The 2018 Star Wars The Black Series Val (Vandor-1) (#71) captures Thandiwe Newton’s sharp, disciplined, and quietly intense mercenary from Solo: A Star Wars Story. As a key member of Beckett’s crew, Val plays a critical role in the Conveyex heist — a sequence defined by cold-weather gear, tactical precision, and high-stakes improvisation. This figure reflects that aesthetic with a sculpt that blends layered clothing, harness systems, and a grounded, industrial design.
Released as part of Wave 19, Val arrived alongside Han (Bespin) and other late‑2018 releases. Her sculpt is one of the most detailed human figures in the Solo subline, featuring a multi-layered cold-weather coat, tactical harness, padded trousers, and a blaster rifle that matches her on-screen loadout. The portrait captures Newton’s likeness with naturalistic facial proportions, subtle expression, and clean digital face printing.
Val’s silhouette is defined by her gear: a heavy coat with fur trim, a chest harness with metallic buckles, and a belt system that supports her saboteur role. The thermal detonator accessory ties directly to her actions during the Conveyex sequence, adding narrative depth to the figure’s display potential.
Technical Details & Sculpt
Overall Sculpt & Proportions
Val’s sculpt is layered, tactical, and screen‑accurate:
- cold-weather coat with fur-lined collar
- tactical harness with sculpted buckles
- padded trousers with natural creasing
- gloves with reinforced seams
- boots with rugged tread
The proportions match Thandiwe Newton’s athletic build.
Head Sculpt
The portrait is one of the most accurate human likenesses in the Solo wave:
- naturalistic facial proportions
- subtle expression with focused intensity
- sculpted hair pulled back
- clean digital face printing
The likeness captures Val’s calm, professional demeanor.
Coat & Gear
The cold-weather gear is a highlight:
- matte coat finish
- sculpted fur texture
- layered folds and seams
- functional-looking harness system
The detailing reinforces her role as the crew’s tactical specialist.
Articulation
Val includes the full Phase 3 articulation suite:
- ball‑jointed head and neck
- hinged shoulders
- swivel-hinge elbows
- swivel-hinge wrists
- torso ball joint
- ball‑jointed hips
- thigh swivels
- double‑jointed knees
- rocker ankles
The articulation supports action poses, rifle-ready stances, and dynamic Conveyex setups.
Paint & Deco
The paintwork is clean and grounded:
- natural skin tones
- matte coat and trousers
- metallic accents on the harness
- clean facial detailing
- subtle weathering on the blaster
The palette matches the cold, industrial tones of Vandor.
Accessories & Equipment
Val includes:
Blaster Rifle
- long-barrel sculpt
- metallic detailing
- fits securely in both hands
Thermal Detonator
- compact sculpt
- metallic finish
- screen-accurate to the Conveyex sequence
These accessories reinforce Val’s identity as a saboteur and tactical specialist.
Packaging (Red Line)
As part of the Red Line, Val arrives in the Phase 3 window‑box packaging:
- matte black box
- bold red accent stripe
- character portrait art
- figure number #71
- large window showcasing the coat and rifle
The portrait art reflects Val’s focused, determined presence.
Collector Notes
- This is the first and only Val in the Black Series.
- All‑new sculpt — no reused parts.
- Essential for Solo, Vandor, and Beckett crew displays.
- Pairs naturally with Tobias Beckett, Han (Solo), Rio Durant, and Range Troopers.
- A key figure for completing the Conveyex heist lineup.
Display & Photography Notes
Val photographs beautifully under cool lighting that highlights the coat texture and harness details. Three‑quarter angles emphasize the portrait and rifle silhouette.
For dioramas, Val excels in:
- Conveyex heist scenes
- Vandor lodge displays
- Beckett crew lineups
- interactions with Beckett and Rio
Her sculpt supports expressive, tactical poses that capture the precision, professionalism, and emotional depth of Val — making this figure a standout in the Solo subline.