Star Wars Black Series Darth Vader

Darth Vader has 17 Star Wars Black Series figures released between 2014 and 2026 — more than any villain in the line. Every major film appearance is covered: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series each have dedicated Galaxy Collection releases with Photo Real production. The range also includes the 40th Anniversary Kenner cardback versions, a Carbonized chrome variant, a 50th Anniversary comics release, and the unique Duel’s End cracked-mask figure that is among the most emotionally resonant releases in the entire Black Series.

All Darth Vader Figures

Phase 2 — Blue Wave Darth Vader — Blue Wave #02, 2014. Pre-Photo Real. The first dedicated Galaxy Collection-predecessor Vader.

Phase 3 — Red Line / 40th Anniversary Darth Vader (ANH) — Red Line, 2017. Darth Vader (40th ANH) — Red Line 40th tribute, 2017. Darth Vader Legacy Pack — 40th Anniversary special edition with accessories, 2017. Darth Vader (Centerpiece) — oversized premium display figure. Darth Vader (Archive) — Red Line Archive reissue, 2019. Darth Vader (ESB) — 40th Anniversary ESB Kenner cardback, 2020.

Phase 4 — Galaxy Collection Darth Vader (ESB) — ESB Galaxy Collection sub-line, 2020. Photo Real. Darth Vader Force FX Elite Lightsaber — Force FX collectible, 2020. Darth Vader (Carbonized) — Chrome finish, Amazon exclusive, 2020. Darth Vader (50th) — 50th LFL anniversary, 2021. Infinities Darth Vader (Comic) — 50th Anniversary alternate universe comic version, 2022. Darth Vader (Obi-Wan Kenobi) — OWK sub-line primary figure, 2023. Darth Vader (Duel’s End) — OWK sub-line, cracked mask reveal, Target exclusive, 2023. Darth Vader (ROTJ) — 40th Anniversary ROTJ Kenner cardback, 2023. Darth Vader (A New Hope) — ANH Galaxy Collection sub-line, 2024. Darth Vader (Reissue - Duel’s End) — Standard retail reissue of Duel’s End, 2026.

Which Darth Vader Figure to Buy

With 17 releases the answer depends entirely on which film or series you want to represent.

Best ANH Vader: Darth Vader (A New Hope) at ANH 06, 2024. Specifically tuned to the 1977 film’s helmet proportions and cape configuration with Photo Real production quality. The definitive ANH Vader for display.

Best ESB Vader: Darth Vader (ESB) from the Galaxy Collection ESB sub-line, 2020. Photo Real, Bespin-specific configuration, the recommended Vader for Cloud City and bounty hunter lineup displays.

Best ROTJ Vader: Darth Vader (ROTJ) from the 40th Anniversary ROTJ wave, 2023. The throne room configuration in Kenner cardback. For Galaxy Collection mural box packaging, the ANH or ESB versions are the alternatives.

Best OWK Vader: Darth Vader (Obi-Wan Kenobi) for standard display. The Duel’s End version with cracked mask is the emotional collector showpiece — one of the most powerful figure designs in the Black Series.

For a single Vader on a modern shelf: Darth Vader (A New Hope) — the 2024 ANH sub-line version is the most versatile, as the ANH configuration is the most universally recognised Vader look.

The Duel’s End — The Most Significant Vader Figure

Darth Vader (Duel’s End) from the Obi-Wan Kenobi sub-line is unique in the Black Series — the cracked helmet reveals the Anakin Skywalker face beneath, with burned skin and the half-Vader, half-Anakin duality that defines the character’s tragedy. No other Vader figure in the line captures this specific moment. The figure was originally a Target exclusive but a 2026 standard reissue brings it to mainline retail, reducing the secondary market pressure.

Vader Film Configuration by Sub-Line

Vader appears across multiple sub-lines, each with their own packaging context: the ANH sub-line for the 1977 film, the ESB Galaxy Collection sub-line for Bespin, the Obi-Wan Kenobi sub-line for the Disney+ series, and the 40th Anniversary sub-line for all three Original Trilogy films in Kenner cardback. Collectors who want packaging consistency within a display need to choose which sub-line to prioritise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Black Series Darth Vader figures are there? 17 as of 2026, spanning Phase 2 through Phase 4 across all major Original Trilogy films and the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series.

Which is the best Black Series Darth Vader? For display, Darth Vader (A New Hope) is the versatile modern choice. For collector significance, Darth Vader (Duel’s End) is the most emotionally resonant release.

What is the Darth Vader (Duel’s End) figure? The cracked-mask reveal Vader from the Obi-Wan Kenobi series finale — the helmet is partially broken, showing Anakin Skywalker’s disfigured face beneath. Originally a Target exclusive, now also in a 2026 standard reissue.

Does the Blue Wave Darth Vader hold up for display? The 2014 Blue Wave Vader is pre-Photo Real and the sculpt is dated by current standards. For a modern display the Galaxy Collection versions are significantly better. The Blue Wave Vader is primarily a historical collector piece.

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Part of Star Wars The Black Series | Characters. Related: Luke Skywalker | Obi-Wan Kenobi | A New Hope | Obi-Wan Kenobi series.