| Micro Collection Conceptual Dagobah Luke | |
| This metal figure of a dueling Luke is one of several conceptual figures created during early development for Kenner's never-produced Micro Collection Dagobah playset. The others include a Vader (with whom Luke could fight his imaginary duel), Ben Kenobi and Yoda. The original artwork for each of these four figures exists in the form of tiny, wax sculptings, that are believed to have been done by RPG manufacturer Ral Partha, who were frequently tapped by Kenner to help them prototype some of their toys. The fact that they, and other similar conceptual pieces, came from Kenner sources, have always been attributed to Ral Partha, and correspond closely to figures from both produced and unproduced playsets, attests to the high liklihood that they are indeed legitimate Kenner pieces. It is pictured alongside a painted reproduction which I've included for comparison's sake.
From what I can tell from a study of the conceptual and "4-up" figures that have turned up, as well as from conceptual artwork and slides of an early form of the playset itself, the planned Dagobah "World" would have consisted of two sets--a combination of Yoda's hut and adjoining bog, and a "spooky cave," inside of which a production figure similar to this Luke could duel an accompanying Vader. The Luke figure that this piece developed into may be represented by the dueling Dagobah 4-up Luke seen here.
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| Description by: | Ron Salvatore |
| Photo: | Ron Salvatore |
| From the collection of: | Rob Amantea |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Empire Strikes Back |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1980 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Micro Collection |