By Adam Pawlus
Photography: Michael Sullenger

(SAN DIEGO, CA, July 22, 2004) While it seems every license possible to give out for Star Wars has been done, the artisans at Sideshow Collectibles found one more-- 1/4 scale figural statues. These roughly 18" tall figures (still in progress) show levels of detail and quality usually unseen in such an item, and with a couple of exceptions, these seem to be as good as they could possibly be.

While there are fairly large plans for this line, including some interesting surprise items we're told will be announced later, the two large figures seem pretty strong out the gate. For starters, Luke Skywalker is the furthest along, apparently speedily nearing his final state. The head seems to follow the same quality standards we're used to from the 12" action figures, and the outfit drapes off the figure quite nicely-- and as anyone who has seen a figure with cloth knows, this is tough to do. He's posed on a base cultivated from the look of Tatooine, and will probably run a little more than the company's other figures in this size, which are $150-$200.

Aside from the shirt and base, Han Solo looks most excellent. The black tile base won't be the final base used for the product, and possibilities for it include the Death Star or the floor of the Millennium Falcon, each with a few extra details to bring a little more detail than just a black shiny floor might give. The face is one of the best ever done on Harrison Ford's likeness and will hopefully foreshadow the wonderful Indiana Jones figures that some company, some day, will make. The detail in the outfit shows an attention to detail that comes from a real fan, and at the guesstimated prices, this is a good thing.

These figures are not really posable and are intended to be statues more than toys. Some limited movement may be included due to how they are assembled, but what you see will be pretty much what you get. These figures should be brightening your shelves in 2005.

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