LightSword's Corner: A Tour of my Collection

Hey folks, I'm not sure if any of you preordered anything GG-related from DeepDiscount before, but I have received two e-mails from them cancelling the two preorders I had. Interestingly when I check the status of my preorders with them, they don't show as having been cancelled. Just to make sure, I've just finished writing to them asking to cancel whatever I have left there. I'm not ordering from them again.
DeepDiscount.com
Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for your recent order.

Unfortunately, we are not able to fill the item(s) below. Since this was cancelled from your order, your credit card will not be charged for this. If you pre-paid your order using PayPal we will issue a refund shortly. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

We encourage you to consider another item from our product selection and to shop with us again. If you have any questions about your order, please send an e-mail to our customer service department at: cs@deepdiscount.com

Edit: Does anyone know if Toy Wiz is a reliable, serious merchant? Thanks.
 
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Hey folks, I'm not sure if any of you preordered anything GG-related from DeepDiscount before, but I have received two e-mails from them cancelling the two preorders I had. Interestingly when I check the status of my preorders with them, they don't show as having been cancelled. Just to make sure, I've just finished writing to them asking to cancel whatever I have left there. I'm not ordering from them again.


Edit: Does anyone know if Toy Wiz is a reliable, serious merchant? Thanks.
Thanks for the warning, Julian!
 
Edit: Does anyone know if Toy Wiz is a reliable, serious merchant? Thanks.

Hello, Julian. I asked that same question a while back here in the forums and there seemed to be a fifty/fifty feedback on them. While some said there was no problem with their shipping, others said their prices are on the high-end and some in the action figure area have called them scalpers. I checked out their site and they seem to have better prices on some of the mini busts than EE and BBTS, though. What mini busts were you looking to get from them, if any?
 
Hello, Julian. I asked that same question a while back here in the forums and there seemed to be a fifty/fifty feedback on them. While some said there was no problem with their shipping, others said their prices are on the high-end and some in the action figure area have called them scalpers. I checked out their site and they seem to have better prices on some of the mini busts than EE and BBTS, though. What mini busts were you looking to get from them, if any?

Hello, Sith. I hope you are doing better after your back surgery. I appreciate the info about Toy Wiz. They have a couple of Mini Busts, Red Leader and the ROTJ Vader, that they are selling for less than GG so I was looking into getting those two from them since DeepDiscount cancelled my preorders.
 
Nice pics Julian. An excellent piece and you did a great job photographing all the little details. GG nailed the sculpting and painting on this one.
 
Nice pics Julian. An excellent piece and you did a great job photographing all the little details. GG nailed the sculpting and painting on this one.

Thank you, Ben. It is indeed a very nice piece. It's actually become one of my favorite small statues in my collection. I'm critical of an item when I feel it deserves criticism, but I also like to praise what gets offered when praising is earned. Despite what happened in the past to me with this company (you know what), I believe in fairness and every cloud has a silver lining. I think this one statue deserves a lot of praise to the sculptor. he did a great job with it. I honestly cannot find anything wrong with it.
 
Thank you, Ben. It is indeed a very nice piece. It's actually become one of my favorite small statues in my collection. I'm critical of an item when I feel it deserves criticism, but I also like to praise what gets offered when praising is earned. Despite what happened in the past to me with this company (you know what), I believe in fairness and every cloud has a silver lining. I think this one statue deserves a lot of praise to the sculptor. he did a great job with it. I honestly cannot find anything wrong with it.
It looks great indeed, Julian. And I like it for it's uniqueness, it really stands out in a collection, I think. And I'm not at all surprised this statue has become one of your favourites, this soon. And, as you said, there's praise, when praise is deserved! And on this one, Gentle Giant has knocked the ball out of the park, I think. Can't wait, until it arrives on my doorstep. It's cleared customs, so any day now!🙂
 
It looks great indeed, Julian. And I like it for it's uniqueness, it really stands out in a collection, I think. And I'm not at all surprised this statue has become one of your favourites, this soon. And, as you said, there's praise, when praise is deserved! And on this one, Gentle Giant has knocked the ball out of the park, I think. Can't wait, until it arrives on my doorstep. It's cleared customs, so any day now!🙂

Looking forward to hearing from you on the arrival of yours, Peter. By the way, how's the set up of your collection going? You need your own Limelighting and Display thread, as many of us have done here in this area of the site through the years. Personally it took me a long while to come up with mine, I admit it. It was actually Ben, when we met at Celebration here in Florida in 2017, who motivated me to come up with my own, and he was right. It's a good way to document what we gather, see the progress of our collection, share it with others, exchange ideas on ways to display. Anyway, here is hoping you are as satisfied as we have been with this piece, once you receive it. Niub, niub! :)
 
Yeah, I love having a limelight thread here since I don't do Facebook or other social media...this is the only place that I have my collection pics on line. So if someone wants to see my collection, I direct them here.
And I enjoy seeing the collections of others...and stealing a display idea from time to time. 😉😆
 
Looking forward to hearing from you on the arrival of yours, Peter. By the way, how's the set up of your collection going? You need your own Limelighting and Display thread, as many of us have done here in this area of the site through the years. Personally it took me a long while to come up with mine, I admit it. It was actually Ben, when we met at Celebration here in Florida in 2017, who motivated me to come up with my own, and he was right. It's a good way to document what we gather, see the progress of our collection, share it with others, exchange ideas on ways to display. Anyway, here is hoping you are as satisfied as we have been with this piece, once you receive it. Niub, niub! :)
My statue will arrive tomorrow, so I will let you know for sure if all arrived safe and sound! As for the setup of my collection, all the pieces I own are now back at my house, after they've been in storage at the in-laws attic for a couple of years... I've been sorting out the collection (mainly Gentle Giant mini busts and statues, as well as 5 statues in 1/4 scale, three of them done by MYC, the rest by Sideshow), and am about to order the raisers I want to use. There's also a couple of art pieces that need to be framed, and put up on the walls before I will get the rest of my pieces out of their boxes, and display them. So I'm slowly progressing. And rest assure, Julian, once it's done, I will make a limelight thread to share my collection with you all.🙂
 
My statue will arrive tomorrow, so I will let you know for sure if all arrived safe and sound! As for the setup of my collection, all the pieces I own are now back at my house, after they've been in storage at the in-laws attic for a couple of years... I've been sorting out the collection (mainly Gentle Giant mini busts and statues, as well as 5 statues in 1/4 scale, three of them done by MYC, the rest by Sideshow), and am about to order the raisers I want to use. There's also a couple of art pieces that need to be framed, and put up on the walls before I will get the rest of my pieces out of their boxes, and display them. So I'm slowly progressing. And rest assure, Julian, once it's done, I will make a limelight thread to share my collection with you all.🙂
statues or figures arriving in good condition is always very important for me especially if i spent a lot of money on it
 
statues or figures arriving in good condition is always very important for me especially if i spent a lot of money on it
I think, you're speaking for the majority of forummembers here, Howzer_Fan.🙂 Nobody I know, doesn't go for a replacement, when their statues or busts arrive broken. As you said, these are expensive enough, including the shipping, especially when you live outside the USA. That, and I like my statues to be mint. When a bust or statue has a faulty paintjob... now, that's another ballgame. I don't like tinkering on a bust or statue, just because it was painted badly (that animated Vader bust with that grey square beneath his chest plate, to name an example). These kind of bust, I rather let them be, than when I have to rectify faults, made by the factory.
 
I think, you're speaking for the majority of forummembers here, Howzer_Fan.🙂 Nobody I know, doesn't go for a replacement, when their statues or busts arrive broken. As you said, these are expensive enough, including the shipping, especially when you live outside the USA. That, and I like my statues to be mint. When a bust or statue has a faulty paintjob... now, that's another ballgame. I don't like tinkering on a bust or statue, just because it was painted badly (that animated Vader bust with that grey square beneath his chest plate, to name an example). These kind of bust, I rather let them be, than when I have to rectify faults, made by the factory.
Yeah I got an CW Anakin hot toy coming from Hong Kong so I'm hoping it doesn't get damaged at all. Sadly since I'm still a teenager so I don't really have the funds to get a replacement if it gets damaged
 
Yeah I got an CW Anakin hot toy coming from Hong Kong so I'm hoping it doesn't get damaged at all. Sadly since I'm still a teenager so I don't really have the funds to get a replacement if it gets damaged
In your case, I think I would order from a local retailer, as much as possible, Howzer_Fan. In the case something arrives damaged, it's easier to hand it back to your retailer, and get a replacement, I think.

As for shortage on funds, that sometimes applies to grown-up collectors too! Collecting is one thing, but there are also bills to be paid too.😉
 
In your case, I think I would order from a local retailer, as much as possible, Howzer_Fan. In the case something arrives damaged, it's easier to hand it back to your retailer, and get a replacement, I think.

As for shortage on funds, that sometimes applies to grown-up collectors too! Collecting is one thing, but there are also bills to be paid too.😉
I've ordered from this store in the past and they are always reliable.
 
Yeah, I love having a limelight thread here since I don't do Facebook or other social media...this is the only place that I have my collection pics on line. So if someone wants to see my collection, I direct them here.
And I enjoy seeing the collections of others...and stealing a display idea from time to time. 😉😆

I now have to do social media because of the work I do, but as far as showing my collection, this is where I do it. I actually have photographed every single mini bust, statue and OT replica I have and done picture reviews for all of them, ( ten to 18 pictures for each). I think after I get a couple more mini busts I have on preorder I will start to post ten different items every week and have it all recorded here. Just like you, Ben, RS is the place I've chosen to show it all. I've been here for so many years it feels just like home to share it all with old and new friends. I know social media has got all the hype these days, so call me old fashioned and traditional when I say I prefer good old Rebelscum forums over it. :)
 
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When I was single and finding my way in life I had moments where I only had less than $5.00 to feed myself, and also moments where I had $1,000 to go out to eat wherever I wanted. I had a home full of food at times but also times where I had nothing. There were times when I was in stores worry-free paying for what I wanted to buy, and I also had times where all I could do was look at things and put them back on the shelf. There were times when I paid my bills in full and times when I had to pay them late. I gave money to family and friends to help them out, but I also had to borrow at times. We all have ups and downs in life. Some certainly more than others, but we are all trying to get where we want to be.

It is unfortunate and sad how I've noticed, while I exercise by the lake in the Club House where my community is located, people pass you by and look the other way without a "hello", as if a simple and friendly eye contact was a crime, grabbing their cell phone and pretending they're talking to someone. Reflecting on this self centered attitude society has adopted in recent years, and which seems to worsen with every passing day (at least here in Miami), I can't help it but to feel we are in some way dehumanizing ourselves. Society seems to think less and feel less and it seems to be operating at a very primitive level. I think in a big way technology is destroying much of our human interaction and making us more machine-like. Do you really need to ride a bike while looking at your cell phone? Is it really that hard for a clerk at a bank or store to say "Hello" and "Thank you" when taking care of you? While on the road, is it right for you to cut another person off and roar your engine because you are driving a $90,000 car? Is it right for you to call another person names, accuse he or she of being a certain way just because of political differences, without even knowing that person? Don't we all have a right to exist and be who we want to be?

To those folks I say: No one is better than anyone else, and my heart is sad for those people who think they are or think no one else matters but themselves, that what they say or do is written in stone and you should follow because they're the only ones holding a certain "truth". No matter how big your house is, how much power you could have, how new your car could be, how much your collection is worth, or how much money you have in your bank account, we all bleed red and eventually life will fade from this earth for all of us. Death has no discrimination and neither does your life. Be kind to others. Respect others. Interact with others. Don't censor and listen to all viewpoints with respect. Be and let be. Value people. Your big ego will get you nowhere. Be humble. Teach your offspring this and they will be better people. They will shine for their way of being. We are dust and to dust we will return.

Just a thought.
 
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Going through some VERY difficult health issues right now with my dear wife that's truly taking a toll on me. They say laugh is the best medicine for the mind and soul, so I just want to add this to the thread. Have a great week, friends ...

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Going through some VERY difficult health issues right now with my dear wife that's truly taking a toll on me. They say laugh is the best medicine for the mind and soul, so I just want to add this to the thread. Have a great week, friends ...

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Dear Julian,

As we say, over here in the Netherlands; "shared sorrow is half sorrow". So thank you for sharing your worries, my friend. I hope it will be comforting you a little, knowing, there are friends thinking of your wife and you. I wish you both lots of strength during this difficult period, that you're experiencing at the moment, and I hope, and pray for a speedy recovery for your wife. You're both in my thoughts!🙏🏻
 
... I can't sleep ... way too worried right now. Thank you, folks. I truly appreciate your support. If I don't post for a while ... anyway. thanks!
I'm with you in thought, Julian. As are all your friends, here on the boards, I'm for sure. Totally understand it, if you won't post for a while. This concerns the most special, and beloved person in your life! And she goes before everything else! Keep hanging in there, my friend!
 
Thoughts and prayers coming your way Julian for you and your family! You are a pillar of strength with your positive mindset and the RS community will be here to support you my brother! Best wishes 👍🏻
 
Thank you, folks. Still a long way for everything to be fine, but it is best to keep myself busy than lost in my thoughts and situation. I do want to say thanks again to all of you for your kind comments of support and my dear wife thank you very much for them as well.

I found the time to work on my usual OT picture review, this time around showcasing the Barada Mini Bust. Giving credit when credit is due, I have to thank Jason from GG for his quick attention to resolve the issue I had with the damaged Barada sample I first received, and the replacement I got was/is perfect ..

BARADA LIVES !

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I woke up to this news today when going through Facebook. It comes as something new to me as my relationship with MYC has not been as frequent as some might think, limited to two days prior to a product being announced, getting contacted to work on promo pictures or having some pictures sent about the product in development. All I can say is my interactions with Michael through Facebook messenger have reflected the personality of a Michael that has been friendly, caring about his job and customers, and that to me always spoke volumes. I don't know any specifics on what is going on other that perhaps Disney has to do with this. I'm as surprised as anyone else might be about this sudden, sad departure. It is my responsibility though to re-post here what MYC posted on Facebook, as I have been asked in private by some members here what is going on. I haven't been following it all due to the heath situation I have at home with my wife. I have a few pre-orders with them thus I'm in the same cloud of uncertainty as many of you are about possible refunds, but I have a feeling that will be addressed at some point. Hopefully everything works out in the best interest for all. It's a shame to see them go, but it is what it is and I wish Michael and his family the best. He is indeed a great person, an honorable father and a great builder with great ideas ....


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MYC is pursuing different paths.
I am sure that’s is not the May the 4th Announcement that most of you been looking for, nor is it something that I ever wanted to announce.
Firstly, let me take the time to thank each and every one who has supported the endeavors of MYC Sculptures.
From its inception, the goal was to bring a product that reaches the inner child of all. As husband and father of two beautiful children, it has truly been a joy to bring to life sculptures of my own childhood.
The main source of inspiration comes from a now 12-year daughter who were diagnosed with autism when she was 3 years old. With a love that knows no limits, my daughter brings me joy, however with the extreme characteristics of her autism, she needs our constant involvement. Many things you would expect a 12-year-old daughter to perform, Sophia, cannot independently function without the daily and constant support of my wife and I. Ultimately, it is the utmost important that any success that can be found through my endeavors, will ensure a quality life for my children long into their adulthood, even when we as parents are not around anymore.
We as a family, like to thank all of you out there. I cannot put in words how grateful I am and how supportive all of you been. It fills my heart with joy to know that I made other peoples’ dreams come true.
Through all this time, I felt nothing but love, acceptance and appreciation for me, my work and ideas. MYC was never just about business. Many of us became friends and we also shared difficult times in life. This franchise brought us all together and made us family. A strong Community sharing the same passion.
In providing low edition sizes and providing a need that did not exist; all hope was that the model of my business could continue. As the brand grew, the issue of Rightsholders and licensing has now come into the forefront.
It is with a heavy heart, I announce, from this moment on MYC won’t release any new products that might be in infringement with Rightsholders.
To all who have anything outstanding with me, you will be contacted.
The journey has been incredible and for every door that closes, another opens.
May the Force be with you all.
 
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I woke up to this news today when going through Facebook. It comes as something new to me as my relationship with MYC has not been as frequent as some might think, limited to two days prior to a product being announced, getting contacted to work on promo pictures or having some pictures sent about the product in development. All I can say is my interactions with Michael through Facebook messenger have reflected the personality of a Michael that has been friendly, caring about his job and customers, and that to me always spoke volumes. I don't know any specifics on what is going on other that perhaps Disney has to do with this. I'm as surprised as anyone else might be about this sudden, sad departure. It is my responsibility though to re-post here what MYC posted on Facebook, as I have been asked in private by some members here what is going on. I haven't been following it all due to the heath situation I have at home with my wife. I have a few pre-orders with them thus I'm in the same cloud of uncertainty as many of you are about possible refunds, but I have a feeling that will be addressed at some point. Hopefully everything works out in the best interest for all. It's a shame to see them go, but it is what it is and I wish Michael and his family the best. He is indeed a great person, an honorable father and a great builder with great ideas ....


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MYC is pursuing different paths.
I am sure that’s is not the May the 4th Announcement that most of you been looking for, nor is it something that I ever wanted to announce.
Firstly, let me take the time to thank each and every one who has supported the endeavors of MYC Sculptures.
From its inception, the goal was to bring a product that reaches the inner child of all. As husband and father of two beautiful children, it has truly been a joy to bring to life sculptures of my own childhood.
The main source of inspiration comes from a now 12-year daughter who were diagnosed with autism when she was 3 years old. With a love that knows no limits, my daughter brings me joy, however with the extreme characteristics of her autism, she needs our constant involvement. Many things you would expect a 12-year-old daughter to perform, Sophia, cannot independently function without the daily and constant support of my wife and I. Ultimately, it is the utmost important that any success that can be found through my endeavors, will ensure a quality life for my children long into their adulthood, even when we as parents are not around anymore.
We as a family, like to thank all of you out there. I cannot put in words how grateful I am and how supportive all of you been. It fills my heart with joy to know that I made other peoples’ dreams come true.
Through all this time, I felt nothing but love, acceptance and appreciation for me, my work and ideas. MYC was never just about business. Many of us became friends and we also shared difficult times in life. This franchise brought us all together and made us family. A strong Community sharing the same passion.
In providing low edition sizes and providing a need that did not exist; all hope was that the model of my business could continue. As the brand grew, the issue of Rightsholders and licensing has now come into the forefront.
It is with a heavy heart, I announce, from this moment on MYC won’t release any new products that might be in infringement with Rightsholders.
To all who have anything outstanding with me, you will be contacted.
The journey has been incredible and for every door that closes, another opens.
May the Force be with you all.
Loosing MYC truly is a big loss for us, the collectors community! MYC Sculptures was a company, bringing us models and statues, we would never thought to see the light of day! Instead of the umpteenth Fett or Vader, they gave us the more surprising sidecharacters. And models, no other company made at that level. Besides that, Michael is one of the most decent people, I've ever encountered in this business, providing topnotch customerservice, when needed.
The loss of this great company leaves me with a sour taste on this May the Fourth.
 
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Loosing MYC truly is a big loss for us, the collectors community! MYC Sculptures was a company, bringing us models and statues, we would never thought to see the light of day! Instead of the umpteenth Fett or Vader, they gave us the more surprising sidecharacters. And models, no other company made at that level. Besides that, Michael is one of the most decent people, I've ever encountered in this business, providing topnotch customerservice, when needed.
The loss of this great company leaves me with a sour taste on this May the Fourth.

I agree. That being said, I think enough have been said expressing our disappointment and now it is time to give MYC the time they need to swiftly take care of this uncomfortable situation. Our best wishes go out to a true friend of the collector community.
 
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To those of you folks that wrote to me in private and those doing it here about my wife's condition, thank you. It's great to have folks like you around and it helps quite a bit. My wife's test results came back negative (thank God) but she will need to go into surgery next month in order to get well. She'll have to be a few days in hospital and over a month without going to work while I take care of her. I do not mind doing so one bit. We met 35 years ago and we haven't been apart but a handful of days, so it obviously hurts and worries you when you know the person you've shared most of your life with is not doing well and needs surgery. What would be a problem, will be my cooking, but I've already planned on stocking up on TV dinners :) So, next month we'll deal with this issue and hopefully we can remain together for many more years.

Once again to all of you, friends, THANK YOU for your support.
 
Moving on to a more uplifting subject for now, I've just received another great looking concept maquette from Regal Robot from their Archive Collection. Having missed it the first time around last year when it was initially offered with a signed plaque by the original sculptor, I'm still glad I was able to get it this second time thanks to RR offering a chance to get a hold of it to the many other collectors that requested it. the maquette is exactly the same as the signature version, minus the signed plaque.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ARCHIVE COLLECTION: REE-YEES CONCEPT MAQUETTE REPLICA
By Regal Robot

- "I remember sculpting it and thinking it just kind of seemed a bit silly to me." - Chris Wales

Originally offered and released in 2023 as a limited edition of 100 signature pieces, the Ree-Yees concept maquette, part of Regal Robot's Archive Collection proved to be a quick seller and a highly desired piece, one which many collectors who missed out on the opportunity to order it requested to have it made again. In an effort to satisfy its high demand, Regal Robot re-issued the sculpt in 2024, this second time without a signature plaque, but as numbered edition of 100 pieces. This move was appreciated by collectors like myself wanting to add Ree-Yees to the quickly growing Archive Collection of accurately depicted maquettes, scanned from the Lucasfilm archives.
MEET REE-YEES CREATOR

His name is Chris Wales, a true legend in the effects world, probably most known for designing the Gremlins, but he is also credited for his work on Dragonslayer, Enemy Mine, Arachnophobia, The Fly, and lots of other stuff. Including in his work repertoire, of course, Return of the Jedi, where he helped create the Creature Shop and many of the creatures for Jabba's Palace, including Ree-Yees.

Wales had this to say about being a special effects guy, his love for Star Wars and working for ILM:

-"I became a monster maker at probably the best possible time in the history of film making. It was insane! All the stuff was kind of like continually happening, all these new techniques and materials were all getting incorporated into the effect stuff right away, a little too fast sometimes but it was amazing. It was an amazing time, being too busy taking in all this stuff to try and figure out how to make it work for you. It was wonderful for all the effects guys suddenly realizing they could do stuff that we really never imagined we'd be able to do. It worked perfectly for me with all this new material so it really was a very unique time. It was interesting for me because I was a George Lucas fan since THX and Star Wars. I was blown away, I mean just totally blown away by it. Even better was seeing my dad say Star Wars just reminded him of when he was a kid and Flash Gordon came out. It was just great to see my dad so excited about it. So obviously when I was asked to work at ILM it was the zenith of what you could possibly be in the effects industry at the time"
WALES COMES TO ILM and CREATING REE-YEES

"I love designing aliens, designing creatures. I mean I'm all about creatures, I love doing all kind of practical effects but I'm a creature guy from day one. I mean I just love coming up with variations on creature themes, so this whole Jedi experience I was just like yeah bring it on! I think it was John Berg and Phil Tippett that came to Don Post Studios to see if they could get a production run of rubber piranhas for the film Piranha. They started doing the underwater stuff and realized they were understaffed and so Bob Short said "I know Chris Wales and he is great doing all kinds of cool stuff and whatever you want he'll do that". So they brought me in on that and that was my entryway into actual filmmaking. I had a friendship with Phil and about a year later, Phil asked if I would be available to come work at ILM. Basically making molds was going to be my job, but it turned out to be more than that. For Jedi I was doing designs and designing the Creature Shop and setting that all up, just physically. I hired a few people basically looking for trainees more than anything. I couldn't hire up a top crew out of LA because that budget wasn't really there then."

" I did a ton of maquettes and some sketches as well for Jedi, Raiders and Dragonslayer all of these films happening at the same time. It was a very crazy time for me because I was filming on Raiders, and I was filming on Dragonslayer when Phil said "well we have to do a whole bunch of my casts" I was literally filming a shot on one stage, running upstairs to either the rubber room or the Art Department, sculpting as fast as possible my casts, literally putting them in the oven, running back down, doing another shot, running back up, taking a big head out to cool down, running back down and setting up another shot, running upstairs spending lunch break sculpting and painting.

" I didn't know any of my maquettes by their final names. We had our own names for them so I never actually learned what the film names were going to be, not even if they were going to be picked up for the film. I took inspiration to create Ree-Yees from an old Irwin Allen style monster seen in "Lost in Space"; it was a fun upgrade of the character. It was a very exaggerated looking character with these big eyes out on stalks and an almost bovine sort of muzzle. It was a fun creature I enjoyed sculpting. Interestingly, I remember sculpting it and thinking it just kind of seemed a bit silly to me. I didn't think it was actually going to get chosen but it did to be in the movie, so that was cool when in fact it did. We didn't have a script for him, we didn't have any Ralph McQuarrie designs or anything like that to go by, no reference at that point, basically had no information. I mean, the only guideline we really had for our designs was to mostly be making masks and hands, and that's what it was. I remember asking Phil Tippett: "So what is George's process for this? What should I be looking to do?" and Phil just said "Just do as many designs as possible. You know George usually says no to everything" So the first time George comes in to see this first batch of maquettes we'd done, he comes and says: "Cool, I like all of them. They're good"
MAQUETTE SPECIFICS:
  • Limited Edition of just 100 maquettes
  • Includes display base and hand-numbered metal plaque
  • 1:1 scale to the original maquette
  • Mastered from a high-resolution 3D scan of the original artifact
  • Hand painted, making each a unique work of art.
  • Made in the U.S.A.out of solid, heavy resin
  • Includes Regal Robot COA
  • Approximately 6.25″ tall (including the wood display base)
  • Hand packed in a gloss black box with die-cut foam insert

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Moving on to a more uplifting subject for now, I've just received another great looking concept maquette from Regal Robot from their Archive Collection. Having missed it the first time around last year when it was initially offered with a signed plaque by the original sculptor, I'm still glad I was able to get it this second time thanks to RR offering a chance to get a hold of it to the many other collectors that requested it. the maquette is exactly the same as the signature version, minus the signed plaque.

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ARCHIVE COLLECTION: REE-YEES CONCEPT MAQUETTE REPLICA
By Regal Robot

- "I remember sculpting it and thinking it just kind of seemed a bit silly to me at the time" - Chris Wales

Originally offered and released in 2023 as a limited edition of 100 signature pieces, the Ree-Yees concept maquette, part of Regal Robot's Archive collection proved to be a quick seller and a highly wanted piece that many collectors who missed out on the opportunity asked to have it made again. In an effort to satisfy its high demand, Regal Robot re-issued the sculpt in 2024, this second time without a signature plaque, but as numbered edition of 100 pieces. This was highly appreciated by collectors like myself wanting to add Ree-Yees to the quickly growing Archive Collection of accurately depicted maquettes, scanned from the Lucasfilm archives.
MEET REE-YEES CREATOR

His name is Chris Wales, a true legend in the effects world, probably most known for designing the Gremlins, but he is also credited for his work on Dragonslayer, Enemy Mine, Arachnophobia, The Fly, and lots of other stuff. Including, of course, Return of the Jedi, where he helped create the Creature Shop and many of the creatures for Jabba's Palace, including Ree-Yees.

"I became a monster maker at probably the best possible time in the history of filmmaking. It was insane! All the stuff was kind of like continually happening, all these new techniques and materials were all getting incorporated into the effect stuff right away, a little too fast sometimes but it was amazing.It was an amazing time, being too busy taking in all this stuff to try and figure out how to make it work for you. It was wonderful for all the effects guys suddenly realizing they could do stuff that we really never imagined we'd be able to do. It worked perfectly for me with all this new material so it really was a very unique time. It was interesting for me because I was a George Lucas fan from THX and Star Wars. I was blown away, I mean just totally blown away by it. Even better was seeing my dad say it just reminded him of when he was a kid and Flash Gordon came out. It was just great to see my dad so excited about it. So obviously when I was asked to work at ILM it was the zenith of what you could possibly be in the effects industry at the time"
WALES COMES TO ILM and CREATING REE-YEES (IN HIS OWN WORDS)

"I love designing aliens I love designing creatures I mean I'm all about creatures, I love doing all kind of practical effects but I'm a creature guy from day one. I mean I just love coming up with variations on creature themes, so this whole Jedi experience I was just like yeah bring it on! I think it was John Berg and Phil Tippett that came to Don Post Studios to see if they could get a production run of rubber piranhas for the film Piranha. They started doing the underwater stuff and realized they were understaffed and so Bob Short said "I know Chris Wales and he is great doing all kinds of cool stuff and whatever you want he'll do that". So they brought me in on that and that was my entryway into actual filmmaking. I had a friendship with Phil and about a year later, Phil asked if I would be available to come work at ILM, basically making molds was going to be my job but it turned out to be more than that. For Jedi I was doing designs and designing the Creature Shop and setting that all up, just physically. I hired a few people uh basically looking for trainees more than anything. I couldn't hire up a top crew out of LA because that budget wasn't really there then."

"When I was asked to work at ILM it was the pinnacle of what you could possibly be in the effects industry at the time. I did a ton of maquettes and some sketches as well for Jedi, Raiders and Dragon Slayer all of these films happening at the same time. It was a very crazy time for me because I was filming on Raiders, and I was filming on Dragonslayer when Phil said "well we have to do a whole bunch of my casts" I was literally filming a shot on one stage, running upstairs to either the rubber room or the Art Department, sculpting as fast as possible my casts, literally putting them in the oven, running back down, doing another shot, running back up, taking a big head out to cool down, running back down and setting up another shot, running upstairs spending lunch break sculpting and painting. See, you have to understand I didn't know any of my maquettes by the final names. We had our own names for them so I never actually learned what the film names were going to be, not even if they were going to be picked up for the film."

"I took inspiration to create Ree-Yees, call it a fun upgrade, of an old Irwin Allen style monster from "Lost in Space". It was a very exaggerated looking character which had these big eyes out on stalks got almost a bovine sort of muzzle but that was a fun one I enjoyed sculpting. Interestingly, I remember sculpting it and thinking it just kind of seemed a bit silly to me at the time. I didn't think it was actually going to get chosen but it did so that was cool. We didn't have a script for him, we didn't have any Ralph McQuarrie designs or anything like that to go by, no reference at that point, basically had no information. I mean, the only guideline we really had was it's probably mostly going to be masks and hands so that's what it was. I remember I'm asking Phil Tippett: "So what is George's process for this? What should I be looking to do?" and Phil just said "Just do as many designs as possible. You know George usually says no to everything" So the first time George comes in to see this first batch of maquettes we'd done, he comes and says: "Cool, I like all of them. They're good"
MAQUETTE SPECIFICS:
  • Limited Edition of just 100 maquettes
  • Includes display base and hand-numbered metal plaque
  • 1:1 scale to the original maquette
  • Mastered from a high-resolution 3D scan of the original artifact
  • Hand painted, making each a unique work of art.
  • Made in the U.S.A.out of solid, heavy resin
  • Includes Regal Robot COA
  • Approximately 6.25″ tall (including the wood display base)
  • Hand packed in a gloss black box with die-cut foam insert

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Ree Yees looks great, Julian!🤩 Happy for you, that you were able to get this one, to complete your maquette collection!🙂👍🏻
 
Flashback to a time when some of us were "a little bit" younger, some of us hadn't even been born yet. Interesting how, as the years went by, all of us "kids" have come together to share our love for the films ...



 
Flashback to a time when some of us were "a little bit" younger, some of us hadn't even been born yet. Interesting how, as the years went by, all of us "kids" have come together to share our love for the films ...



It's great to see, how these movies, that we all love so dearly, were received so well, back in the days when they first were shown in the cinemas. Thanks for sharing these, Julian!🙂
 
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