Sideshow’s Darth Vader Bust Belongs in a Museum

Just in time for the return of his burned out helmet in the latest Star Wars film, Sideshow Collectibles has announced the Darth Vader life-size bust. For just under 40 years, the Sith Lord has been a science-fiction icon, and in that time he's had a great number of collectibles celebrating his ominousness. Few however have been as grand as this 27" recreation of his imposing visage.

While Darth Vader won't necessarily be in The Force Awakens, that doesn't mean the Rebel nemesis is suddenly not going to be a part of the universe. In the lead-up to the seventh Star Wars, many of the new expanded universe stories have given some hints and details about Anakin Skywalker's legacy some 30 years after his death. If you've seen even a single trailer for The Force Awakens you've seen some glimpses of how Vader is worshiped in this new canon. Sideshow's new bust might not be exactly the same as the real, flamed out husk in Episode VII, but you wouldn't want to display something that gross anyway.

Sideshow's made a lot of great life-size busts, particularly in the comic book milieu, but few have ever looked as crisp, clean and majestic. Vader's design is already rather sleek and simplified, but when you whittle down his essence to just his head and shoulders, the character becomes that much more refined. Without the chest controls present, Darth Vader here is as pure a form as possible. It's truly impressive.

Of course that lack of extraneous detail means what's there had better be perfect. The fewer elements there are to concern yourself with, the more imperfections tend to stand out. This is, for all intents and purposes, a perfect encapsulation of Darth Vader. The tiny bit of fabric cape really sets the whole bust off, too. It's just enough to pop without calling too much attention away from the strong design in the helmet.

All that said, the Darth Vader Life-size Bust won't come cheap. It's currently available for pre-order for $999.99. The good news is, it's due to release sometime between December 2016 and February 2017, so you've got some time to save up.

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