Review: Hot Toys 1/4 Scale "The Book of Boba Fett" Boba Fett (Deluxe Version)

Fresh from his starring role in “The Book of Boba Fett,” and my favorite Fortnite skin, this Hot Toys 1/4 Scale Boba Fett (Deluxe Version) looks like it was lifted right out of the show.

The 17.7″ figure comes with 8 total hands, four left and four right, his blaster pistol, his trusty EE-3 blaster rifle, his TBOBF accurate jetpack, a very accurate looking Temuera Morrison head, a flame effect that attaches to his right gauntlet, and two alternate holograms to project from his left gauntlet. The deluxe version’s base comes with two detachable control handles that pop into the base on the control panel side. (There’s also a Collector Edition which is identical but without the base.) Also included is a clear support stand with a black crotch grabber style attachment. Finally, included in the box are the assembly instructions. One of the more helpful parts of the instructions is that two of the right hands are pistol grips. One for the EE-3 and one slightly different grip for the pistol. The instructions will help you tell them apart.

I want to start with the few negative critiques I have mostly to get them out of the way. The first isn’t so much negative as more of a surprise. Boba does not come with his gaffi stick. This is very apparent from the promotional material that’s been out for 18+ months now so it’s not a surprise in that I was expecting one but didn’t get one, but more a surprise in the sense that it’s a major part of the character development at this point in his story. I know it’s coming with the 1/6 scale later this year but still surprised at the lack of inclusion in this one.

Additionally, there were two disclaimers in the instructions that I was surprised to read. The first reads “Do not leave the head insert or the helmet in direct contact with the collar for long periods of time, as the color may fade”. First, why would this be an issue, or why couldn’t you work around it. Second, then why did you ship it with the helmet attached clearly in contact with the collar? And how long is too long? Should I store it with the head/helmet removed even though you didn’t account for that option in the packaging? The Re-Armored 1/6 Scale Fett does not mention this, however “The Mandalorian” Season 2 Deluxe Boba mentions not leaving the hood of the robed version in contact with the head sculpt for extended period of time otherwise the color may transfer. Mine has been on display since receiving it and I’ve found no discoloration.

The second disclaimer was about posing. “Do not excessively bend the arms or legs or bend them outward; otherwise, the figure will be damaged.” I was surprised to learn this is a standard disclaimer for all the Hot Toys I have. So since this figure is meant to be posable, what’s excessive? I’m a paranoid poser to begin with, especially the arms on my Bobas because I’m afraid I’m going to damage a gauntlet or break a hose attachment. Another bit about posing, I tried to replicate the flame thrower pose from Sideshow’s unboxing video but the shoulder wouldn’t hold the weight of the extended arm with the flame attachment on kept dropping down to the next stop point below level. That’s how it’s posed in the pics.

No more handle. This one is really insignificant, but I was disappointed to see Hot Toys had discontinued the handle on their shipper. My 1/4 Scale ROTJ Boba had a plastic handle incorporated into the top of the shipper and I just thought that was the coolest thing. Alas, it is no more.

Lastly, the Deluxe Base. There are some positives here, it has four different aesthetics so it can be displayed from any angle based on personal taste, or if displayed on a turntable or in an open area to allow views from all sides. The downside for me is the light up feature. To use the light up feature you need to provide your own USB-C cable, and if you read carefully, they’re looking for a 2V-5V phone charger adapter. This caused me to have to run out and buy a cable because my laptop and Nintendo switch chargers were over voltage, and those were the only USB-Cs I had in the house. Secondly, the cable attachment is on the bottom of the control panel that lights up, not the bottom of the base which creates a significant cable management issue as there is no way to hide the cable. After all that, it’s only an on/off feature, there isn’t any kind of blinking or alternating pattern to it. To be fair the listing on Sideshow does mention needing to provide your own “micro” usb cable deep down in the details, and Given the preorder went up 18+ months ago I’m not surprised that micro turned to USB-C. Although for the extra $110.00 plus tax differential I have to say I’m underwhelmed.

Now to the positives. This piece looks absolutely amazing, Hot Toys ability to mix soft goods with armor pieces at this scale is incredible. The look is completely natural, nothing looks too big or too small. I’ve always felt that the armor proportions on other ¼ figures are off; either the gauntlets seem to big, or the jetpack seems to small. This one nails it, even if they aren’t completely accurately scaled, they look it. And the (faux?) leather work is phenomenal. The boots and belt have a great look and the flex in the ankle of the boot is loose enough to allow you to pose it but stiff enough to have a realistic appearance.

Hand swaps still give me anxiety, but the head swap is mostly simple and straight forward. Actually, head swaps are easy once you figure out how to adjust the collar so it doesn’t get in the way of attaching the head sculpt or helmet base. The helmet interior is different from the Riddell design we’ve become so accustomed to, and significantly different from the post-Sarlacc “The Mandalorian” Season 2 and repaint armor 1/6 scale Fetts (similar to the Riddell design) but I believe it is true to the show. Hoping one day we might get one where you actually put the helmet on the head sculpt?

The back detail very rich and intricate as well. The back plate features the same new look as seen on the show, and the jetpack has a new mounting system akin to hanging a photo on the wall (for lack of a better reference). There’s still a magnetic element to it, similar to what was also recently introduced in the 1/6 scale, but it is still a much easier attachment method than the hooks and D-rings from most of the previous 1/6 Fetts and the ROTJ 1/4. The jetpack also features some new side details that contour the jetpack to the back plate rather than being a more separate piece. The back of the belt detail is also much more elaborate with the leather work and the belt canisters. The 1/6 repaint armor had barely any belt detailing in the rear so I’m curious to see how similar the upcoming 1/6 TBOBF release is.

The shoulders also feature some new straps that appear to hold the back plate to the neck plate. I’m wondering if this was a costuming decision to make the armor easier for Tem given the increase in screen time. This is the first figure to feature this change in the armor design, although it does appear on the Fortnite skin too. Publicity photos show this change on the upcoming 1/6 TBOBF figure as well. The close up also shows the fantastic fabric work on such a small scale to give it such an authentic look. One of the changes to the overall look I’ve really been likely is the black shoulder cuff that the shoulder armor tucks up into. This provides cable management for one of the hoses on the right gauntlet, while a small addition to the right bicep cuff helps manage the other two. There is plenty of length to the hoses to extend the elbow and flex them, as well as enough space in the sleeve/shoulder to retract the hoses when straightening the elbow.

The left gauntlet once again features the ability to add a holoprojection. For me this is one place where Hot Toys really nailed it. The set includes a holographic Firespray to mount on the gauntlet. Not only can it be attached in both the landed and flying orientations, but the wings and the nose cannons rotate as well, allowing you the proper wing configuration for its displayed orientation. The 1/6 repaint Boba included a Firespray but its wings and cannons are fixed.

Overall, this piece is fantastic, and I’m blown away by how good it looks and how detailed it is. The only thing I would have changed is how they’ve chosen to power the base. Not having a battery option or a better method to hide the cable is a big detraction for me. Some patterning or programming to the actual lights themselves would have been cool, but even if I could just hide the cable better, I’d be happy.

Boba himself is totally worth the $515.00. If you’re a poser or a photog you may find value in the deluxe base. But if money is tight or you’re on the fence, I think you can skip the Deluxe base and save yourself the extra $110.00. Also to consider, Sideshow offered double boxing on this item for shipping. It increases the shipping price a bit but for me it was totally worth it. The outer Sideshow shipper was dented/punctured in two places, but the actual Hot Toys shipper is pristine. Over all give it 5 stars, Boba himself totally outweighs some of the drawbacks I’ve mentioned, and I just love that the Firespray has articulation points.

Rating

Note: at the time of writing this the Deluxe version had a Low Stock Remaining warning on Sideshow.com. The Hot Toys 1/6 scale TBOBF figure is currently waitlisted.

Hot Toys 1/4 Scale Boba Fett (Deluxe Version) ("The Book of Boba Fett")
2022AVAILABILITY $625.00 Deluxe Version