The Armorer's Forge
11/10/2024
The Star Wars: The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge playset was released in November 2024 through the Fan Channel (specialty shops). Priced at $59.99, this set is a fantastic addition for collectors, especially for fans of The Mandalorian, which has become one of the most cherished Star Wars Disney projects since Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm.
The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge Packaging
Packaging And Assembly
The packaging of the Armorer's Forge is visually appealing, featuring vibrant colors that pop. Designed in the style of 1970s and 1980s Kenner Star Wars packaging but with a Mandalorian theme, it strikes a nostalgic chord while celebrating the modern series. The packaging adds to the overall collector's value of the set.
The exclusive Armorer figure is stored inside the box securely
The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge Parts
The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge Parts
Assembling the Armorer's Forge is straightforward and user-friendly. The playset comes with several pieces that easily plug together: the forge itself, a base, a back wall, a ceiling, and a plastic piece that extends from the ceiling down. Additionally, there's a standalone toolbox included. Most collectors will find that putting the set together takes only a few minutes, resulting in an instant display piece without any hassle. You also don't have to apply any stickers since there weren't any included.
The Armorer's Forge Instructions
Exclusive Figures
The Armorer's Forge includes two exclusive figures: the Armorer herself and Grogu. The Armorer comes on a unique Vintage Collection card back that differs from the previous release, making it a must-have for carded collectors. The figure itself has been updated with soft goods on the back which allows for a jet-pack to be attached (included), this allows for more dynamic poses.
The two exclusive figures, the Armorer comes carded, Grogu comes inside a plastic baggie
Grogu is also a new addition, featuring the chainmail armor he wears under his robe for protection. While the figure is tiny—some might consider it more of an accessory—it's a charming inclusion that adds to the set's appeal. Despite its size, Grogu is detailed, though some may feel it resembles a toy from a chocolate egg surprise due to its small scale and limited articulation.
The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge fully assembled
Accessories
The included toolbox comes with a variety of tools that the Armorer can use, all of which can be stored within the cabinet. There's room on the back wall of the cabinet where two of the tools can be attached. However, these tools sit loosely and may fall out when the cabinet is moved, which can be a minor inconvenience.
The set also includes three Mandalorian helmets. These are not just helmets that can be placed over existing head sculpts; they come with ball sockets, allowing you to swap them with the heads of figures like Bo-Katan and Paz Vizsla, or any figure with a removable ball socket. A nice addition which allows you to customize your figures by simply swaping heads.
The Armorer's Forge additional accessories
Like the playset, the tool cabinet suffers from a lack of paint detailing. There's no weathering or dirt effects, leaving them looking clean and new, which doesn't align with the gritty environment of the forge from the Mandalorian tv series.
The tool cabinet opens up and has room for the included accessories
The Armorer hard at work ... unfortunately the entire set lacks weathering or a wash to communiate the gritty and dirty enviroment from the Mandalorian tv series
Playset Details
Despite the lack of weathering, once assembled, the Armorer's Forge looks impressive and serves as an excellent backdrop for your Mandalorian figures. The set provides an opportunity to recreate scenes from the show, especially meetings among Mandalorians in their hidden enclave on Nevarro
The Armorer's Forge makes for a cool Mandalorian gathering place
Critiques
While the playset has many positives, there are a couple of areas where it falls short. First, the paint application lacks weathering and detail. Considering that the Armorer worked in a dark, dirty, and run-down forge, the pristine and clean appearance of the playset doesn't quite match the show's aesthetic. A wash or some weathering would have added to the realism.
Second, the playset does not include any lighting features. Although some parts of the forge are made of translucent plastic that can be illuminated if you shine a light from underneath, there's no built-in lighting or battery-operated features. In the past, Star Wars toys often included electronics, and having lights in the forge would have significantly enhanced the display value.
There are no lights included in this set, for this picture an iphone flashlight was lit underneath the Forge
Display Options
For collectors who have amassed Mandalorian figures, this playset is a fantastic way to display them together. The Armorer's Forge allows you to set up scenes where characters are gathered, reminiscent of moments from the show. It accommodates multiple figures in a relatively small space and fits well within standard display cases like those from IKEA.
The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge
Overall, the Star Wars The Vintage Collection Armorer's Forge playset is a worthwhile addition for any fan of The Mandalorian. Despite minor shortcomings in paint application and the absence of built-in lighting, the set offers a great way to display your figures and recreate iconic scenes from the series. It's encouraging to see Hasbro's continued support for The Mandalorian in the 3.75-inch toy line, allowing collectors to expand their collections with quality pieces like this one.
The Vintage Collection The Armorer's Forge