Reviewing Fanhome’s Darth Vader 1:2 Scale Build-Up Subscription, Stages 85-89

The 19th package in Fanhome’s Darth Vader 1:2 scale Build-Up Model subscription* has arrived. This box contains stages 85-89, and if you recall, I was waiting on a replacement for stage 80, which is also included in this box. Before we get into the assembly of these six 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 everyone’s favorite Sith Lord as he appeared in 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 Empire and Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith are very similar. This allows both fans of the older trilogy and those who were first introduced to Vader’s armor at the end of Episode III to 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, simulated leather gloves, vest, and other costume elements will impress the most ardent Star Wars fan and collector. 

Let’s get into it.

Stage 80

The booklet accompanying this stage has a feature on Alazmec and a backup story on Whorm Loathsom. 

The build stage involves attaching the leg straps to Lord Vader’s right shin armor. The issue with the first time I received this piece was that one of the side release buckles was paired with two prong sides instead of a prong and a receptacle. The replacement has all the correct pieces. Four straps, eight screws, and weird little plastic tabs in lieu of washers, for some reason.

I think I mentioned those plastic tabs on the left shin armor build. Those plastic pieces might save a fraction of a cent in manufacturing, but it looks weird and is unwieldy to install. They do the trick, though, and keep the straps attached without the screw heads pulling through the simulated leather. I am leaving the plastic protective layer on the front of these shin pieces for the time being to preserve the shiny finish as long as possible. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Fanhome is very good about replacing faulty or missing parts with very little effort on the builder’s end. 

Stage 85

Stage 85’s magazine has a piece on Mother Koril, who created sisters Osha and Mae through a mystic and mysterious vergence of the Force. Is that magic? Sounds like magic. Space magic! The backup piece is on Luthen Rael, who was played by Stellan Skarsgård, who we all know is Pennywise’s dad. 

The build stage requires securing a metal weight to the inside of Vader’s left boot sole. This is a thoughtful inclusion, which will provide counterweight and allow much easier posing of the three foot tall finished piece. 

Stage 86

The main article in this stage is on an ancient Sith Lord named Darth Momin. This fella lived centuries before the Galactic Empire and prided himself on his ability to design and create. He died in battle, but was able to transfer his evil consciousness into his Sith mask, which was later found by Vader. 

For the build, this stage requires attaching the faux leather upper to the boot sole I weighted in the last stage. 

Stage 87

Stage 87’s magazine attempts to explain Emperor Palpatine’s interdimensional portal. It’s all very science-y and magic-y, and I still have no clue, but the illustrations are very nice.

For the build, I am supposed to attach the sole to the bottom of the left boot sole. As with the right sole, I am going to sit on this build stage, because it looks like there are some screw holes that the sole will cover, and I don’t want to install, remove, and reinstall these soles. Inevitably, removing and reinstalling what basically amounts to a padded sticker will reduce the efficiency of the adhesive. 

If I’m wrong about those holes, no biggie. I’ll just put the soles on when it becomes clear that those holes are inconsequential. I’d rather be wrong and take ten seconds later to put them on than ignore my suspicions and ruin the soles.

Stage 88

The magazine for this build stage leads off with a piece on Minister Veris Hydan, who was one of Palpatine’s trusted advisors. Also, apparently an archaeologist who dug up Jedi temples for artifacts that could be warped and used against the warrior monks. The backup is on Death Watch, a rogue group of Mandalorians that had an alliance with Darth Maul. 

The build stage requires assembling what Fanhome is calling the “waist and abdomen” and attaching a friction disc. I am a little confused about the internal anatomy at this point, since we already have both legs attached to a piece that functionally serves as a pelvis. This is the upper pelvis? There are a lot of potential points of articulation here. I will have to wait and see how this all fits in the finished lower torso.

Stage 89

The Tenth Brother is the subject of the main article in this stage. Prosset Dibs was a respected Jedi Master and Mace Windu’s friend. He became jaded during the Clone Wars when the Jedi became warriors rather than peacekeepers. Naturally, this disappointment transformed him into a belligerent and dangerous Inquisitor, because of Star Wars internal logic. 

This build stage also confuses me. The parts are labeled “mobile left arm support,” “lower waist support,” and “rotating lower waist block.” I have no idea. The pieces fit together easily enough, but I can’t wrap my head around how and where they will eventually fit into the big picture. 

We’re at a point in this build that is well past the halfway point, and it’s very exciting to see some of the parts come together into recognizable and poseable groups. The arms and hands are super fun to play with, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be attaching the feet to the legs soon. I’m oddly excited about the stage that will include Vader’s pants, because I never really owned a good smelling pair of pants before.

This build is available on the Fanhome website right here. 

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