Gary Collinson gets hands on with Fanhome’s Star Wars Bust Collection…
A fresh and exciting new face is entering the pop culture collectibles market as Fanhome teams with some of the biggest names in the movie, gaming and entertainment spheres to fulfil its mission statement of inspiring fans with a range of high quality build-up models and exclusive collections.
Fanhome’s commitment to this goal is certainly reflected in its initial slate of entertainment, gaming and pop culture licenses, including box office juggernauts like Star Wars, Marvel and Fast & Furious to beloved IPs such as Street Fighter and Naruto. Each collection promises excusive in-house designs, be it collectible figurines, busts, or intricately-detailed build-up models, all accompanied by fully-illustrated and in-depth magazines packed with content to take fans on a deep dive into their favourite universes.
When it comes to collecting, there is perhaps no bigger name than Star Wars, and with Fanhome’s Star Wars Bust Collection, George Lucas’ epic space opera is being brought to life with a series of spectacular collectible busts, each designed by expert artists using the latest 3D modelling technology in order to craft highly-detailed representations of the heroes and villains of the galaxy far, far away.
As you’d expect, the Star Wars Bust Collection features some of the most recognisable and iconic characters in cinema history, and kicks off with the biggest of them all, the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth Vader. As you’d expect, subsequent characters include the likes of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, Imperial Stormtrooper, Yoda and Boba Fett, although we’re not just limited to the classic Original Trilogy characters here.
The collection explores the entire breadth and depth of the Star Wars universe, from the Prequel, Original and Sequel Trilogies of the Skywalker Saga to Anthology movies Rogue One and Solo and even the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian (yes, Baby Yoda is coming!). For every major player like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, there’s fan-favourites such as CC-1004 and CC-2224 (a.k.a. Commander Gree and Commander Cody), ensuring that the collection appeals to hardcore Star Wars fans while allowing the more casual or newer fan to expand their knowledge of the Saga beyond the galaxy’s big hitters.
The big selling point here is of course the busts themselves, and from getting hands on with the first four releases – Darth Vader, Imperial Stormtrooper, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren – it’s clear that Fanhome has put together a high-quality product with the Star Wars Bust Collection. Take a look for yourself here…
Each bust looks to portray the characters in defining moments and poses from the Saga, with the folks and Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd reviewing and approving the individual designs so that fans can be assured of authenticity. Measuring between 4.5″ and 5.5″ inches in height, the resin busts feel solid and have some weight to them, along with finer detail where necessary (see Chewie’s bowcaster, for example). They’re also hand-painted, and while none of the four busts I’ve received have anything as intricate as Darth Maul’s facial tattoos for example, they are all well done and include some nice weathering to provide that “lived in” finishing touch which is so synonymous with George Lucas’ universe.
Accompanying each collectible bust is an exclusive glossy magazine which is packed with movie stills, behind-the-scenes photographs and concept art, and provides not only a breakdown of the character and their role in the story but also further insights into the movies and their creation. In the Vader magazine for example, Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the Dark Side is detailed and we’re also given a breakdown of Vader’s armor alongside articles on the rise of the Empire and the behind-the-scenes construction of the various Death Star models used in Episode IV – A New Hope. There’s a good amount of information in each magazine, and even as a long-time fan of Star Wars like myself who has read countless books and magazines over the decades, there’s titbits of information and interesting behind-the-scenes photographs I’ve not seen anywhere else.
The Star Wars Bust Collection works on a subscription model, with fans able to sign up directly via the Fanhome website; each month, you’ll receive four of your favourite character busts and magazines delivered directly to your door, and you’ll be able to track your collection via the online profile. And best of all, the first two busts – Darth Vader and the Imperial Stormtrooper – are available at a special introductory price of just £2.99 and £9.00 respectively, with free shipping direct to your door, while subscribers can also get their hands on exclusive gifts during the subscription, including exclusive Master Yoda, a Jawa and everyone’s favourite Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick!
If you’re ready to dive head first into the galaxy far, far away, then be sure to head on over to the Fanhome website with the code ‘STARWARS’ to sign up now, or browse the website for more info including a free download of the official Star Wars Bust Collection Series Guide, which is packed with more details and promotional images from the new collectible line.
The Star Wars Busts were provided by Fanhome for review purposes.
Gary Collinson
