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Background

If the Star Wars films, cartoons and comics aren't enough excitement for you, there's always the Expanded Universe novels. One of the characters introduced in the Expanded Universe was the Commander of the Imperial Fleet - Grand Admiral Thrawn.

A consummate strategist, Grand Admiral Thrawn likened combat to art and was an aficionado of both. Recognized long ago by his people, the Chiss, Thrawn's greatest weapon was his mind. His tactics were controversial in their boldness, and his activities within the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet drew many a concerned, glowing red eye.

Sideshow added Grand Admiral Thrawn to their lineup of Militaries of Star Wars 1/6 scale figures. In addition to the regular version, which we'll be reviewing here, Sideshow released an Exclusive version that includes a rather large polystone command chair. 

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The Facts


Grand Admiral Thrawn
Series: Star Wars 12” Figures
Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles
Material: Fully articulated hard plastic figure
Dimensions: 12” tall
Points of Articulation: Over 30 points (Prometheus male body)
Outfit: White tunic and pants; black plastic boots; black belt; rank badge
Accessories: Blaster pistol; Yasalamir; extra set of fist hands; Star Wars display base; Polystone Command Chair (Sideshow Exclusive)
Edition Size: 1,500 pieces (regular) 750 (Sideshow Exclusive)

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Packaging

Sideshow's Star Wars line is still a favorite of mine. And their packaging continues to be one of the most collectible. The figure is featured in different poses on all four sides, and the rear has illustrations of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Inside, the flap has background information, while the figure and accessories are secured in dual interlocking plastic trays.

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Our Opinion

Sideshow's 1/6 scale Star Wars line continues to be one of my favorites. Part of it has to do with the license...I mean, it's Star Wars! But in the wrong hands, the line could have been a failure. I'd say Sideshow's success rate for figures in this specific line is over 75%. And that's fairly good considering how many characters they've released.

It's quite possible that some collectors were upset that Sideshow released an Expanded Universe character before a core film figure such as Greedo. I can understand that. But I was somewhat surprised that Thrawn sold out so quickly. But when I got my hands on the figure, I wasn't that surprised.

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Even though he comes with very few accessories (although Yasalamir is fun and can be placed in various poses) and a somewhat plain outfit, Grand Admiral Thrawn catches your eye. It all has to do with his bright blue skin. The face sculpt looks like a grumpy dad from the 1950's (with a well-chiseled jaw), but you add the blue plastic with some well done shading, and you've got a character that will stand out in your collection.

There are really no drawbacks to the figure. The first thing I'd warn about is the outfit. It's white...so it will get dirty easily. Also, the boots are the plastic/rubber kind that - if left in direct sunlight or near heat - will melt and stick to the display stand.

For all intents and purposes, I'd suggest going for the regular edition (Wait List through Sideshow). I'm not sure the chair is worth the additional $145. It's a nice addition, but I don't think it's necessary to the character. And the figure actually surpassed my expectations. I admit to being biased towards characters from the original trilogy, but Sideshow has definitely roped me in as a newfound fan of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

You can pick one up at the following:

Sideshow: $79.99 (Regular) - Wait List $224.99 (Exclusive) - Wait List

Grand Admiral Thrawn Grades

Figure Quality: 9/10
   Sculpt: 9/10
   Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 8/10
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10

Overall: 9.2/10

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