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When the random $50 Amazon charge popped up on my credit card, I felt instant regret. Whenever that kind of thing happens, you know it’s because you pre-ordered something months ago that you totally forgot about—and now, finally, it’s getting ready to ship. So I looked back and, sure enough, back in May 2024 I preordered an Emperor Palpatine Star Wars Black Series figure. Ugh. Why did I do that? Did I even still want it? It’s been almost a year. The buyer’s remorse was real, but when the figure arrived, I realized that all went away.
Most figures in Hasbro’s Black Series line aren’t $50. They’re around half that. So, clearly, this Palpatine figure had something more going on. It’s an Amazon exclusive deluxe edition that comes not just with the Emperor’s throne, but several other accessories to make your Sith Lord dreams come true. Here’s the box.
Opening the figure, it all came flooding back to me. I bought this because I loved the idea of Palpatine sitting on his throne beside a bunch of other Black Series figures. The accessory I was most excited about was the throne. Taking everything out of the package and setting it up, I have to say the throne did not disappoint. It looks fantastic.
That was how I was going to display the figure, but the other accessories are pretty freaking cool too. I had to check them all out. The highlight, of course, are the three heads which show various levels of dark side rage. There’s also the character’s iconic cane, and, finally, the lightning hands. I had to test those out… and give him the proper face too.
© io9/Gizmodo For a Black Series figure, this is all most impressive. The heads especially really blew me away. Look at this expression and detail.
© io9/Gizmodo Overall, while I was at first kind of mad at myself for spending $50 on this, I now find myself happy about it. This is without a doubt one of the best Black Series figures to date and for good reason. Palpatine is, of course, the granddaddy of them all. Rey included.
As of publication, the Palpatine Black Series—an Amazon exclusive—is still available to purchase. Check it out here.
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