Ultimate Fan Guide: The Best Star Wars Action Figures

01 décembre, 2023

Ultimate Fan Guide: The Best Star Wars Action Figures

If you’re here, chances are you’ve been enchanted by the Star Wars universe, just like millions worldwide. These movies dominated box offices and made movie merchandise what it is today.

This guide looks deeply into the best Star Wars action figures. For many, they’re vessels of nostalgia and collectors’ pride. They represent a connection to a galaxy far, far away, a place that has been a significant part of many lives for decades.

A Brief History of Star Wars Action Figures

Let’s turn back the clock to the late 1970s, a time when “Star Wars” was just beginning to leave its mark. The first release of Star Wars action figures was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. It was like a perfect storm: a blockbuster movie met the world of toys, and suddenly, kids (and adults) could have a piece of that iconic universe right in their hands.

One of the major players in this saga was toy manufacturer Kenner. It saw the potential in the starry-eyed fans leaving theaters and jumped on it. From Luke Skywalker to Darth Vader, these collection figures brought the movie-goers’ favorite characters to life.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Remember the “empty box” campaign in 1977? Kenner greatly underestimated the demand and sold intentionally empty action figure boxes with a promise to deliver the figures later. Perhaps it was artificial scarcity, though.

Over the years, there have been major shifts in the making of these Star Wars statues. In the early days, the focus was more on playability than accuracy. But as fans grew up and technology improved, the figures started becoming more detailed and articulated and Star Wars action figure collection became a legitimate hobby.

Top Star Wars Action Figures to Collect

1. Darth Maul

Darth Maul, with his iconic facial tattoos and double-bladed lightsaber, has always been beloved, and this figure captures that essence perfectly.

This one’s from Hasbro’s Star Wars Black Series. It’s durable enough to handle play but also detailed enough for display. The price is on par with other high-quality action figures, which varies based on where you’re buying it.

The level of detail in this figure is impressive. The tattoos on Maul’s face are meticulous, and the lightsaber is a faithful replica of the one from the movies.

2. Ahsoka Tano

The Ahsoka Tano figure from Hasbro’s Black Series is especially cool in the versions from “The Clone Wars” and “The Mandalorian.” The figure captures Ahsoka’s signature look perfectly, with detailed sculpting on her montrals and dual lightsabers that just scream quality.

Another great thing about this figure is how it balances being a collector’s item and a toy. It’s poseable, which means you can recreate some classic Ahsoka battle scenes. The attention to detail, especially in the face that resembles actress Rosario Dawson who portrayed her in the Disney+ series, is astounding.

Collectors are loving this figure. It’s a hit for its durability, detailed accessories, and the fact that it’s Ahsoka — one of the coolest characters out there.

3. Darth Vader

Hasbro’s take on Darth Vader for the 40th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back” is a real gem for any Star Wars fan. They’ve upgraded him quite a bit from the earlier versions. What stands out is the detailed sculpt and the new head design. He looks just like he did in the movie.

The figure is really flexible, with lots of points for movement, which is great for posing. But be careful with the hips; they can be a bit wobbly. For around $46, it’s a decent deal, and buyers seem to agree.

4. Jar Jar Binks

The Black Series Jar Jar Binks is an interesting pick. Hasbro added a bunch of Gungan-specific accessories like a shield and spear, which is a nice touch.

What makes this Jar Jar stand out beyond the package is the articulation. You can pose him in various ways, which is pretty cool considering he’s not your typical Star Wars action-figure hero. The level of detail in the joints means you can get some realistic poses out of him.

Jar Jar might not be everyone’s favorite, but this figure does him justice. It’s got a uniqueness to it, both in design and accessories, that makes it worth considering for your collection, especially if you’re into the quirkier side of Star Wars.

5. Din Djarin: The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian, especially Din Djarin from the Black Series, is a sweet collectible figure. Din Djarin’s helmet is removable, which adds a nice bit of realism. Plus, the weapons that come with it are pretty accurate to the show.

The level of detail is impressive. The armor detailing and the paint job really bring the character to life. The figure’s poseability is another strong point, allowing for dynamic displays or reenactments of scenes from the show.

6. Chewbacca

This Chewbacca action figure from the Star Wars Black Series is a notable piece, especially for those who appreciate the original trilogy. Currently, it’s listed at around $12.60, which seems more than fair for a figure with this level of detail.

The design of Chewbacca here is impressive, particularly the fur sculpt. It’s not just a flat, featureless surface; there’s a real sense of texture and depth, which brings Chewie to life in a way that simpler figures might not. This level of detail extends to his iconic bowcaster, which is included.

7. General Grievous

The General Grievous figure from the Star Wars Black Series is priced at $37.24. It’s a 6-inch-tall action figure, which is a pretty standard size for detailed collectibles. This figure is suitable for ages 4 and up, good for young fans and collectors.

Its four arms allow it to wield multiple lightsabers. It’s not just a static figure; the arms are articulated, so you can pose Grievous in various combat stances. Also, the figure comes with a cape that has pockets for lightsabers. That’s a neat extra.

8. Hunter: The Bad Batch

The Hunter figure from The Bad Batch is a part of the Star Wars Black Series, which means has nice details and isn’t just a run-of-the-mill action figure. It’s about 6 inches tall, which is a decent size – not too big, not too small. Perfect for either putting on your shelf or playing with.

They’ve nailed Hunter’s look – the face paint and the armor are spot-on, just like in the show. And it’s not just a stiff piece of plastic; you can actually pose this guy in different ways, which is great for setting up your own little Star Wars scene or just fiddling around with it.

9. Darth Malgus

The Darth Malgus figure from the Star Wars: The Old Republic game is available on Amazon for around $33.99. This price is for a new figure, but there are also used ones for a slightly lower price Malgus is a bit of a unique character in the Star Wars universe, especially since he’s from the Old Republic era, which isn’t as widely covered as the main movie timelines.

The figure captures his distinct look pretty well, with detailed armor and a lightsaber that are true to his appearance in the game. It’s excellent for fans of the game or those who enjoy the broader Star Wars lore.

10. Darth Revan

The Darth Revan figure from the Star Wars Black Series costs $58.84. It’s a 6-inch-tall action figure, a common size for detailed collectibles in this series. The age recommendation for this figure is 4 and up, just like most others.

What’s really cool about this Darth Revan figure is how it captures both the light and dark side versions of the character. This is a nod to Revan’s complex and evolving story in the Star Wars universe. The figure comes with a detailed mask and two lightsabers, which are a big part of Revan’s iconic look.

11. Admiral Ackbar

The Admiral Ackbar action figure is going for about $21.84. It’s part of the Star Wars Black Series and stands at 6 inches tall, which is pretty standard for these figures. Sellers recommend it for anyone aged 4 and up, so it’s cool for both kids and adults who are into Star Wars.

Ackbar here has that distinctive Mon Calamari face – the kind that made “It’s a trap!” such an iconic line. They’ve done a great job with the details on his face and skin texture. Plus, his uniform looks spot on, showing off his rank in the Rebel Alliance.

12. Jaxxon

The Jaxxon figure from the Star Wars Black Series costs $26.74 and is recommended for ages 4 and up. It’s a 6-inch figure, which is no different than the rest of the Black Series.

Jaxxon is a bit of an oddball of the wider Star Wars universe. He’s a green, rabbit-like character from the comics, not the typical Star Wars fare. The figure comes with a couple of blaster accessories, which is a nice touch. It’s always neat to see a more obscure character get some love in the action-figure world.

13. Count Dooku

The Count Dooku figure from the Black Series is pretty cool, especially if you’re into the details. The likeness of late actor Sir Christopher Lee is amazing, which is a big deal for fans. The figure comes with his unique curved lightsaber, and a couple of different blades to mix things up – one standard and one that looks like it’s mid-swing.

The cape is fabric, which is a nice touch. It hangs well and looks more realistic than plastic would. Sure, it doesn’t have a wire for posing, but it still looks good. The figure isn’t super flexible but has enough movement for some classic Dooku stances.

14. Clone Commander Obi-Wan Kenobi

The Clone Commander Obi-Wan Kenobi figure is a mash-up of Obi-Wan’s familiar look with the Clone Trooper armor, straight out of “The Clone Wars” series. What grabs your attention is how much the face looks like actor Ewan McGregor, especially with the face paint, which gives it a pretty realistic vibe.

Design-wise, the Obi-Wan Kenobi figure comes with a lightsaber and has a flexible midsection, which is great for posing or playing around with. However, some have pointed out that the armor can be a bit restrictive for movement. The Obi-Wan Kenobi figure makes up for it with some neat touches like the soft cloth robes and a rubber belt.

15. Boba Fett

The Boba Fett action figure from the Black Series and Vintage Collection is also Hasbro’s brainchild. It’s for fans 4 and up, which is typical for action figures. As for the price, it’s around $39.88, but this can vary depending on where you buy it.

This Boba Fett figure is pretty impressive, especially in the Mandalorian armor, jetpack, and weapons, which are iconic to the character. It also comes with several weapon accessories. The figure stands about 6 inches tall, a good size for display or play.

16. Luke Skywalker

The Luke Skywalker action figures are a treat for Star Wars enthusiasts, no matter the version. The “Jedi Knight” version captures the look from “Return of the Jedi,” with Luke’s all-black outfit and green lightsaber. It has a great face sculpt that really looks like actor Mark Hamill and the articulation is top-notch.

These Star Wars action figures are high-quality and have a good weight to them, feeling sturdy in your hands. They’re great for both kids who want to recreate scenes from the movies and adult collectors looking for high-quality figures to display. The packaging is pretty standard for the Star Wars action figures, Black Series, which might be a bit of a letdown for collectors who are into unique or special edition boxes.

17. Cad Bane

For the Cad Bane, the figure of this blue guy includes his signature wide-brimmed hat and dual blasters, which are iconic to his character. The face sculpt does a great job capturing Cad Bane’s look from the series.

From the reviews, it seems like collectors appreciate the new sculpt of this figure, noting the attention to detail in the pistols, vambraces, and breathing apparatus. Some have mentioned concerns about the longevity and usability of the vambraces and their hoses, which use stiff plastic, but this isn’t too severe. The figure’s articulation is somewhat limited at the shoulders due to the shoulder armor, but the head and legs have good movement. The holsters can also move out of the way.

18. Anakin Skywalker

The Anakin Skywalker figure is surely one of the best Black Series figures, a neat representation of his character from “Revenge of the Sith.” It’s cool how it captures his transformation into Darth Vader, especially with the detailed face sculpt showing his Sith eyes. This specific detail brings out the pivotal moment in the saga where Anakin turns to the dark side.

In terms of design, the figure seems to have a good balance between aesthetics and articulation. Fans have noted that the likeness to actor Hayden Christensen is pretty spot-on, a big plus for authenticity. The figure also comes with a cool lightsaber.

19. Rex

The Captain Rex figure from Hasbro’s Black Series is a solid buy for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” fans. It nails the look of Rex’s Clone Trooper armor, especially with the blue markings. The figure also has a couple of blasters and a helmet you can take off, pretty neat for playing or displaying.

The figure looks rather realistic thanks to the new face printing tech Hasbro is using. It’s also pretty flexible, with joints that let you pose it in different ways. There are a few minor gripes from buyers about the hand hinge and arm rotation, but nothing major.

20. Kylo Ren

The Kylo Ren action figure from the Star Wars Black Series is a part of Hasbro’s Star Wars action figures, Black Series line. It’s perfect for fans and collectors ages 4 and up. The price hovers around $38, which is pretty reasonable for a figure of this quality.

The design of Kylo Ren is pretty impressive. It captures his look from the sequel trilogy, complete with the crossguard lightsaber, cloak, and detailed helmet. The figure has a soft goods hood and robe, which is a nice touch compared to the usual hard plastic. The clothes add a bit of realism and texture to the figure.

21. Asajj Ventress

The Asajj Ventress action figure, part of Hasbro’s Black Series, is a standout piece for fans of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” It’s perfectly fine for ages 4 and up, and the price is around $60, which is just a little more than average.

Design-wise, this figure hits Ventress’s signature look just right. The dual curved lightsabers are a highlight, capturing her unique weapons from the series. The face and head sculpt are particularly impressive, showing off her distinctive features and expressions. And the attention to detail extends to her meticulous purple dress.

22. Lando Calrissian

Lando Calrissian’s figure from Hasbro’s Black Series, specifically the “Empire Strikes Back” version is suitable for Star Wars fans aged 4 and up. It’s priced around $22.99, which seems fair for the level of detail it offers.

The neat feature here is the attention to detail in Lando’s Bespin outfit. The face sculpt is also impressively accurate to Billy Dee Williams’ portrayal, and the cape has a nice bit of elegance to it. The blaster accessory is a neat addition, true to his character in the movie.

23. Mace Windu

The Black Series Mace Windu action figure captures the essence of Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal in the Star Wars saga. It’s impressive how the figure mirrors his distinct features, especially those intense eyes that made Mace Windu such a memorable character. The highlight, of course, is the purple lightsaber, unique in the sea of red, blue, and green sabers.

As for the practical stuff, this figure is suitable for ages 4 and up, making it a great pick for both younger fans and collectors. The price hovers around $47 on Amazon, which seems reasonable for a figure with this level of detail.

24. Grogu (Baby Yoda)

Grogu, affectionately known as Baby Yoda, has taken Star Wars collectibles by storm, and this Black Series figure captures all the charm of the character. Standing at 6 inches, it’s the perfect size to display on a shelf or desk. The figure nails Grogu’s adorable expressions, and the inclusion of the control knob from the Razor Crest is a sweet touch, reminding fans of his curiosity.

This figure is suitable for ages 4 and up, which makes it a great gift for both young fans and those who are young at heart. Costing around $19.99 on ToyShnip, it’s a steal for a character that’s become a cultural icon.

The Elements of a Valuable Star Wars Action Figure

When you’re looking at Star Wars action figures, there’s a bit of a blurry line between the ones meant for playing and those for display. Still, play figures are tougher and can survive some epic battles in the hands of kids. They’re often not super detailed but are great for fun.

Display figures, though, are a whole bit of a different story. They’re mini masterpieces with details and made for collectors to show off. Think of them as display-worthy sculptures. Their packaging matters almost as much as the figure, especially if you’re into mint condition collecting. An untouched, perfect box can rocket up a figure’s value. Finally, the more points of articulation a figure has, and the better the scale and detail, the more awesome it is for collectors.

Limited Editions and Exclusives

Among the most sought-after figures are the San Diego Comic-Con exclusives. For example, there’s the 2012 Vintage Collection Jocasta Nu, a character you won’t find in the regular toy aisles. Then, there’s the Boba Fett with Han Solo in Carbonite from 2013, a set that instantly became a must-have for fans.

Another valuable is the Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight) figure from the 2019 Black Series, exclusive to certain events and known for its high-quality detail. These exclusives often become the gems of a collection, not just because of their rarity but also due to their designs and the stories behind how collectors acquired them.

Vintage vs Modern Figures

And then there’s the vintage versus modern debate. Vintage Star Wars toys and figures, like the ones from 1977, are goldmines for collectors. The retro collection figures are rare pieces of history, wrapped up in nostalgia and authenticity.

Modern figures, though, have their own charm. They’re way more detailed, with incredible articulation – it’s like the characters jumped right out of the screen. Sometimes, there are re-releases or anniversary editions of the Star Wars Vintage collections, which is like getting the best of both worlds: the classic feel of the vintage ones with the spiffy details of the modern ones.

Caring for Your Collection

Keeping your Star Wars action figure collection in top shape is pretty straightforward but essential. First up, find a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any color fading or plastic warping. Always be gentle, especially with the delicate joints and accessories.

As for cleaning, just a soft brush or a dry cloth will do to keep the dust at bay. Speaking of dust, it’s a real enemy for these figures, so maybe consider display cases to keep them pristine. And for the unboxed figures, keeping the packaging safe is a big deal. It’s a big part of what keeps their value. Store the boxes flat, away from damp areas to avoid any warping or mold.

The Market for Star Wars Action Figures

The market for Star Wars memorabilia, including action figures is as vast as the galaxy itself, with fans buying and selling on various platforms. You can find almost anything on eBay, but you must keep your eyes peeled for scams. Collector forums are great too, where fellow enthusiasts hang out and swap figures. And let’s not forget conventions – they’re the big celebrations where rare and exclusive figures often surface.

When you’re out there in the market, watch out for counterfeit figures. They can be tricky to spot. Check the packaging, and paint quality, and compare with official photos. Prices for these figures can zoom up and down fast, especially around movie releases or anniversaries, so it’s smart to stay updated on trends and news in the Star Wars universe.

Ready to Expand Your Collection?

The world of Star Wars action figures is a realm filled with vintage charms, modern masterpieces, and exclusive finds. To get started, distinguish between play and display figures, understand the market dynamics on platforms like eBay and at conventions, and be vigilant against counterfeits.

You’ll want to preserve these treasured collectibles, so take good care of them. For enthusiasts eager to expand their collections, ToyShnip has Star Wars figures for both nostalgic sentiments and contemporary tastes and some of the best Star Wars toys in general. Explore the store’s selection to find the next jewel for your collection.

FAQs

Are Star Wars action figures a good investment?

They certainly are, especially if they’re rare or vintage. But the market can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to also focus on figures you really like.

Who are the most popular Star Wars figures?

Icons like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and Luke Skywalker are the most popular Star Wars figures, thanks to their legendary status in the Star Wars universe.