“I must continue to the Mines of Mandalore so that I may be redeemed”
In early 2024, Hasbro announced their intention to release some ‘Best Of’ figures into the Star Wars Black Series intending them to ensure key characters were kept available for those joining the line. This ‘Best Of’ series kicked off with a repack of the A New Hope Darth Vader in the Galaxy Collection packaging, and the figure we are taking a look at here - a new version of The Mandalorian subtitled ‘Mines of Mandalore’. The ‘Best Of’ releases remained part of the Galaxy Collection overall and were numbered accordingly within their relevant series. They were initially not intended for overseas distribution which was a frustration for boxed collectors - but that decision was reversed. The ‘Mines of Mandalore’ Mandalorian figure was released in June 2024.
The new Mandalorian figure is released under the Mandalorian collection colour scheme and packaging and he is number 37 in The Mandalorian set with his side artwork connecting between the repacked Paz Vizsla and the incoming Mandalorian Nite Owl female release.
The figure itself is the same base as the recently released ‘Glavis Ringworld’ Mandalorian, a figure that was released under the Book of Boba Fett collection. This revised set therefore places this significantly improved Mando body into his own series collection - although there are some significant and detrimental differences versus the Glavis Ringworld release. This Mando body has been completely reworked to the Season 3 look and the proportions greatly enhanced. The figure is assembled with a brown base undersuit body overlaid with the Beskar armoured parts. Improvements on the older body included larger shoulder pauldrons, a new chest piece, new thigh armour, and improvements to the bracers and shin. The softer plastic strap, belt and holster are also improved. The overall decor is crisp and accurate with brown and silver dominating, but with elements of blue and beige still visible in places.
The figure also receives a new helmet, resized and again more accurate in the proportions - but it is not removable. While the Glavis figure was further enhanced with a soft goods cape - this Mines of Mandalore variant reverts back to the moulded plastic case we’ve seen on Mando figures since 2019. This does not harm the aesthetics of the figure, and of course, there are pros and cons when comparing soft goods to plastic capes - predominantly the impact on articulation.
The other key difference to the Glavis Ringworld release is accessories which have been significantly dialled back. The Mines of Mandalore variant does not come with the Amban Phase Rifle, nor does it include the Jetpack - which would have been inoperable with the cape, another advantage of the Ringworld version. The figure still features the peg holes on the reverse for both Phase Rifle and Jetpack but these are not fully backward compatible. While the Phase Rifle from any older Mando will fit, albeit interfering with the cloak to a degree, the jetpack was reworked for this newer body so only the Ringworld Jetpack will fit securely.
We do get the blaster, also a newer piece with its longer barrel. It is cast in grey with a gunmetal finish and painted grip. This can be held in Mando’s right hand, or holstered when not in use.
Also included is the small knife used on Glavis. This features a silver blade and a duller bronzed grip. It fits into a cleverly incorporated slot in Mando’s right boot when not in use - and this is probably where we will all keep it considering it is too slim to be held in either of Mando’s hands securely. You can get it to balance, but it won't stay put for long. An alternative hand for the knife would have benefitted both this and the Ringworld release.
Our final accessory is the now commonplace Darksaber, the same one that has been released with Moff Gideon, Pre Vizsla from Clone Wars and the Amazon Exclusive Mando from the 2-Pack with Ahsoka. This follows the same principles as the Black Series lightsabers with a hilt and removable blade that plugs into place. The hilt is left dark grey like the prop, while the blade is black and trimmed in bright white to create the ignited effect. The hilt can also be slung via a hook on the left side of Mando’s belt, and it can then fit in either or both hands for fighting positions.
The figure is supported by 19 points of articulation, all pinless, giving this latest version of Mando his widest range of posing options while retaining the aesthetics. The plastic cape is a hindrance to some poses but it can be removed or replaced with aftermarket alternatives. While the older version of Mando could look awkward in some posing, this updated body is a pleasure to pose with any of the included weapons or any you may feel like donating to him like the Phase Rifle.
The Glavis Ringworld Mandalorian released at the very end of 2023 remains the definitive release for Din Djarin. While this Mines of Mandalore version is the same base figure it lacks some key accessories and the soft goods on the Ringworld variant are well designed and help with articulation and allow that figure to also use his Jetpack and cape at the same time. If you were not able to obtain that Glavis Ringworld version then this Mines of Mandalore release is now the second-best Mando on the market and significantly improves on any of the older figures and is the only single-packed Mando to also come with the Darksaber.
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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...