| Admiral Ackbar Right Arm Unpainted Hardcopy | |
| Hardcopies represent an essential stage entrenched in the action
figure production process. These crucial prototypes enable production tooling, the actual steel molds that create a
production quality toy, to be produced. Dynacast served as the
predominant material in casting ROTJ era hardcopies, however Kenner utilized alternate materials as well. The
Admiral Ackbar arm is cast in a tan urethane referred to as Carbalon.
Collectors having read my previously penned ESB hardcopy entries should possess some familiarity with Carbalon.
Complete hardcopies, highly coveted by collectors, trade hands for substantial sums of money. Incomplete hardcopies, or a singular part as is the case here, are also collectible and much more affordable. The above photo illustrates the hardcopy part displayed alongside its production counterpart. A singular limb displayed on its own may lack meaning or may become overshadowed by other pieces, however the presence of a production counterpart (figure in this instance) nicely compliments and provides additional context for said limb. This manner of display competently highlights the size and detail differences between the prototype and production figure; two characteristics not readily discernible in a "hardcopy only" display. Of course, when it comes to displaying items from one's collection, there really is no "right" or "wrong" way to do it from my viewpoint. While Admiral Ackbar may not qualify as the most popular or action oriented character in the Star Wars universe or Kenner action figure line-up, the figure itself possesses intricate detailing on both the face and arms. That detail is quite striking and noticeable when examining the prototype arm. |
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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 |
