Welcome to our next Dan's ToyBox review. I finally broke down and got myself and oldie. Thanks to re-releases and sales, I scored the Medicom Mafex 016 Boba Fett action figure! I figured it was time for a Retro Review and so, here we are.
Boba Fett is one of the most iconic and enigmatic characters in the Star Wars saga, making his mark in The Empire Strikes Back as a fearsome bounty hunter employed by Darth Vader. Introduced as part of a collection of bounty hunters tasked with capturing Han Solo and the crew of the Millennium Falcon, Fett quickly distinguished himself as a cunning and relentless tracker.
In The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett is first seen aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Executor among a group of bounty hunters summoned by Vader. Unlike his peers, Fett is calm, composed, and clearly respected—or at least tolerated—by the Dark Lord himself. Vader's warning to Fett, “No disintegrations,” hints at the bounty hunter’s reputation for ruthless efficiency.
Fett successfully tracks the Millennium Falcon to Cloud City on Bespin, outsmarting the Rebels by anticipating their movements and keeping out of sight. Once there, he collaborates with Vader and Lando Calrissian to capture Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO. Fett's primary goal is to secure Han Solo, who is frozen in carbonite, to deliver him to Jabba the Hutt for a substantial bounty.
Boba Fett’s distinct Mandalorian armor, complete with his T-shaped visor helmet, jetpack, and weaponry, became an instant cultural phenomenon. The character's muted green, red, and yellow color palette, combined with detailed weathering and battle damage, conveys his long career as a mercenary.
Despite having limited screen time and very few lines, Fett's stoic demeanor and aura of mystery leave a lasting impression. Actor Jeremy Bulloch portrayed Fett physically, while his voice was originally provided by Jason Wingreen, though it was later replaced by Temuera Morrison in re-releases to align with Fett's backstory as a clone of Jango Fett.
Boba Fett’s brief but pivotal role in The Empire Strikes Back cemented him as a fan favorite. His capture of Han Solo directly set up the events of Return of the Jedi, where Fett’s fate seemingly ends in the Sarlacc Pit—though later media reveals that he survived.
Fett’s character would go on to be expanded in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and other Star Wars media, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in the galaxy far, far away. However, it was his calm menace and sleek design in The Empire Strikes Back that introduced audiences to a character who, though shrouded in mystery, became one of the franchise's most enduring icons.
All characters, vehicles, and planet references are property of Disney.
Accessories: 5/10
This figure includes a fairly weak array of accessories:
A blaster rifle and sidearm with authentic weathering.
A pair of fists, a pair of relaxed hands, one trigger finger hand.
While I get that this was an early Mafex figure, I'm disappointed that there wasn't a bit more. Jet flame effects that could plug into the jetpack, or even a flamethrower effect for his arm would have been a nice addition.
Appearance: 10/10
The sculpt and paintwork on this figure are truly stunning. Every detail from Boba Fett’s Mandalorian armor to his helmet’s iconic dent is captured with precision. The weathering effect on the armor is incredibly realistic, evoking the bounty hunter’s rugged, battle-worn aesthetic.
The paint applications are clean, with no noticeable smudges or overpaint. The cape’s patterning matches the movie’s design perfectly. The figure’s proportions and silhouette mirror the on-screen portrayal of Boba Fett, making it one of the most screen-accurate versions available in this scale.
Articulation: 8.5/10
Medicom’s Mafex figures are known for their exceptional articulation, and this Boba Fett is no exception. It features:
Double-jointed elbows and knees.
A ball-jointed neck and both upper and lower torso articulation.
Rotating shoulders with a range that accommodates aiming poses. The shoulder pauldrons do limit rotation though.
Bicep swivel
Hinged wrists and rocker ankles.
Excellent hip articulation, capable of achieving wide splits and decently high forward kicks.
Limited thigh rotation
Toe articulation
The rocket thrusters can rotate
The helmet range finder can rotate up and down. However, mine was very loose, so I elected to add a small drop of glue to hold it in place, in the upright position.
The figure is capable of achieving nearly any pose you’d associate with Boba Fett, from holding his blaster rifle at the ready to using his jetpack for flight. However, the shoulder armor can sometimes hinder arm movement, and the torso joint can feel a bit loose during dynamic posing.
Affordability: 7.5/10
BBTS offered this character for $44.99 but at the time of writing are sold out. There are some available on Amazon for $65 at this time. While the quality, accessories, and screen accuracy justify the cost for collectors, it may be a tough sell for casual fans. The premium price reflects the craftsmanship, but it's a significant investment, nonetheless.
Overall, the Medicom Mafex #016 Boba Fett is a near-perfect representation of the bounty hunter from The Empire Strikes Back. Its detailed accessories, incredible sculpt, and versatile articulation make it a standout piece in any Star Wars collection. With that in mind, I'm happy to give this figure an overall score of:
7.5 out of 10 ToyBoxes
While its price might deter some buyers, the quality delivered is well worth it for fans and collectors seeking the definitive 6-inch Boba Fett. As always, I appreciate you! Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!