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I am not affiliated with Sideshow, Hasbro or Lucasfilm in any way. I repaint & rework existing, purchased toys. If you are with any of these companies, know that I promote the sales of Sideshow, Hasbro and other Lucasfilm licenced products first and foremost !!!
 

STAR WARS Episode IV: A NEW HOPE
  - 1977 suit design  -
ORIGINAL One of a Kind CUSTOM FIGURE

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This 13 1/2 inch custom has been one I could say has been "in development" for 28 years.
When I walked out of the original STAR WARS back on that sunny day in 1977, I wanted a figure or model or something of Darth Vader immediately. Any fan knows it was nearly a year before decent figures came out and they were always, ok. Sort of cool. Something.
 
But, now, after all this time and the many cool variants of Vader that have come out, I have finally made what is my version of THE Vader.
The "I find your lack of faith disturbing" Vader.
Back when he was just a mysterious henchman for the Empire.
 
Before we knew the REST of the story...
 
First, I took the two new Anakin/Vader sets from Revenge of the Sith (one simply for extra material, one for the intact suit...) and the extra accessories, some Vader model parts, a Sideshow body with extended arms and legs (that added even more to his "bionic" qualities to me...) for greater height and the head from the electronic Vader for an older Vader face, which I gave some serious, angry Sith eyes.
Then came some nice, tall jack boots from another military figure and handmade the Vader boots complete with accurate shinguards (see pic below). Then I made the gloves with poseable fingers to match the Ep IV style with the lateral cross-arm quilting, unlike the other movie's versions, then put it all together.
 
I have just reworked him again to even more accuracy. I added a new, longer and fuller, handcrafted cape that replicates the outer wool and inner satin lining. I added details on his belt, including a new, metal lightsaber clip and the lightsaber itself with metal rings.
Also, of great importance, is the totally new mask and helmet that much more accurately shows the true 1977 Vader style. It also now has clear lenses and a more accurate neck and helmet brow area. Lots more detail than before!
 
I hope you enjoy him and feel that I have captured him at long last.
 
To me, this original version will always be Darth Vader.

Click on all pictures for Closeups

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Note mask, shoulder and belt details
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Detail of Shin guards and straps
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His new wool-like cape hangs well...
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Note shoulder bells and furrowed brow
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Vader contemplates his outer persona
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Note: This shot is from before I accurized him further
 
 
A note of thanks to all customizers and manufacturers who, over the years, have provided me with some facsimile of this figure. Or just references and ideas. 
All the while, I've been out here waiting for my turn to make him my way.
I'd especially like to mention the customs of Glenn Arnold in the UK as his are the best 1/6 Darth Vaders on the planet! They even light up with cathode tube sabers and speak! Go Glenn!
 
I dedicate the efforts to make this figure to the enthusiasms of my brother Dan and the fun times we've had talking all things Star Wars.
 
 
DARTH VADER is TM and Copyright LUCASFILM LTD

I have a bad feeling about this...
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Click here with care!

And for AWESOME VADER stuff click here
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MORE DARTH VADER

D A R T H   V A D E R
1983 Return of the Jedi suit design
 
Extensively reworked 14" Hasbro Electronic Figure
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In his full glory
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Old Anakin/Vader revealed in full Sith eyes mode!
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Custom Vader inside the mask
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This is my re-working and customizing of the awesome 14" Kenner electronic figure from Star Wars.
 
Since Darth Vader is my favorite movie character, I dove right in and spent over 75 hours altering and upgrading this guy. Thanks to parts donations made by a 13" Kaiyodo vinyl kit I also had handy, he has a complete armor set including chest electronics and, best of all, a completely detailed helmet and mask interior with new, film accurate  wiring in the neck area and with my own conjectural ideas for the inner mask, with dark tinted clear lenses, metal mesh mouth grill and wiring. The detail goes on and on.
 
Again, I spent over 75 hours just for the of sheer love of this character!
I hope you enjoy looking at the finished work as much as I do.
 
Darth Vader is TM and copyrighted by Lucasfilm LTD

If you are a true DV fan, click here
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CLICK on me if you dare!...
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