Star Wars
Bandai’s Movie Realization line of figures fittingly includes Star Wars. If you’ve ever seen original concept art from pre-production on the original 1977 classic, then you already know that Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers were modeled after samurai warriors to begin with. While only a few aspects of their design remained by the finished film (Darth Vader’s cape and the shape of the back of his helmet), this line of figures will be very appealing to diehard Star Wars fans who love pouring over concept art books.
This collection began in 2015 with figures based on Darth Vader and has expanded over the years to include Boba Fett and a myriad of Stormtroopers. New for 2017 is the Yumi Ashigaru Stormtrooper (pictured above on the left holding the bow and arrow). The street date for this figure is June and he is joined above by the Taikoyaku Stormtrooper. Guests visiting Walt Disney World can experience an authentic Taiko drum presentation at Epcot’s Japan. The gallery below highlights the other figures in the line, including Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and other Stormtrooper models.
These Chogokin droid figures are 1/6th scale metal recreations of classic Star Wars characters. C-3PO was already released and R2-D2 will join him later in 2017. Both figures feature light-up elements and feature movie accurate details. This collection is a collaboration between Tamashii Nations and Sideshow Collectables, made for both Japanese and American markets.
Bandai also makes intricate plastic model kits based on Star Wars ships and vehicles. I remember building several Star Wars models as a kid, but these are designed for adults with considerable model building talent. Above, you can see the final products displayed on their base. But this is what you get to start with…
As you can see, everything from the exterior to the figures that go inside the models are completely unpainted. You need to not only be skilled at assembly, but also a master painter if you want to get that authentic Star Wars look. But the level of detail on each model is impressive. For example, the Slave I comes with two Boba Fett figures (one standing, one sitting) and Han Solo in carbonite.
This X-Wing model is the first Moving Edition in the Bandai Star Wars model line. The buttons on the base connect to mechanisms inside the model that allow the wings to open and close. It also turns on lights in the engines and cockpit, and it makes sounds. This X-Wing model is based on The Force Awakens, but there are also classic X-Wing models that don’t move.
Bluefin helps bring a lot of great Marvel and Star Wars collectables to the US and there’s a little something for every level of fan. For more of our Disney related Toy Fair coverage, be sure to check out our other articles.