to support these designs and more, but I found that I preferred the tighter, sharper look of the designs
around her face on the PF version.
I've included quite a few photos to give you an idea of the all around appearance of both collectibles. The first close up to
your left is the bust, and from there down to the photo of the two together I alternate bust/PF. However, the large first
photo and final photo are both of the PF. And no, the saber in the final photo was not photo shopped in any way.
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Paint - Bust ***; PF ***1/2
They've gone in different ways on the paint, but both sport good quality work.
The bust has some sloppy edges on the various tattoos, but some of this is due to its smaller size and scale.The eyes are a
tad straighter and cleaner on the bust, but the PF has a more interesting expression.
The ears and head band are also very different. The sculpt is similar, but they went in two different directions in the Paint
category.
Both have the funky ear cones, but on the bust they are the red skin tone, while on the PF they have a coppery armored
appearance. The head band that wraps around the back of the skull also has this copper armor color on the PF, but is painted
the same black as the tattoos on the bust. Again, I can't say with authority that either one is completely right or wrong, but
I can say that I personally like the Sideshow interpretation slightly better.
It's the little things that can make such a difference. Notice the lips on both - which do you prefer? Both are red of
course, but the PF has a darker color with a high gloss finish, while the lighter lips on the bust have a more matte
appearance. For me, it's easy - I much prefer the look on the PF because it brings the lips out more, highlighting that
feature on the lower face.
The bust paint ops aren't poor, but when held side by side with the PF, the overall quality of the latter becomes much more
apparent.
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Articulation - N/A
Neither piece has any form of articulation.
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Accessories - Bust, PF (exclusive) ***
While it might seem like the Bust comes with no accessories, I'm going to count the light saber blade. It's removable,
allowing you to display her without the blade lit.
That's not true with the PF, where the blade is permanently attached to the hilt. However, the exclusive PF includes the
removable cape, which is very well made and fits great.
Since the head on the PF is held in place with a strong magnet, you can easily remove it to tie the cape around the shoulders
just right, then pop the head back on. This allows you to get it just right without the 'tentacles' getting in the way.
The cape is made from a very thin material, and hangs perfectly. The thin material also allows the hood to be less bulky and
cumbersome.
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Light Feature - PF ***1/2; Bust N/A
The bust doesn't light up, making this another Not Applicable category for her.
However, the PF does, and therefore has the stronger electronic connections on the one foot and the right arm. The light is
powered by two AA batteries, not included, and like the recent Jedi
Luke PF, there is also no option to use an AC adapter. That's a big loss as far as I'm concerned, but I won't cry in my
Corn Pops for too long.
The red sabers always work better, which is somehow related to the color and not the evil nature of the dark side, I'm sure.
That being said, don't expect to be blinded by the light, particularly in a well lit room, but it's a nice effect with the
lights down low. In fact, Big Bang Theory needs to do a scene were Leonard romantically lights the room for Penny with just
the glow of the Sideshow PF lightsabers...
It's also worth noting that the small button to turn the saber on and off is hidden as a rock on the back top of the base.
That makes it easy to get to, and inconspicuous.
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Outfit - PF ***1/2, mini-bust N/A
Obviously, the bust doesn't have an outfit, per se, so doesn't get a score for this category.
The PF has an outfit, but there's not a lot here - thank goodness. Most of the outfit - bra, boots, low slung 'belt',
gauntlets and upper arm armor - is sculpted. But this is a PF, which means mixed media, and there is some cloth bits. The
strap on the back of the armored bra and the bikini bottoms with the long flowing strands are cloth, and the strands include
wires in each that allow you to pose them properly.
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Value - Bust, PF **1/2
There is certainly a big difference in price between these two collectibles, but both are on the plus side of Value when
compared to some of the other releases in this format.
A lot of Sideshow's PF's these days, especially those that light up, are running $300. You can pick this lovely lady up for
15% - 20% lower, making her a solid value. Of course, that's the regular version, but while the cape is cool, I think most
fans can learn to live without.
The bust is running around $50 - $60, again about the going rate for Gentle Giant Star Wars busts. In fact, you may be able
to snag this guy for under $50, which is a solid value. You're not going to feel like you got a steal with either one of
these, but you will feel you got your money's worth.
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Things to Watch Out For -
When you assemble the PF, you'll want to attach the arms - held in place with strong magnets at the top of the gauntlets -
before putting the PF on the base. This is because the long lightsaber blade has little room to maneuver when she's standing
on the rocky platform.
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Overall - Bust ***; PF ***1/2
Gentle Giant played it very safe with the design choice for their bust. Nothing extreme in the pose, nothing extreme in the
expression. She's very pretty, and the overall quality of the paint work is very good, but the only thing that makes her pop
is the red skin and black tattoos.
On the other hand, the PF has a much more dynamic pose. Doing that is always dangerous, but Sideshow pulled it off pretty
well here. I'm not sure if I'm completely sold on the walking stance on the legs, but through the cape on her back and that
becomes a moot point.
For those with the cash and a thing for Talon, the Premium Format statue is the way to go. For some folks, the obscurity of
the character may be off putting, but for me that actually adds to her appeal. Rather than another Han, another Luke, or
another Leia, here's a character that's obviously Star Wars to even the most uninitiated, but isn't someone most will
recognize. That sparks conversation, and collectibles that spark conversation provide the opportunity to initiate the
uninitiated.
For those fans of Talon with fewer dollars (or perhaps more sense, depending on how you look at it), it's nice to know that
the Gentle Giant mini-bust is a decent alternative. While it lacks the bells and whistles, it also costs less than a quarter
of the price. Of course, that savings can be a bit misleading, because I think the PF can work as a stand alone piece, but the
bust really needs other GG Star Wars busts around it to shine.
I also think this is one of those cases where the exclusive PF is a better option than the regular. The extra cape looks
terrific, and adds more of the mixed media feel to the statue.
Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - PF ***; Bust ***1/2
Sculpting - Bust ***1/2; PF ****
Paint - Bust ***; PF ***1/2
Articulation - N/A
Accessories - Bust, PF (exclusive) ***
Outfit - PF ***1/2, mini-bust N/A
Light up Feature - PF ***1/2; Bust N/A
Value - Bust, PF **1/2
Overall - Bust ***; PF ***1/2
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Where to Buy
Online options include these site sponsors:
- Sideshow was the place to get the exclusive PF, but it's on
wait list now. Even the regular is
wait listed!
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has the bust for $54, and the PF for $253.
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has the bust for $50 and the PF for $260.
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also has the bust for $50, and the PF for $260.
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has the bust for $58.
- Entertainment
Earth has the bust for $60.
- or you can search
ebay for a deal.
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Related Links -
Other Sideshow Star Wars PF's I've covered include Jedi
Luke, Yoda with the Clone Trooper, Slave Leia, Boba
Fett, Darth Vader, ANH
Leia, ANH Obi-Wan, and Han
Solo.
Other GG Star Wars mini-busts I've covered include Shaak-Ti
and Aayla Secura, the Tusken
Raider, the pair of Jawas, Dengar, Zuckuss, Chewbacca
and Darth Maul, Jedi Luke, Qui-Gon Jinn, Palpatine
and Skiff Lando.
You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case
any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.
Discussion:
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This product was purchased for the review by the reviewer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.
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