With the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu this week, I am well aware that I don't review many Star Wars: The Black Series figures these days. The main reason is that there just aren't that many releases that interest me. Please bring back some high quality Star Wars Micro Machines and playsets, Hasbro! Still, every now and then a figure comes around like Kyle Katarn or Dash Rendar that captures my attention. That's the case with today's figure, Jedi Master Dooku, a younger version of Count Dooku. I actually haven't watched the 2022 animated series Tales of the Jedi but I'm already sold on the concept of a younger version of Dooku prior to his leaving the Jedi order. I'm a huge Christopher Lee fan, too, so you could also argue use this as a base figure of Lord Summerisle from The Wicker Man or as Francisco Scarmanga. Or, y'know, just a heroic Jedi Master version of Dooku, like the package says. I stumbled upon this guy at GameStop a month or two ago and just picked him up because he looked so cool. Ready to check out Jedi Master Dooku? Then join me after the break...
Height: 6 1/2 inches
Articulation: Swivel/hinge ankles, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, ball jointed hips, ball jointed abdomen, butterfly pecs, swivel/ hinge shoulders, swivel/hinge elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, a balljointed neck, and a ball jointed head.
Accessories: Lightsaber hilt, 2 blades, and 2 swappable portraits.
Non-Scalper Price: $28 dollars
* Here's a picture of both versions of Dooku from the Black Series: Jedi Master Dooku (on the left) and Count Dooku/ Darth Tyranus (on the right). While the torsos, capes, and heads are different, the legs and arms do seem to be the same. They look quite different, though, but it's nice that they're similar in size as you can easily tell they're the same guy.
* Dooku looks really good in hand. While the Tales of the Jedi animated series is stylized, like Clone Wars, Rebels, and Bad Batch, Hasbro has wisely translated Dooku into a realistic style that fits the overall look of the long running Black Series. If Christopher Lee had appeared in Star Wars films that were made in, say, the 1950s through the mid 1970s, this is how I imagine he'd look. I love that the robes look like Jedi robes, sure, but they're a bit more ornate. Maybe this is reflective of the outfit of the Jedi from a couple decades prior to the prequels (Dooku left the Jedi order at the age of 60, about ten years before the events of Episode I), or maybe Dooku is just a swanky guy and always looked better than anyone else.
* Hasbro did a great job with Dooku's portrait in capturing a younger Christopher Lee. Look at pictures of him from the 1940 and 1950s and you can definitely see the likeness to the actor. The expression is excellent and it's a really solid likeness to Christopher Lee. The eyes, eyebrows, and hair are really impressive.
* A second portrait is included that shows Dooku a bit older, maybe in his mid 40s to late 50s? Definitely at his height of being a Jedi Master but prior to leaving the order. You can detect just a bit of his signature look of superiority in the sculpt. I'm really impressed with Hasbro including two quality portraits for a figure that seems like it could have so easily just been a kitbash.
* I really like Dooku's cape. It's similar to Count Dooku's cape that we're familiar with but the brown color is close to the traditional Jedi robes but the way Dooku wears it and the unique stripes on the top of the cape really make it feel like a classier garment. Definitely not your average, off the shelf Jedi robe.
* Since there is a lot of reuse from the previous version of Dooku there aren't too many surprises here. That figure is now six years old but the articulation still holds up well. Besides having all of the expected joints he also has a balljointed head and neck and the "butterfly" hinges, allowing for greater mobility and a better range of motion for lightsaber dueling poses. He's not bad at all and doesn't feel outdated.
* Dooku's ergonomic lightsaber is included and comes with a removable blade. The blade is much easier to swap in and out than the blade of the original figure, so that's a nice upgrade. There isn't any paint on the lightsaber hilt, something the first figure had, but you do get a blue blade this time around.
* I love this wobbly blade effect that makes it look like the blade is being used for dueling. It's also easier to swap than the blades of the older figures, so it's nice to see the improvement here, too.
* There's a hold on Dooku's belt, allowing you to hang the lightsaber from it. It stay on pretty well and looks nicely scaled.
* I have two small complaints. One, the lack of any paint applications on the lightsaber is definitely noticed since the original Black Series Dooku had them on his blade. Secondly, notice how Dooku's nails look like claws. What's going on? I think the hand mild came out weird and he definitely needs his nails trimmed.
If you're a fan of Count Dooku/ Darth Tyranus then also check out my review of the Black Series Phase III Count Dooku and the Funko POP! Count Dooku #233.
For more Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV reviews check out the following:
Ponda Baba
Prince Xizor
Princess Leia Organa (A New Hope)
Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars: Princess Leia)
Prince Xizor
Princess Leia Organa (A New Hope)
Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars: Princess Leia)
Princess Leia Organa (Endor)
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