It’s finallyStar WarsDay! That means there’s a ton of new themed merchandise from a galaxy far, far away. It’salso the rareStar WarsDaythat lands on Free Comic Book Day. This is an annual comic book store event that celebrates the industry on the first Saturday in May. While the day’s main selling point is the free comics,Gentle Giant Studioshas unveiled three new figures forStar WarsDay and Free Comic Book Day.
The figures forStar WarsDay are both fromEpisode VI - Return of the Jedi. The first one is a ⅙ scale resin mini-bust ofNik Sant, the white-bearded Rebel Trooper who helped fight and eventually defeat the Empire in the last film of theoriginal trilogy. The six-inch tall trooper is limited to 1,000 pieces and is complete with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The lastStar WarsDay piece is a Jumbo 12-Inch Retro Figure ofAmanaman, the alien headhunter seen inJabba the Hutt’s palace. The figure is inspired by the original run of Kenner’sStar WarsFigures. This updated version comes in vintage-style packaging with its staff decorated with skulls and a Power of the Force coin just like the character did with their original figure in 1985. Then, for Free Comic Book Day, Gentle Giant is releasing an exclusive ½ scale Shadow Trooper resin bust. The ten-inch tall stormtrooper, like Nik Sant, is limited to 1000 pieces.
‘Star Wars’ Was Made For Toys
Star Warswas revolutionary for a number of reasons, but it was the first major film franchise to capitalize on the growing toy market. Helped in large part by the number of characters its rich galaxy contains, the possibilities for figures and playsets were endless.The Kenner line, which started in 1997 alongside the first film, launched with well-known heroes and villains like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. However, as the story progressed further into the trilogy, the famous toy company took the opportunity to highlight side characters like Mien Nunb and the many Ewoks that made up Endor.Fans even learned some of the background characters' names for the first time from these figures. Amanaman would fall in that category. The Kenner line would usher in a new era of merchandising that has exploded in the 21st century thanks to the prequel and sequel trilogies.Hasbro,Sideshow,Funko, andGentle Giantare some of the companies that are keeping the rabidStar Warstoy legacy alive.
All three of Gentle Giant’s new figures will be available starting today (Saturday, May 4). You can visit theirwebsitefor more information and visitFree Comic Book Day’s official websiteto see all the participating stores. In terms ofStar Warsfilms,Episode I: The Phantom Menaceis currently back in theatersfor its 25th anniversary.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.
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