This Is Spinal Tap (Sideshow Toy)

This Is Spinal Tap
Sideshow Toy
2000

Musicians David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls make up the band, Spinal Tap!...Or, better stated, actors, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer make up the fictional band, Spinal Tap!

My introduction to the band was actually in 1991 when they took the stage at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert to entice the crowd with their song, Majesty of Rock. Loved it and immediately tracked down the album, Break Like the Wind which it's featured on - The only album of theirs I have...Well, until I wrote that sentence and immediately went to ebay to buy, "This is Spinal Tap". What can I say, I'm a sucker for impulse buying.

For the longest time, and much like The Monkees, I thought the band was legit. It never even crossed my mind they were a fictional band created as a parody and then grew into something larger - Or a legit band, if you will. Granted, Spinal Tap by no means saw the popularity The Monkees experienced.

If you haven't actually seen the movie, "This is Spinal Tap", I highly recommend you do. While its script is rather generic, it has a ton of hysterical moments. My personal favorite being when the band is setting up / rehearsing for a show and they're shown the cover for their fictional album, "Smell the Glove", for the first time. All black. No label, no songs, no picture. Just black. Ridiculous in a way because both Prince and Metallica would go forward and do the same thing with future albums. Spinal Tap can shout, "FIRST!" as this would also become the cover for the film's soundtrack / first studio album.

Of course back in 1984 when the film was produced there was no market for action figures, nor any toy producers who would have probably even considered making figures based on the characters. That's kind of why it's such a great time in action figures and has been for the past two decades. Cult classic characters have seen an abundance of releases thanks to companies such as NECA, McFarlane Toys, Mezco and of course Sideshow Toy who released these particular figures.

Each twelve inch figure comes with the character's signature guitar as well as a really nice display stand shaped like a guitar pick which features the character's name. Additionally, each figure also comes with a cardboard Spinal Tap album cover and record. Nigel features the album Shark Sandwich, David comes with Intravenus de Milo and Derek comes with a promotional album which states it's not for sale. There are also a handful of other accessories included, such as a cucumber (Derek), amp volume dial (Nigel) and sketches / drawings (David). If you watch the movie, you'll quickly discover all of these accessories make sense.

If you're in to the all in one purchasing option, Sideshow Toy produced a three pack which is actually really nice. It looks like a guitar (or keyboard) case and features a fantastic window box view of the band.

The great thing about these figures is that if you missed them in 2000 when they were first released, they're not going to break your bank. I've seen the three pack, never opened, sell for as little as $8.50. Individual figures have sold for as little as ninety-nine cents. Of course, nabbing them at these low prices is going to take a bit of patience as several sellers list them rather high and I've seen them sell for $60.00 to $150.00 too. The best thing to do is arm yourself with information on the line. You don't have to pay high prices to get them, so don't.

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The Dark Crystal (Sideshow Collectibles)

The Dark Crystal
2002
Sideshow Collectibles

The Dark Crystal was an odd film for family friendly Jim Henson to develop back in the 80's. It was almost as if he was playing a joke on movie going patrons who had long since supported his kid themed shows such as The Muppets and Sesame Street. For whatever reason, Mr. Henson unleashed this dark film on unsuspecting children, causing much fear amongst their little minds.

Unless you've got pockets so deep that your hands never reach the bottom of your pants, you're probably not looking to get the original Aviva prototypes based on the classic Jim Henson film, The Dark Crystal - Not that you'd have much luck finding them anyway. Sadly, if you're a fan of the film, and want to find some of the few toy related items out there, you're most likely setting your sites on the still expensive, but more easily ascertained twelve inch dolls from Sideshow Collectibles.

When first released, Sideshow Collectibles sold each doll for $40.00 plus shipping directly from their website. Unfortunately if you want one these days, you're looking at spending anywhere from two to three times that.

Jen

The dolls are spot on depictions of their screen characters, and that in and of itself is a great reason to get excited about this series. The sculpt work and clothing is amazing - Particularly all the layers to the clothing. A feature that fans really enjoyed with the Kira doll was that it included her pet Fizzgig - Also screen accurate.

Kira

BONUS

The Dark Crystal
Aviva/Hasbro
1982 (Unproduced)

Okay, but let's be honest here. We really didn't want to talk about the Sideshow Collectibles dolls. No, instead it's these prototypes that really take center stage for this post. Yes, the SC dolls are fantastic, but these here...These are just vaulted nostalgia.

Way back in 1982, Aviva, a subdivision of Hasbro, contracted with Jim Henson to develop and release an action figure line based on the film. Though it's unknown why the plug was eventually pulled on the line, fans speculate that it was due to the film performing horribly at the box office.

Despite not going into mass production, a handful of prototypes were produced of both the basic and deluxe figures. Though it is unknown just how many in total were produced, to date there are two complete sets of the six carded basic figures, and two non packaged sets of the three deluxe figures confirmed to exist.

For those of you who have done a search for these particular figures before on Google, you've most likely seen these images before in the collection of Justin Kerns back in 2002. We've cleaned them up a bit, and presented them in our own layout, however the actual images are the property of Mr. Kerns.

As we mentioned above, six figures were initially planned for the line. These particular carded versions below are one of the two known sets. The bubbles are hand made, and attached to the cardback via staples.

Jen*Kira*Happy Pod Peasant*Skeksis

Aughra*Slave Pod Peasant

At the time of his original posting of the photos, Mr. Kerns was the known owner of ten of the twelve carded prototype figures produced (one full set, and four additional). At that time he offered the duplicates up for sale, so it is unknown as to who owns them at this point.

The cardback for the set was produced in black and white, and it is unknown if a color version would have been used for the final product. This particular version featured hand drawn images of the figures as well as directions for fitting the six crystal pieces together.

One crystal piece was packaged with each figure, and would have been packaged to the right of each figure with their included accessory.

Below are the three prototype versions of the deluxe figures. As we mentioned above, there are two complete sets known to exist. Unlike the basic figures, the deluxe versions are not known to exist in their packaging which would have been rectangular window boxes.

Mystic

Landstrider

Garthim

In all honesty, your chances of finding a set of the Aviva prototypes is pretty much non existent. You'd probably have more of a chance of winning the lottery, and it would probably cost you a fair chunk of those winnings to afford a set if you found them.

These items are so rare that even production photos have sold for as much as $750.00 for a set. That's right, not the actual toys themselves, but production photographs. To say there's a demand for The Dark Crystal toys is apparently an understatement, and an opportunity that someone out there should capitalize on. Perhaps with Funko's recent popularity with retro style figures, it's not so impossible to think that a line of retro designed The Dark Crystal figures could happen.

Join us next time when we take a look at Gangsta Babies!

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Six Gun Legends (Sideshow Collectibles)

Six Gun Legends
Sideshow Collectibles
2002

 SERIES 1

Billy the Kid

 SERIES 1

Wyatt Earp

 SERIES 2

Crazy Horse

 SERIES 2

General Custer

SERIES 3

"Doc" Holliday



Cancelled figures - Jesse James, Johnny Ringo, and Wild Bill Hickok.

Join us next time when we take a look at Freddie Mercury!

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Star Wars - 12 Inch Collector Series (Kenner/Hasbro)

With the death of the original 12" Star Wars "dolls" occurring so quickly in the early 80's, it was a surprise to many collectors to see Kenner re-launch the series with the Power of the Force II line.

Unlike their predecessors, these new dolls showed a great amount of articulation, and were pretty impressive in detail from the figures to the clothing, and especially to the accessories.

The "official" series ran from 1996 to 2000, and while considered to be part of the Power of the Force line, it is actually known as the Collector Series - A series unto itself.

The first wave of four dolls release in 1996 include one of the most difficult dolls to find (back in the day), Obi-Wan Kenobi. This doll was packed one per case, and within weeks of its release was garnering $50.00 or more on the secondary market. Not bad considering the $19.99 suggested retail price.

The Luke Skywalker figure can be found in numerous variations. Some include the macrobinoculars on his belt, others in a bubble next to his head. Others are package variations such as gold foil logos, and dark blue backgrounds.


Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi

The second assortment contains one of the two only "real" variant figures. The Tusken Raider was release with both a blaster rifle and a gaderffii stick.


Lando Calrissian, Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues), Tusken Raider


Boba Fett, Princess Leia, Stormtrooper, Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot Gear)


Chewbacca, C-3PO, Admiral Ackbar, TIE Fighter Pilot

One of the things that really pushed the series (and also in our opinion killed it) was the impressive amount of exclusives that were made available. It seemed like every retail store out there wanted a slice of the Star Wars pie.

From the three main contenders, Toys R' Us, Target, and Walmart - To the more obscure Service Merchandise, and FAO Schwarz - Everyone wanted an opportunity to sell exclusive Star Wars merchandise.


AT-AT Driver (Service Merchandise), Doikk Na'Ts (Walmart), Figrin D'An (Walmart)

Nothing screams "Buy Me" like the same figure released six times with a different instrument and name (we hope you caught that sarcasm). That's what Walmart went for with the release of these six dolls based on the Bith species.

A fun little fact about the six cantina band members is that for the longest time, people (Lucasfilm included) seemed to have forgotten (or simply just didn't know) that there were actually six band members. It wasn't until a letter to Star Wars Insider from a fan who claimed he thought there were six members in the scene of A New Hope, that this sixth member was finally remembered.

Ickabel (Walmart), Nalan (Walmart), Tech (Walmart), Tedn (Walmart)

Grand Moff Tarkin and Imperial Gunner (FAO Schwarz), Han Solo and Luke Skywalker in Stormtrooper Disguise (KB Toys)

Unlike all the other two pack exclusives, FAO Schwarz was the only company to really kick their packaging up a notch with flip up front "covers". All others were simple window boxes. This made the FAO Schwarz ones a little classy in our opinion.


Han Solo and Tauntaun (Toys R' Us), Jedi Luke Skywalker and Bib Fortuna (FAO Schwarz)


Luke Skywalker Vs. Wampa (Target), Obi-Wan Kenobi Vs. Darth Vader (JC Penny)

JC Penny, a company long since out of the toy business (with the exception of their holiday catalogs) even got back into the Star Wars toy game with their 12 inch Greedo doll, and two pack Obi-Wan and Darth Vader.


Sandtrooper (Diamond Comic Distributors), Greedo (JC Penny)

By 1998 the line had found a fairly stable foothold in the toy isle, and several more dolls were released. To cut down on costs, the packaging was redesigned to resemble those (the majority) of the two pack exclusives. By that, we mean window boxes with no flip covers.

Some dolls can be found with a Kenner logo on the front of the package, while others have it on the back.

Oddly enough, a good amount of figures which were released the prior year as exclusives were re-released (with paint jobs) under the regular line. This in turn really killed the value of the exclusives on the secondary market.


Grand Moff Tarkin, Greedo, Sandtrooper, Luke Skywalker (Ceremonial Outfit)

The second "real" variant figure from the line is the Snowtrooper which can be found with both a white and blue chest plate.


Han Solo (in Hoth Gear), Luke Skywalker (in Hoth Gear), AT-AT Driver, Snowtrooper

When people saw the first edition Chewbacca from the 1997 assortment 4, the majority of them cringed. To help ease the suffering of these people, Kenner released a second Chewie doll. What someone in quality control seemed to miss was that this new doll wasn't any better.


Barquin D'An, Chewbacca (in Chains), Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine

Not all the characters stand at approximately the same height in the Star Wars universe. Thus the 6 inch line was created to compliment the line, and give these characters their chance to step into the spotlight.

In our opinion, these are probably the best "dolls" to come out of this line.

Out of the six released, three were exclusive to Walmart.


Jawa, R2-D2 (Walmart), Yoda, R5-D4 (Walmart), R2-D2 (with Utility Arms), Wicket The Ewok (Walmart)

By this time, Star Wars books had become a major staple in the expanded universe of Star Wars. This lead to the combining of both toy and literature in the Masterpiece Editions.

Each 12 inch doll was packed with a book which gave an in depth history of the character, and/or faction they were involved with. The books themselves were not a bad read.

Aurra Sing, who made a brief appearance in The Phantom Menace during the podrace was the newest character to capture the minds of fans. So it was only fitting that the character received a back story in the Masterpeice collection. She was the Boba Fett of the Prequels.

Due to the price of the sets ($75.00 to $100.00 each), the line failed to find much success.


C-3PO, Anakin Skywalker, Aurra Sing

Kenner tried their hand at two electronic talking dolls which while they found success with collector's who had endless mountains of cash at their disposal failed to impress the majority of toy buyers.


Boba Fett, Darth Vader

Exclusives remained a large part of the series throughout 1998. Several stores returned with a second batch of dolls, though the majority of them were simply repacks.


C-3PO and R2-D2 (Toys R' Us), Boba Fett (KB Toys)


Emperor Palpatine and Royal Guard, Hoth 4 Pack (JC Penny)


Wedge Antilles and Biggs Darklighter (FAO Schwarz), Hero 3 Pack (KB Toys)

The FAO Schwarz Princess Leia and R2-D2 two pack was the first doll released under the Princess Leia Collection. While there would only be one more doll in this particular sub series, the line would be carried over to The Phantom Menace line for Queen Amidala.


Princess Leia (in Hoth Gear) (Service Merchandise), Princess Leai (as Jabba's Slave) and R2-D2 (FAO Schwarz), Han Solo and Carbonite Block

By 1999 Kenner had sold to Hasbro, and the packaging was redesigned to closer resemble the new 3 3/4 inch figures. While this would help establish the two lines as one collection, it wasn't enough to boost sales.

1999 was the last year that single pack dolls were official released in conjunction with the Power of the Force line.


Luke Skywalker with Dianoga, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ponda Baba

Just when you thought Chewbacca dolls couldn't get any worse, Hasbro released this all plastic monster.

They also helped kill the collectability of the FAO Schwarz exclusive Princess Leia by releasing a single pack retail version.


Chewbacca, Han Solo (in Trench Coat), Princess Leia (as Jabba's Slave)

As mentioned above, there was only one more doll released under the giese of the Princess Leia Collection.


Princess Leia in Ceremonial Dress

2000 saw the final two figures released, one (in our opinion) being the best released for the 12 inch line, the Speeder Bike with Scout Trooper.  Both were exclusive to two seperate stores.

Sandtrooper with Dewback (Toys R' Us), Speeder Bike with Scout Trooper (Target)

New dolls have trickled out as sub sets to current toy lines, though to date, not in the abundance from this particular line. It seems that these days they are more of an after-thought for when Hasbro wants to get a quick infusion of cash.

While the 12 inch dolls may not be as popular as the 3 3/4 inch figures, they certainly have found a home in many a collector's hearts. Probably the biggest nod that this particular style of toy gets these days is from Sideshow Collectibles who focus on delivering only the highest quality 12 inch dolls - Though the price is often times a bit too much for the average collector.

Join us Monday as we continue our Star Wars 35th anniversary celebration with our look at Star Wars Micro Machines.

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***UPDATE***

Thanks to Christopher H. who wrote in to advise us of a couple of errors, and one ommission on December 21, 2012.  We've since update this post with his additional information and corrections.  He also let us know that our opinoin of the 2000 Biker Scout with Speeder Bike was wrong, as it was not an opinion that this was the best release in the twelve inch line, but indeed a fact.  Thanks, Christopher!

The fun of Hasbro's 12 inch offerings don't end here. For a look at Hasbro's 12 inch series based on Episode I, The Phantom Menace click "HERE"! For a look at Hasbro's Power of the Jedi 12 inch Legacy Collection, click "HERE"!