DARKLORD'S Customs

[DARKLORD]

LANDO CALRISSIAN: Skiff Guard Disguise
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Generally, I liked Kenner’s vintage Lando Skiff Guard Disguise (1983) very much. But I did NOT like Hasbro’s POTF II “overly buff” Lando Skiff Guard (1996). I LOVED Hasbro’s SAGA Lando: Jabba’s Palace (2004).

GOAL:
This was a simple straight-forward custom. I just wanted ALL the Lando’s in my collection to have a consistent head sculpt (POTJ Lando Bespin Escape - my favorite). So this was basically a head-swap. But since the new head is slightly larger than the original, I needed to create a better-fitting (larger) helmet, while still retaining the tusked face webbing. Also the stock Vibro-blade weapon was replaced with a sturdier one from the Vintage line. This is an example of a custom Action figure where most of the work went into the accessories!  A paint-job awaits the vibro blade.

“We’re on our way!!”

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ Lando Calrissian: Bespin Escape (Head (Hollowed-out for ball-jointed use)
2) SAGA Lando Calrissian: Jabba’s Sail Barge (Full Body, Blaster pistol, Helmet (face webbing portion only) )
3) Vintage Kenner Lando Calrissian: Skiff Guard Disguise (Vibro-blade)
4) POTF II Lando Calrissian: Skiff Guard Disguise (Helmet)

[DARKLORD]

HAN SOLO: Hoth Patrol
Custom Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Neither Kenner nor Hasbro has ever created a Han Solo Hoth Outfit figure with an actual CLOTH snow hood that could be pulled back to reveal Han Solo!! Not Good!  Vintage Han Hoth? Ummm... no.  POTFII Han Hoth? Are you kidding me?  Saga Han Hoth?  Gettin' closer... but what's with the "funky-chicken" leg pose?

GOAL:
I wanted a neutrally-posed, detailed 4 inch-scale action figure of Captain HAN SOLO in his Hoth Snow Uniform. He had to reflect the scoundrel star pilot that seemed openly uncomfortable with the inhospitable snow environment of the planet HOTH. As seen in The Empire Strikes Back, I wanted the fur-lined hood of his overcoat to be able to be pulled back so that Solo’s face could be revealed underneath. Also, he had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“There isn’t enough life on this ice cube to fill a space cruiser! Sensors are placed I’m goin’ back!

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ Han Solo Death Star Escape: (Head )
2) SAGA Han Solo Hoth Rescue: (Full body (With legs surgically straightened into a neutral pose, blaster pistol)
3) SAGA General Rieekan (Pelvis)
4) POTF II Han Solo Hoth: (Snow cap and goggles (Hollowed-out to fit on figure’s head underneath snow hood)
3) Navy Blue fabric (Used to create cloth hood for snow jacket)
4) Craft fur (Used to create Fur lining of jacket hood)
5) "Chrome" paper from a "plated" letter on a magazine cover (Used to create Chrome belt buckle)

[DARKLORD]

HAN SOLO: Bespin Outfit
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
I actually felt (and still do) that the Vintage Kenner Bespin Han Solo (1980) had a terrific general shape and build that I liked very much. Obviously, the facial likeness of that old vintage Han Solo was unacceptable by today’s standards, so a modern face sculpt was definitely needed.  In contrast, the POTF II Han Bespin (both versions) (1996) were overly bulky with a strange face sculpt.  POTJ Han Bespin Capture (2000) was a VERY nice figure with some nice added articulation. However it was just NOT neutral enough in its posing for my taste.  I mean, even his jacket has a pre-posed sculpt, with a strange, bulging "hump-back" design!


GOAL:
It took a LOT of experimentation to come up with the final “recipe” that I used to create HAN SOLO in his “Bespin Outfit”. Of course, my goal with this figure was to reflect the overly-confident, cynical demeanor of the scoundrel star pilot who reluctantly joins the Rebel Alliance. Also, he had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“You like me because I’m a scoundrel. There aren’t enough scoundrels in your life”

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ Han Solo Death Star Escape: (Head,  Pelvis (with slight re-sculpt in crotch) )
2) POTJ Han Solo Bespin Capture: (White shirt torso)
3) Vintage Kenner Han Solo Bespin:  (Arms, Legs, Torso (hollowed-out jacket only)
4) POTF II Comm Tech Han Solo: (Left hand)
5) POTJ Rebel Trooper: (Right hand)
6) SAGA Han Solo Hoth Rescue: Holster and gun belt, Blaster pistol, Lightsaber hilt (as cylinder detail on gun belt)
7)  "Chrome" paper from a "plated" letter on a magazine cover (Used to create Chrome belt buckle)
  Brown Satin Ribbon-Fine (Used to create holster leg strap)

[DARKLORD]

LUKE SKYWALKER: Tatooine Farmboy
Custom Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
As simplistic-looking as he may be, Kenner’s very first Vintage Luke Skywalker figure (from 1978) is a true classic!!  Having said that, I  certainly NEEDED a MUCH more detailed, modern Luke for my collection. POTF II Luke (1995) looked more like He-Man what with his “Prince Adam” type head-sculpt and Incredible Hulk build. Subsequent Lukes were all based on the POTF II Blast Shield Helmet Luke sculpt: These were all decent enough figures, I just never cared for the slightly “stooped shoulders” and the “dumbfounded” facial expression.

GOAL:
I had a lot of fun creating a neutrally-posed, richly-detailed 4 inch-scale action figure of LUKE SKYWALKER in his farmboy outfit from A New Hope! I wanted him to reflect the spirit of the heroic, farmboy who helped to rescue Princess Leia as a prisoner from the Death Star. I also wanted this figure to be LOADED with all of the accessories that would make it the ULTIMATE Tatooine Luke!
 
Interestingly enough, I always admired the general “look” of the Vintage Kenner 12-inch Tatooine Luke from 1978. I always felt that a "shrunken" 4-inch scale version of that figure would have been perfect!!.  Well, that  idea must have remained on my mind subliminally.  If you look closely, I think you'll agree, this figure strongly resembles 1978-12 inch Luke... and I just love him for it !  Custom Luke is correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“I want to learn the ways of The Force and become a Jedi like my father."

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ 25th Anniversary Luke Skywalker: Swing to Freedom (Head (hollowed out for ball-jointed neck) Grappling hook and rope, com-link)
2) OTC “Vintage-style” Luke Skywalker: (Torso, Arms, Cloth Tunic (tailored for better fit), basic belt
3) POTF II Luke Skywalker Blast Shield Helmet: (Pelvis, Legs (Surgically shortened and straightened into a neutral pose, helmet)
4) SAGA Anakin Skywalker Tatooine Attack: (Metal lightsaber hilt and blue blade)
5) POTF II Flashback Luke Skywalker: (Floppy farmer’s hat, Rifle, Macro binoculars)
6) SAGA Tie Fighter Pilot: Imperial-Issue Blaster
7) SAGA Death Star Trooper Accessory Set: Stormtrooper belt
EP I Tatooine Accessory Set: (Cloth poncho)
9) POTF II Comm Tech Chip Luke Skywalker: (Hand-held T-16 Skyhopper model)
10) "Chrome" plated letter on a magazine cover (Used to create Chrome belt buckle)

[DARKLORD]

LUKE SKYWALKER: Hoth Patrol
Custom Action Figure and Photos by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
The Vintage Kenner Luke Hoth (from 1981) was an okay action figure, but the details were inaccurate. It would never hold up today. With POTF II Luke Hoth (1996), once again, we had the tapered-waist and barrel chest mixed with pre-posed legs that I do not like. Then when SAGA Luke Hoth arrived in 2003, it was with "funky-ckicken" posed legs!!  Great... Just great.

GOAL:
It was my intention to create a neutrally-posed, detailed 4 inch-scale action figure of LUKE SKYWALKER in his Hoth Snow Uniform. I did NOT want to have this figure featuring the (scene-specific) bloody wounds on his face from his violent encounter with the Wampa snow beast. Luke Hoth has been correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“Echo Three to Echo Seven. Han ol’ buddy, do you read me?”

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ 25th Anniversary Luke Skywalker: Swing to Freedom (face sculpt)
2) POTF II Luke Skywalker: Hoth Outfit: (Head carefully hollowed-out to accept a new Luke Face inside the snow head-gear )
3) SAGA Luke Skywalker: Hoth Attack ( Full Body (wrists shortened, legs surgically straightened into a neutral pose)
4 SAGA Han Solo Hoth Rescue: (Holster, Blaster pistol)
5) SAGA Anakin Skywalker Tatooine Attack: (Metal Lightsaber hilt and blue blade)
6) Brown Satin Ribbon-Fine (Used to create holster leg strap)

[DARKLORD]

LUKE SKYWALKER: Dagobah Training
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Hasbro has only ever offered two action figure versions of Luke Skywalker dressed in the soiled Jedi Knight training fatigues that he wore on Dagobah. The first offering in March of 1996 was part of Hasbro’s Power of the Force II line. “Luke Skywalker in Dagobah Fatigues” bore no resemblance at all to his movie counterpart, presented as a hulking he-man with enormous bulging muscles, and a “Prince Adam” head sculpt. This action figure was even designed to stand on its own ONLY with the counterweight of Yoda strapped onto his back in the bulky training harness. Much later on in 2004, Hasbro tried again and offered us “Luke Skywalker: Dagobah Training” as part of their Original Trilogy Collection. This action figure was an ENORMOUS improvement over the original offering, featuring accurate sculpting and impressive paint deco. My only real gripe here was the overly scene-specific interchangeable arms and head sculpts that did not allow for a neutrally-posed action figure.


GOAL:
It was my intention to create a neutrally-posed / extra-poseable, 4 inch-scale action figure of Luke Skywalker: Dagobah Fatigues. He had to depict Luke during his grueling Jedi Knight training in the swamps of Dagobah WITHOUT looking like he rolled in a mud hole. I wanted an attractive, neutral likeness that was consistent with all of the other custom Luke Skywalkers that I had previously created, so once again the same face sculpt was employed. I wanted him to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totally different.”

RECIPE:
1) OTC Luke Skywalker: Jedi Training (Torso, Pelvis, Legs)
2) Vintage OTC Luke Skywalker (Ball-Jointed Arms, Shoulder Sockets, Neck, Shoulders)
3) POTJ 25th Anniversary “Swing to Freedom” Luke Skywalker (Head Sculpt hollowed-out for ball jointed neck)
4) Blue Canvas Fabric and Ribbons (Used to create a custom soft-goods Jedi Training Harness (not pictured) )







LUKE SKYWALKER: Bespin Fatigues
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Various previous attempts at this action figure have missed the mark: Vintage Kenner Luke Bespin (1980) was cute, but way too tall, and not enough detail. POTF II Bespin Luke (1998) had a tapered waist and barrel chest, with some pre-posing of the legs (which was typical of the offerings from that line). SAGA Luke Bespin Duel was too scene-specific (with his face depicted in its bruised state), and the poorly designed bending knees made for a flimsy figure.

GOAL:
I simply wanted a heroic-looking custom action figure of Luke Skywalker as he appeared when he came to Cloud City to rescue his friends in danger. Instead, he faced off against the evil Darth Vader for the first time. As with virtually ALL of my custom figures, I wanted this figure to be NON-scene specific. So a “bruised face” sculpt (from his duel with Vader) was not acceptable, and neither was a “dirty face” with “mussed” hair (as during his training on Dagobah). He has been correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“You’ll find I’m full of surprises”

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ 25th Anniversary Luke Skywalker: Swing to Freedom (Head (hollowed out for ball-jointed neck))
2) SAGA Captain Antilles: (Neck, Right hand)
3) OTC Luke Skywalker Bespin Duel: (Torso, Arms, Left hand)
4) OTC Luke Skywalker: Dagobah Training: (Waist, Pelvis, Legs)
5) SAGA Luke Skywalker: Hoth Attack: (Blaster, Belt Details)
6) SAGA Han Solo Hoth Rescue: (Holster, Blaster pistol)
7) SAGA Anakin Skywalker Tatooine Attack: (Metal Lightsaber hilt and blue blade)
Brown Satin Ribbon (Used to create belt strap)
9) Brown Satin Ribbon-Fine (Used to create holster leg strap)
10) "Chrome" paper from a "plated" letter on a magazine cover (Used to create Chrome belt buckle)

[DARKLORD]

LUKE SKYWALKER: JEDI KNIGHT:
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams
 
PROBLEM:
 
Vintage Kenner Luke Jedi Knight was a pretty nice figure, but I was always a bit dissapointed with the strange positioning of his arm and legs. Also, I always thought his face sculpt was overly morose looking. In my humble opinion, ALL POTF II Jedi Lukes were very poorly depicted. They were ALL barrel-chested, They were ALL pre-posed, and they ALL suffered from various strange looking face sculpts. Even the most recent SAGA Luke Jedi suffers from flimsy legs with bending knees, a poorly-produced, ill-fitting cloth cape, and a pin-headed overly morose face sculpt.
 
GOAL:
 
I strived to create a neutrally-posed, nicely detailed 4 inch-scale action figure of LUKE SKYWALKER in his black Jedi Knight outfit as seen in Return of the Jedi. I know that there is some debate over the correct color of Luke’s Jedi cloak. And admittedly, it probably was dark TAN as many have suggested. However, I just felt that a BLACK cloak was nicer looking! My custom Jedi Luke was scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs). “Nevertheless, I’m taking Captain Solo and his friends. You can either profit by this or be destroyed. It’s your choice, but I warn you not to underestimate my powers.”
 
RECIPIE:
 
1) POTJ 25th Anniversary Luke Skywalker: Swing to Freedom (Head (hollowed out for ball-jointed neck))
2) SAGA Captain Antilles: (Neck)
3) SAGA Luke Skywalker: Jabba’s Palace (Torso, Arms, Hands, Skirt)
4) POTF II Luke Skywalker Blast Shield Helmet: (Pelvis, Legs (painted black) )
5) POTJ Han Solo Bespin Capture: (Black boots (surgically shortened / straightened into a neutral pose)
6) POTF II Comm Tech Chip Darth Vader: (Black cloth cape (tailored to fit Luke) )
7) EP I Darth Maul with Sith Speeder: (Black cloth robe (Hood is carefully tailored to fit the Comm Tech Darth Vader cloth cape)



 

[DARKLORD]

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams


PROBLEM:
It has honestly been a long, long road toward the making of this Custom Action Figure. Kenner's vintage Princess Leia Organa (1978), dressed in her royal robe, was an adequate enough figure for the level of detail that was available at that time. She had a very cute "doll-like" head sculpt and a simple, neutral pose. The next time Leia was offered as an action figure wearing this outfit, there was quite an uproar in the collecting community. Released in 1995 as part of Kenner / Hasbro's Power of the Force II line, "Princess Leia Organa" was sculpted with such an unflattering facial scowl that some collectors began referring to her as "monkey face Leia". The costume she was presented in bore only a passing resemblance to the robes she wore in the film, and she was sculpted in such an awkward pose that she could barely stand on her own. A full three years later, after several other heavily criticized Leia figures and face sculpts, Hasbro presented us with "Princess Leia Organa -All New Likeness". This action figure featured a costume that was sculpted much more accurately to match Leia's wardrobe from the film, however the face sculpt was only a marginal improvement over the previous offerings. Later that same year, Hasbro produced a series of "Princess Leia Collection" two-packs. These figures were beautifully decorated with soft-good appliances, and movie outfits that had never before been produced as action figures. Unfortunately, the face-sculpts and paint-deco for Leia's likeness took a HUGE step backward, appearing as arguably the WORST renditions of Leia yet. Most of the subsequent Princess Leia action figures utilized a variation of the "all new likeness" face sculpt with varying hairstyles and paint deco for the appropriate film outfit. Like many other collectors, I was losing all hope that Hasbro would ever produce an acceptable likeness of the Princess. When considering the creation of this custom figure, I was even fully prepared to go with a completely different female face sculpt, just so that I could have a "pretty" Leia. I looked into various Padme Amidala face sculpts and strongly considered one of them for use as a head sculpt source. But in the end, that didn't work either. Fortunately, Hasbro helped me out in a BIG way by producing the excellent super-poseable Princess Leia Organa in 2004 as part of their Vintage Original Trilogy Collection. Although the overall figure was a vast improvement over previous offerings, the face sculpt was STILL not quite right. I found that somehow a ball-jointed neck was just NOT flattering for what should have been the delicate features of a princess.


GOAL:
I've known for more than 9 years (the amount of time that I've been customizing Action Figures) that I was going to have to create my OWN custom Princess Leia Organa (from A New Hope) if I was ever going to be satisfied. The goal here was to create a 4-inch scaled, richly-detailed, neutrally-posed, attractively sculpted rendition of the beautiful, feisty, dedicated leader of the Rebel Alliance as seen in A New Hope. She had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the figures in my collection (including other customs).

"I'm a member of the Imperial Senate on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan!"

RECIPE:
1) Vintage Original Trilogy Collecion Princess Leia Organa: (body)
2) POTJ 25th Anniversarry "Swing To Freedom" Leia: (head sculpt with hair re-paint)
3) POTF II "Princess Leia Collection" Leia: (royal belt)






GRAND MOFF TARKIN:
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams
 
PROBLEM:
 
The ONLY Governor Tarkin action figure EVER created was released as Hasbro’s POTF II line. At that time, the figures were suffering from (what I like to call) “tapered-waist” syndrome, and annoying pre-posing. Tarkin was no exception. However, I thought the face sculpt was nicely done
 
GOAL:
 
I intended to create a neutrally-posed, 4 inch-scale action figure of GOVERNOR TARKIN. He had to reflect the imperial arrogance embodied by the Grand Moff, and he had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs). “Evacuate?! In our moment of triumph?! I think you overestimate their chances!”
 
RECIPE:
1) POTF II Grand Moff Tarkin: (Head)
2) SAGA Admiral Ozzel: (Body)
3) Luke Skywalker: Jabba’s Palace: (Hands)
4) Imperial Rank Insignia Badge: Created on computer in Adobe Photoshop and Laser Printer as a label
 

[DARKLORD]

ADMIRAL MOTTI:
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams
 
PROBLEM:
 
Hasbro’s POTF II Admiral Motti was a nice enough figure. However, in an effort to make ALL imperial officers in my collection UNIFORM in detail, a custom figure was in order. Ultimately it was the impressive head sculpt that I was most interested in here.
 
GOAL:
 
I worked to create a neutrally-posed, 4 inch-scale action figure of ADMIRAL MOTTI. Now, logic dictates that he probably should have been engineered as a figure that could sit down since it was at the Death Star conference room where he has his biggest scene. However, I felt that to do so would compromise the impeccable sculpt of the figure’s legs. I DID however give him his original left hand which was sculpted in a position where it frantically tugged at his collar as Darth Vader chocked him with The Force. As always, I wanted this figure to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs). “Any attack made by the Rebels against this station would be a useless gesture, no matter what technical data they’ve obtained. This station is now the ultimate power in the universe! I suggest we use it.”
 
RECIPE:
 
1) POTF II Admiral Motti: (Head (hollowed-out for ball jointed neck, hands)
2) SAGA Admiral Piett: (Body)
3) Imperial Rank Insignia Badge: Created on computer in Adobe Photoshop and Laser Printer as a label

[DARKLORD]

ADMIRAL PIETT:
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams
 
PROBLEM:
 
The slight pre-posing, and tapered-waist build that was typical of Hasbro’s POTF II line is just NOT to my liking. A Custom Admiral was necessary. Once again, though, the face sculpt was virtually perfect!
 
GOAL:
 
I wanted ADMIRAL PIETT to reflect the strict Imperial loyalty that he embodied throughout the Original Trilogy. Also, he had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs). “Bounty Hunters? We don’t need that scum! Those Rebels won’t escape us.”
 
RECIPE:
 
1) POTF II Admiral Piett: (Head (hollowed-out for ball jointed neck)
2) SAGA Admiral Ozzel: (Body)
3) Imperial Rank Insignia Badge: Created on computer in Adobe Photoshop and Laser Printer as a label

[DARKLORD]

GENERAL MAXIMILLIAN VEERS
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Previous action figure attempts of General Veers produced by Kenner and Hasbro have not really been to my liking. The vintage Kenner “AT-AT Commander” (1982) lacked a considerable amount of detail. And Hasbro’s “Veers” figure (included with the POTF II electronic AT-AT) (1997) was (once again) a pre-posed, overly bulky figure that was out of scale in relation to the rest of the established STAR WARS action figures in the line. The recent SAGA offering of Veers was (for me) nothing short of a CRUSHING disappointment!!  Between the Quentin Tarantino face sculpt, the warped Battle Helmet, the non-removable imperial cap, AND (most OFFENSIVELY of all) the AT-AT Command Battle Armor WITH NO BACK HALF... well... let's just say that I was very GLAD that I didn't wait for Hasbro's version and made my OWN General Veers!

GOAL:
I wanted to create a neutrally-posed, richly-detailed 4 inch-scale custom action figure of GENERAL VEERS. The Imperial arrogance embodied by this vicious and ruthless General had to be evident. The intention of this figure was to be able to INTERCHANGE between BOTH of the General’s on-screen outfits from The Empire Strikes Back: Imperial Dress Uniform (as when he reported to Darth Vader in his meditation chamber), AND in his Imperial AT-AT Command battle armor and helmet! Also, he had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“All troops will debark for ground assault. Prepare to target the main generator.”

RECIPE:
1) EP I Chancellor Vallorum: (Head (with hair re-sculpt and re-paint / hollowed-out for ball jointed neck) )
2) POTF II AT-AT Commander (Included with Electronic AT-AT): (Battle Armor, Belt Buckle, Side Holster, Battle Helmet
3) SAGA Admiral Ozzel: (Body, Imperial Cap
4) SAGA Obi Wan Kenobi: (Headset Microphone pickup)
5) Imperial Rank Insignia Badge (2) : Created on computer in Adobe Photoshop and Laser Printer as a label
6) Black twist tie (Used to create belt)

[DARKLORD]

BOBA FETT
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
This is clearly a vital character in the STAR WARS Saga, and I felt he needed a clean, and well thought out custom figure. All of the previously produced Fett figures fell a bit short in my opinion. Yet, Ironically, the ingredients to create MY custom Boba can be found in many of them. My basic “issues” with the production Boba Fett action figures are: Vintage Kenner Boba Fett (1979): Not enough detail. Various POTF II Boba Fetts (1995): Too bulky and pre-posed. Subsequent Boba Fetts (POTJ, SAGA (2001-2003) Great detail, but too much scene-specific posing for my tastes.

GOAL:
I knew that this figure would be a REAL challenge based on how complex Boba Fett’s costume is. As with my other custom figures, I worked to create a neutrally-posed, richly-detailed, 4 inch-scale action figure of the fearsome bounty hunter. I wanted his detailing and colors to depict the costume that he wore in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. However, I preferred the more colorful rocket backpack that he wore in RETURN OF THE JEDI. So, admittedly, I took some creative license here. This custom action figure had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold.”

RECIPE:
1) SAGA Boba Fett: Pit of Carkoon: (Head (extensively re-sculpted helmet profile), torso, pants pockets, rocket backpack)
2) POTJ Boba Fett 300th Action Figure: (Arms (re-engineered for increased articulation) belt and side pouches, cloth side cape, crotch armor, knee-cap armor, side holster, lower legs and feet (repositioned into a neutral pose)
3) VINTAGE Kenner AT-ST Driver: (pelvis, upper legs)
4) POTF II Ewok Princess Leia: (Hair braid strand (doubles as Wookie scalp) )
5) EP II Jango Fett Kamino Escape: (Silver Rocket Concussion Missile for backpack)
6) Dental Floss: (Wrist weapons power feed)
7) Styrene Strips (Rear straps for knee-cap armor)
VINTAGE Kenner Boba Fett: (Wrench tools in shin pockets)

[DARKLORD]

BEN OBI-WAN KENOBI
Custom Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Various problems plagued the different Obi-Wans offered through the years. In my opinion, the biggest offense was to constantly sculpt the folds of his robes as his legs (Vintage Kenner / 1978), or as wearable rubber appliances (POTF II / 1995 and POTJ / 2001) that limited the figure’s movement. Then, in 2004 Hasbro gives us a VOTC Kenobi that seems to be dying of starvation.  No thanks.

GOAL:
I wanted a neutrally-posed, richly-detailed 4 inch-scale action figure of the former Jedi General as he appeared in A New Hope. He had to reflect the eccentric, old Jedi hermit living as an outlaw in the Jundland Wastes of Tatooine. It was important to me that this Custom action figure be able to SIT DOWN in Luke’s X-34 Landspeeder, So I knew that a cloth skirt and outer robe were going to be a must. Also, he had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the old Republic… Before the dark times. Before the Empire!!”

RECIPIE:
1) POTJ Ben Obi Wan Kenobi Jedi Knight (Head, torso, arms)
2) SAGA Lando Calrissian: Jabba’s Sail Barge (Pelvis, Legs)
3) SAGA Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Star Fighter Pilot: (Cloth hooded robe, Metal lightsaber hilt and blue blade)
4) SAGA Capatin Antilles: (Brown boots)
5) POTJ Rebel Trooper: (Hands)
5) Tan fabric: (Used to create cloth “skirt”, Waist sash, and hanging vestment strips)
6) Gold-plated letter on Magazine cover (Used to create shiny “brass” belt buckle)
7) Brown Satin Ribbon (Used to create belt)

[DARKLORD]

YODA: Jedi Master
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
NONE of the previously produced Yoda action figures incorporated ALL of the characteristics that I wanted to see within ONE single figure!!

Maybe I'm just crazy, but it seems to me like ALL of the recent Yodas produced by Hasbro have VERY strangely sculpted HEADS (which are far too small), and do NOT resemble the character at all. They also feature really badly  painted EYES that make our beloved Yoda seem like he's been hitin' the sauce a bit too much.  The EYES of this character are SO important!!! They impart all the wisdom and age that he stands for.  Also, a LARGE noggin is what makes him seem more elf-like and cerebral.  These recent pin-headed Yodas just ain't cuttin' it !!

GOAL:
I simply wanted a single custom Yoda Action Figure with a working pair of LEGS, an accurately-sculpted, dignified face sculpt in the correct proportional size, rooted hair, necklace and belt accessories, and cloth robes.

“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size do you?”

RECIPIE:
1) POTF II “Flashback” Yoda (Head (Hollowed-out for ball-jointed use / rooted hair carefully trimmed) cooking pot, lamp)
2) OTC “vintage style” Yoda (Full body, cloth brown skirt, necklace-amulet, Gimmer stick cane, snake) *
3) Vintage Kenner Yoda (Cloth tan robe, belt pouch details) *
4) Thin brown ribbon (Used to create belt)

[DARKLORD]

EMPEROR PALPATINE
Custom Action Figure and Photo by Roberto Williams

PROBLEM:
Virtually all previous action figure versions of Emperor Palpatine were lacking in adequate detail in my humble opinion. The vintage Kenner version (1984) sculpted his robes into a strange pair of legs, which was a design feature that I never really cared for. Later on, with the modern figures, Hasbro has only created Emperor Palpatine figures with NO working legs at all !!  In other words: He's been nothing but a friggin' SALT-SHAKER!!

GOAL:
I wanted to create a neutrally-posed, richly-detailed 4 inch-scale action figure of EMPEROR PALPATINE in all of his malevolent glory. He had to be able to SIT on his (Hasbro “Cinema Scenes” POTF II) throne and his height had to be correctly scaled in relation to the rest of the STAR WARS action figures in my collection (including other Customs).

“Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Skywalker will be one of us.”

RECIPE:
1) SAGA Throne Emperor: (Head, upper torso, re-sculpted arms, cane, lightning)
2) Vintage Kenner Luke Skywalker: (Back portion of cranium)
3) EP 1 Darth Maul Sith Bike: (Waist, pelvis, legs / bending knees (shortened), cloth hooded robe)
4) POTF II Emperor Palpatine: (cloak ornament clasp)
5) POTF II Comm Tech Darth Vader: (Cloth cape (Used for creating cloth skirt and belt sash)