Review – Unofficial Star Wars Rebel Trooper (Kenner-Style Action Figure)
I posted about this unofficial Star Wars action figure back in November. This isn’t the first toy produced by the Vintage Studio, and it isn’t even the first of their unofficial Kenner-style Star Wars figures that I’ve bought, but it is the first time I’ve photographed and reviewed one of their toys. I figured that if I am gonna own these then the least I can do is share my thoughts on the toy’s construction and design with the world.
Not Quite Seventies
The first thing that stands out about this Rebel Trooper is that the design is less like the first wave of Kenner Star Wars action figures than it is the 1984/1985 toys. And even then, in looking at the toy, I cannot even say that it is a perfect match for the later Kenner Star Wars figure designs. The removable helmet is cool and all, and the pistol looks great, but where the illusion that this was produced at the same time as figures like Lando Calrissian (General Pilot) breaks down is in the vest design. Look closely at the pics and you’ll see that there’s an element of depth in that vest design that doesn’t quite align with the earlier Kenner sculpts.
Other than the vest, though, I can almost see this as a toy that could have been released in 1984 or 1985. The wider stance of the figure is closer in style to those later figures than the first few years of the line, and the minimal paint apps and simple face definitely fit in with the Death Squad Commander and others. Even then, though, I don’t think there is any danger of a toy dealer getting confused and assuming that this is a vintage Kenner action figure. If anything, this toy feels more like someone took my desire to see Star Wars ReAction Figures (posted here and here) and turned that wish into reality.
Closing Thoughts
The Vintage Studio is unofficial and producing Star Wars toys without a license, so there is no telling what the future holds for these action figures and playsets. At any moment the toys could vanish from the web, meaning that if you like the designs you’ll want to act quickly. Just like those unofficial Star Wars X-Wing starships that were removed from sale, these new action figures and playsets could be gone without notice.
I couldn’t see myself buying many toys like this, but as long as it is only one or two action figures a year there’s nothing stopping me from ordering more releases. Awesome concept, professional execution, and the chance to add toys like this to my Star Wars collection is one I definitely appreciate. Great stuff!
I also wish the blaster they included was one of the original Kenner-style ones (like the ones that came with Hoth Rebel Soldier or the ESB Lando). The more detailed newer one takes away from the overall vintage look of the toy.
@John Maddening – The explanation from the designers is that they didn’t want to make repro blasters that could confuse the situation. Their suggestion is to use old Kenner blasters with the figure.
Personally, I figure that once you go down the road of even making these unauthorized toys you may as well go all out and make whatever accessories look right with the toy.
The rebel blockade troopers were always one of my favorite background characters from the movies. I pined after one of these guys and the Tantive IV itself! Although one thing that’s a little off-putting by the look of these pictures is how straight the arms are. Does it seem like those odd in person? Or is that just me?
Thank You very much for your interest in my action figure Guys, I apreciate it a lot.
About both comments, You are right, the best weapon for this Action Figure is the Lando Calrissian´s gun from TESB, and I could very easilly have done a copy and include it with the figure instead the one it got. BUT, the community has expressed strongly through the last years that Reproductions are not welcome and I understand their reasons. Some people were concerned back in 2015 when my project started that they were afraid I ended making repros instead of high quality customs, so I gave them my word I will never be doing that and I plan to keep my word. I understand the community position about repros and share most of the points of view against them, so I will respect that position in all my creations. A new weapon has been included and I leave to every collector the decision of to keep it or give the Rebel Trooper a proper vintage weapon. About the arms, I sculpted it that way because… following the path of Weequay, Leia Boushh and even Luke Jedi, whose sculpts showed a little action pre-positioning instead of the straight regular one of other action figures of the collection, and being my Rebel Trooper ambiented in the ROTJ – POTF era…the right intended position for the Rebel trooper is pointing with their blasters to the Stormtroopers as in the iconic scene of ANH. Try it that way and you will see arms work perfectly. You might see pictures of the Rebel troopers pointing with their guns and will understand what Im explaining. Thank you very much, all your opinions are being heard in order to improve next unreleased characters I will be addressing in The Vintage Studio. All my action figures are high quality customs made in very little production runs, big enough so every vintage collector out there could get one, but at the same time small enough to preserve the exclusivity and value of your purchase. Thank you again.
Thank You very much for your interest in my action figure Guys, I apreciate it a lot.
About both comments, You are right, the best weapon for this Action Figure is the Lando Calrissian´s gun from TESB, and I could very easilly have done a copy and include it with the figure instead the one it got. BUT, the community has expressed strongly through the last years that Reproductions are not welcome and I understand their reasons. Some people were concerned back in 2015 when my project started that they were afraid I ended making repros instead of high quality customs, so I gave them my word I will never be doing that and I plan to keep my word. I understand the community position about repros and share most of the points of view against them, so I will respect that position in all my creations. A new weapon has been included and I leave to every collector the decision of to keep it or give the Rebel Trooper a proper vintage weapon. About the arms, I sculpted it that way because… following the path of Weequay, Leia Boushh and even Luke Jedi, whose sculpts showed a little action pre-positioning instead of the straight regular one of other action figures of the collection, and being my Rebel Trooper ambiented in the ROTJ – POTF era…the right intended position for the Rebel trooper is pointing with their blasters to the Stormtroopers as in the iconic scene of ANH. Try it that way and you will see arms work perfectly. You might see pictures of the Rebel troopers pointing with their guns and will understand what Im explaining. Thank you very much, all your opinions are being heard in order to improve next unreleased characters I will be addressing in The Vintage Studio. All my action figures are high quality customs made in very little production runs, big enough so every vintage collector out there could get one, but at the same time small enough to preserve the exclusivity and value of your purchase. Thank you again.