| Nikto Action Figure Unpainted Hardcopy | |
| Hardcopies are one of the more popular three-dimensional figure prototypes
with pre-production collectors. They may serve in one of the following capacities once created:
tooling master,
paintmaster, or display/photography sample. The detail found on
hardcopies surpasses that of their production counterparts, since they are crafted from a
silicone mold. Silicone molds are created directly from the original sculpting.
A production Nikto action figure is shown to the right of the unpainted hardcopy in the above photograph to illustrate the slight size difference between the prototype and the final production action figure.
The front and rear views of the hardcopy illustrate the fine detail present on this hardcopy. The hardcopy is made of a green urethane referred to as dynacast. The number of complete unpainted hardcopies in collectors' hand is significantly lower than the number of painted hardcopies. However, painted hardcopies are typically more coveted due to the presence extensive hand painting found on them.
As illustrated by the above photo, the limbs and head are removable from the torso. Small metal dowels provide a method of attachment directly to the torso. I find the ability to take hardcopies apart to be an incredibly interesting feature. The Nikto hardcopy in my collection has a rather nice story attached to it and I want to share that story with fellow collectors. I purchased the entire hardcopy body in October of 2000, but alas the head was not present. Nearly 4 years of active searching passed until I finally found the opportunity to acquire the hardcopy head! After years of being the "Headless Horseman Nikto" this hardcopy finally exists in a complete state. While piecing together an incomplete hardcopy is a daunting and patience-filled task, as illustrated by this Nikto, it certainly can be done with work and a pinch of luck. |
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| Description by: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Photo: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| From the collection of: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Return of the Jedi |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1983 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Action Figure Related |
