If you're looking for an image of the 2nd Nikto you can see about half his head on page 159 of "Mythmaking"

   I'm just here for the contest  

Hey we're all one big happy collecting community -- we need to get together more often and share the love!  You guys have a great site -- it's fun to drop in.  And when I find something special like Tony's work, I just gotta share!

Plus it gets my post count up.

Like most of the folks in this thread, I've never saw this in the stores.  I managed to pick mine up in trade.  

My recommendation to those folks who don't have it yet, take your time and be patient.  I've found that I stumble across the items I least expect to find, and often at a great price (trade or cash).

And remember, if you are real obsessed about missing out on in.  Try looking 1 year after E3 ends up on DVD -- I'll bet dollars to donuts that the MOTD will sell for under $20.00.

Good luck on the hunt!

It's been one of my favorites to work on because I stumbled across the parts.  I taught me to work with the existing sculpt when removing or adding details.  In this case, I used the existing wrinkles in the shirt to guide when I placed them on Luke's T-shirt.  I have another custom I'm working on that uses the exact same torso as a base and you can't tell if you put them next to each other.  

It's funny to see how Hasbro's line tends to follow the trends in customizing.  As a particular character becomes a popular subject, it's not too long after that Hasbro releases their version.  Given that trend, I would think that the logical point for an EU figure line would be the NJO.  This series seems to be growing in popularity.  Look at all the NJO customs appearing on the web.   These books and novels are gaining a must read rep similar to, but not as broad as, the Thrawn Trilogy cult.

Personally I think the series has been hit or miss.  Some stories such as Star by Star have been riveting.  Others like Dark Journey fall flat on their face.

If you want to get your teeth wet, try using super sculpey or Premo.  They are the easiest to work with to get used to the basics of sculpting.  Check out these threads over on theJawa for a discussion on various sculpting media...

http://www.thejawa.com/YaBBse/index.php?board=42;action=display;threadid=4631
http://www.thejawa.com/YaBBse/index.php?board=42;action=display;threadid=4767

There is a cheaper & just as effective method - Craft Acryllic paints like apple Barrel.  They are available at craft stores and WalMart.  Like the model paints, you will need to seal it with a dull coat.

I'll be posting an article on painting basics over on thejawa in the next couple of weeks.  When it goes up I'll post here to let you now.

Good luck.