ToyLand: Feudal-Style Star Wars Action Figures
History and fantasy meet in these amazing Star Wars figs…
It’s no secret that George Lucas looked to the Samurai for inspiration for parts of the Empire’s signature look. Lucas is a big Kurosawa fan – The Hidden Fortress is all over the Star Wars franchise. There are many, many parallels that can be drawn between the stories of Star Wars and those found in jidaigeki.
With the costume sketches of Ralph McQuarrie and a budget of $1,173 for one costume, it was up to John Mollo, the costume designer for the original trilogy, to translate the sketches into a real costume that an actor could wear. Without straying too far from the provided sketches, Mollo, inspired by not only the samurai influences but also by World War I trench armor and Nazi helmets, made some sketches of his own to fine tune the costume. He then hired costumers from Berman’s & Nathan’s to work on the undersuit, gloves, surcoat, and cape, while the job of sculpting the mask, chestbox, belt, shoulder bells, shins, and the rest of the armor fell to sculptor Brian Muir. – Source
Tamashii Nations – one of Bandai’s collectors brands – has created some awesome Star Wars figs for their Meishou Movie Realization line that fully incorporate Samurai armor into the Star Wars universe. They’re packed with detail, and come with a bunch of accessories. There is no central webstore for these; they range from $75 to $100 each on Amazon and other online retailers.
Teppou Ashigaru Sandtrooper
The Sandtrooper version comes with two gun powder type rifles and a Japanese katana sword ready for battle. The special backpack is designed with meticulous detail and finished with a rusty look. Flexible material makes posing the Sandtrooper holding a firearm a breeze. The set includes interchangeable hands (x6), blaster rifles (small and large), Japanese katana set, and backpack.
Taikoyaku Storm Trooper
As the name suggests, Taiko Yaku comes carrying a Japanese war drum (“taiko”). Fashioned at his waist is a conch shell, ready at any second to signal troops to attack. Traditionally, the Taiko Yaku was a vital member who kept the rhythm and maintained the troops formation. Let this seasoned Stormtrooper keep your Star Wars Movie Realization collection in line. Set includes interchangeable hands (x4), drum sticks (x2), conch shell, and flag set.
Akazonae Royal Guard
The Akazonae Royal Guard comes wielding not only the iconic force pike-esque staff, but a traditional Japanese-style katana as well. The front robe pieces are removable, giving the option of display the guard the Guard in a samurai armor fashion. For further nuanced posing, the Akazonae Royal Guard set also includes interchangeable hands. The unique use of “wa”, Japanese style, makes for a one of a kind sculpt design that you cannot find anywhere else.
Boba Fett
Everyone’s favorite bounty hunter goes medieval! Boba Fett joins the Meisho Movie realization series in a spectacular feudal Japan aesthetic, appropriately portrayed as a lord-less “Ronin” Samurai via the sculpting talent of artists Takeyuki Takeya and Junichi Taniguchi. In addition to his EE-3 rifle portrayed as an flint-lock style blaster, this deluxe figure set features an extensive array of accessories- characteristic backpack missile can be removed/attached, helmet mounted scope is moveable. Also in addition to short ninja-style katana and sheath, numerous ninja-style blade accessories that can be subtly attached to shin and forearm areas are also included. Please note that this item is available in limited quantities, and will be allocated.
Darth Vader in Death Star Armor
Another stunningly unique artistic interpretation master crafted by acclaimed artist Takeya Takayuki, Darth Vader -Death Star Armor- has a revamped armor design. Most notably is the fearsome Death Star-style crest on the helmet and highly detailed chest plate pattern. Set includes interchangeable hands, gun (large, small), and katana sword (light saber and regular). Fans of Star Wars will love this new addition to Movie Realization line which continues to pay homage to the Japanese aesthetic and film influences on Star Wars.
