| Ral Partha Wampa Figure and Rubber Positive | |
| You see here, left to right, a conceptual Micro Collection Wampa figure and a rubber positive of the same figure. The metal figure was one of the earliest three dimensional prototypes made for the Micro line. Many collectors refer to such conceptual Micro pieces as "Partha" figures since the Ral Partha company (known for their gaming miniatures) is believed to have aided Kenner in the early stages of the line's development. Notably, the general pose of the Wampa did not change much between this conceptual incarnation and the figure that was released as part of the Hoth World Micro environment. As to the exact purpose of the rubber positive, your guess is probably as good as mine. Often, model makers are forced to alternate back and forth between positive and negative variations of the form they're working on, in order to get the exact type of mold or prototype they desire. In any case, the positive acted as an intermediary in the production process, coming somewhere between the original sculpting of the Wampa figure and the metal piece you see to its left. |
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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 |