Hasbro's Star Wars Black Series line of Replica Helmets has been going strong for a couple of years now, specialising in Trooper helmets and those of the Mandalorians as well as a few Rebel pilots. This release, the Captain Cardinal helmet, is a Galaxy's Edge Exclusive and was sold at Galaxy's Edge parks and via Target in the US. Here in the UK and elsewhere around the globe it was available through the Fan Channel.
This helmet was sent to us free of charge by Hasbro for review purposes - and we thank Hasbro and their PR team for the opportunity.
The helmet series mimics the base design principles of The Black Series as a whole, with Captain Cardinal released under the Phase 3 packaging. This means it uses a matt black box with glossy black Sar Wars logo and red highlights that perfectly align to the helmet itself which is shown on all sides of the box. Its exclusivity is marked by way of the Galaxy's Edge circular panel on the top right
As you work around the box there are a number of differing views of the helmet and alongside them some blueprint style illustrations and some technical detailing as well as background text that reads:-
"Realistically detailed, Galaxy's Edge-inspired reproduction of Captain Cardinal's helmet"
"Electronically distorts wearer's voice"
"Adjustable fit for most head sizes"
Out of the box, the helmet feels weighty and well made and is cast in a hard glossy red plastic The inserted eye lenses are gloss black but retain translucency so they are see-through when the helmet is worn, but from the outside, your eyes will not be visible. The lower panel is a rounded collar to help fit the bucket over your head and around your neck. This has to be unclipped to access the battery compartment underneath - batteries are not included in the box.
As a higher-end replica, it is good to see there are plenty of details on the helmet we expect on a First Order helmet - even if Cardinal was never seen on screen. The shape and angles of the helmet are sleek, well proportioned, and infilled with black as they run from the visor and down across the bridge of the nose. There are vents down either rounded cheek and a single recessed silver filtration vent on one side.
The helmet is designed to be worn and is shaped to fit a full adult head, with plenty of room within. There is no padding as such inside, but there are adjustable straps in a cross design to cushion your head and keep the helmet in place. The eye visors are tinted, so there is a little loss of visibility but you are able to see reasonably clearly while wearing Cardinal's gear.
The electronic feature is a voice distorter that is activated via a discreet circular button to the side of the helmet. Once activated the speaker in the helmet picks up your voice and adds a level of distortion and an audible 'click' at the end of each sentence to mimic how we hear Stormtrooper's speak in the Star Wars saga.
At circa £100 apiece, these Black Series helmets are not cheap but offer an interesting collection for Star Wars fans either a centrepiece of a character/troop focused setup or a collection of replica helmets. The issue with Cardinal is one of exposure and how well known the character is having not appeared on the screen. Being First Order (Sequel) based will also not help the release when there are other Original Trilogy era helmets to choose from. For your money, you get a well-made replica with a decent sound FX feature and plenty of room for adults to wear and for more casual cosplay if you wish. My Captain Cardinal bucket will be set up on display, and I just need to source a stand of sorts (am told kitchen roll stands work well).
"Cardinal is our lens into why a good person would dedicate their life to the First Order—and why they'd seek to excise someone like Phasma by any means necessary once they caught a glimpse of who is behind that mask."
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
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