Hasbro's fantastic the Black Series line has given us some of the best action figures in recent memory and with the employment of the new digital face paint app technology, we are set to be in receipt of some of the most accurate characters ever to grace the galaxy far, far away. Unfortunately, many of the figures from the Star Wars: The Last Jedi range were manufactured before the technology was commissioned and therefore come with the traditional Hasbro paint applications. Rey (Jedi Training), is one such figure.
This figure, taken straight out of Rian Johnson's new movie comes complete with her blaster pistol, bestowed upon her by Han Solo during the events of The Force Awakens, as well as her signature blue Lightsaber and trusty Jakku staff. The blaster pistol is highly detailed and comes with a satisfying silver finish that gives the weapon a fresh out of the box quality. The same can be said about the Lightsaber. The hilt is a stunning recreation of Anakin Skywalker's famous laser sword; however, it is not without imperfection. Sadly, the blade is flimsier than I would like and as a result, the blade sits askew within its housing, but this is a minor detraction from the overall set. The staff is a straight repack from The Force Awakens version, and still looks impressive when placed within the figures grasp.
The figure itself is impressive. The anatomy is atomically correct and is a perfect representation of the character herself. The training attire is incredibly detailed and pretty much like for like when compared to the incarnation seen on screen. Every ruffle, seam and fabric imperfection are fantastically recreated with impeccable detail and provides the figure with a realistic quality. The finer details are where this figure excels. From the pleated pattern on her robes to the strappings wrapped around her arms and even the leather holster attached to her belt are all very impressive.
The figure's hair is perfectly acceptable and is an accurate representation of the on-screen character, but is a little disappointing when compared to some of the other figures in the line. The hair is shaped in an agreeable fashion; however, the strands are not individualised enough to be realistic and when compared to the Bandai S.H Figuarts version, the Hasbro figure comes away feeling a little disappointing.
The character's skin tone is fine, but is a little generic and lacks any real definition such as blemishes and genuine imperfections which again leaves the figure looks a little unrealistic. To make matters worse, the facial sculpture is a little discouraging. The figure exhibits a vague resemblance to Daisy Ridley, but the accurateness of the eyes is inconsistent and far too generic leaving us with what I can only describe as a dolls face.
Regarding articulation, Rey comes with the traditional eighteen points affording us the chance to pose the figure in almost any stance we can conceive. Sadly, it has nowhere near the articulation of the incredible S.H Figuarts action figures but is more than enough for conventional usage.
All things taken into consideration, the Black Series Rey (Jedi Training) figure is a perfectly acceptable addition to the Hasbro line. The beauty of the figure lies within the detail provided to the training attire she sports when confronting Supreme Leader Snoke and Kylo Ren in the finale of The Last Jedi. The costume is incredibly accurate and full of detail, which a pleasing feature and more than makes up for the disappointing facial imprecisions. The weapons are perfectly acceptable and heighten the overall finery of the figure when she holds them.
When assembled next to R2-D2 and the lovable Porgs, Rey fits in perfectly well and makes for an impressive display on the mantle. The increasing cost of these figures is escalating at an alarming rate, and if inflation continues to perpetuate these prices, many devoted collectors will eventually have to admit defeat. But until then, every collection will be improved by the addition of Daisy Ridley's Rey and my advice is to grab her as soon as you can!
Use the Force and track down yours today.