Reviewing Fanhome’s Darth Vader 1:2 Scale Build-Up Subscription Stages 3-5

The second package in Fanhome’s Darth Vader 1:2 scale Build-Up Model subscription* has arrived. This box contains build stages 3-5. Before we get into the packaging, presentation, and assembly of these three stages, let’s do a quick recap of the subscription service and the completed model.

This subscription adds one of cinema and pop culture’s most legendary villains to Fanhome’s product line. It delivers an accurate, half-scale replica of the Sith Lord as he appeared in Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back.

This is a very smart move. While the Ghost Hand’s appearance has varied slightly across different entries in the Star Wars franchise, the costumes from Episode V and Episode III are very similar. This allows fans of the older trilogy and fans who were first introduced to Vader’s armor at the end of Episode III to both easily identify with this model as “their” Vader. 

The reproduction of Darth Vader’s half-sized uniform and armor is screen accurate down to the smallest details, complete with helmet, mask, cape, and red-bladed lightsaber for a realistic appearance. Vader’s helmet is removable to reveal the Dark Lord’s face. The helmet, boots, and chest controls are constructed with easy to assemble precision metal and ABS components. His fabric cape and simulated leather gloves, vest and other costume elements will impress the most ardent Star Wars fan and collector. 

The build stages in this shipment focus on the interior of Vader’s gorget, some more details of his mask, and the other half of his helmet. One of the interesting things about this build is that, since the mask and helmet are removable, Fanhome spent a lot of time on the details on the inside of the mask and other interior pieces. 

I will point out again, since I have these ogre-sized mitts, some of these parts are ridiculously tiny. Again, a good magnetic screwdriver set is recommended for this build. I also got a package of those disposable white cotton gloves, because the oils from my hands leave fingerprints and smudges on Lord Vader’s super glossy helmet and mask. I got tired of wiping the thing down every couple minutes with a lint-free cloth, so now I wear gloves when I’m touching the shiny bits.

I will also mention that, so far, this build is much more intense than Fanhome’s E.T. Build-Up subscription. With E.T., most of the electronics and moving parts are hidden under the little fella’s synthetic skin. With this model, all those witchy little bits are part of the aesthetic. Darth Vader is a cybernetic organism. You’re supposed to see all the little wires, hoses, gears, and bobs. 

This is where I’m at so far. I was unable to complete stages of Vader’s helmet because there was a slight milling issue with one of the parts, which brings me to another excellent feature of this subscription. The folks at Fanhome are available via phone, live chat, WhatsApp, email, and after-hours form submission. If you have an issue outside their business hours, they get back to you first thing the next business day. 

I left an offline message stating my issue, and by the time I woke up the next morning, I had a response in my email stating that a new package had already been dispatched to replace the faulty part. This is the thing that I love the most about dealing with reputable companies.

You have to understand that things happen. It’s what happens after there’s a hiccup that makes or breaks the experience. It will take me a couple extra days to get the current build stages completed, but reporting the issue and getting a replacement was ridiculously easy. Also, out of dozens of packages over four subscriptions I have with Fanhome, this is the very first time a part didn’t fit exactly the way it was intended.

This package also contained my first “gift,” three frameable 11×17” posters. In later packages, they’ll also send me a mug (package 7), a thermal bottle (package 14), and a T-Shirt (package 10). More information about Fanhome’s Darth Vader 1:2 Scale Build-Up Subscription can be found at this link.

*Fanhome provides this subscription to me free of charge for the purposes of review.