eFX Darth Vader A NEW HOPE Helmet!

[automaton]

nice that E-FX finally fixed up their site.

 

[jkno]

I saved the money for the eFX TIE Fighter for a long time and even with my medical bills and the economic crisis, I can buy it tomorrow if it comes in stock at eFX. As for the ANH Vader helmet it is easier to get this because I didn't order too many other things, expecting this superb collectible to come. In fact I passed on the MR ROTS Vader on many times waiting for an OT Vader to be made someday. This will be the ultimate Vader collectible

 

[Dutchskywalker]

In fact I passed on the MR ROTS Vader on many times waiting for an OT Vader to be made someday. This will be the ultimate Vader collectible

I totaly agree with you

 

[D. Martin]

Me too. The 'hand painted' version blows my mind.

 

[QuiGonFishing]

This is shaping up ugly...

 

[jkno]

This is shaping up ugly...

And this means ...what?

 

[QuiGonFishing]

Glad you asked...

From what I'm seeing so far, this helmet is one thing and one thing only - Grail.

This could change, or course, since what has been revealed to date has really just been the prototype work of the best of the best of the front line artists at eFX. This is especially true of the hand-painted version. It is obvious that a multitude of screen caps and archival sources were studied right down to the tiniest ***** in the face-plate for the original proto. And what we've seen in terms of the level of detail may translate very weakly or not at all to the production pieces. But I happen the think/hope that these production pieces are going to be AWFULLY good...

Which brings me to the ugly. I know we've had a few board members who have expressed a preference for the idealized version, and we have some members who will try to pick up one of each (while using hundred dollar bills to light their smokes, apparently...), but I just don't see how 95% or more of the targeted consumer group for this piece is not going to be headed striaght to the hand-painted edition (which we are learning may well be more limited that the idealized piece after all, which was our intuitive thought as a group on this issue from the begining despite earlier news to the contrary).

In short, I fear the the feeding frenzy that will ensue with the pre-release of the haind-painted version could be intense. I'm afraid that these are going to be spoken for very quickly, and the eBay market is going to border on insanity.

Before anyone can lecture me on the what a niche market this is, and how few of us are really out here who will shell out a grand or so so something like this, I just have to say that there are MORE than enough of us out here just on the fan-forums alone to overwhelm the hand-painted edition.

I could be way off, or course, and it this may shape up to be a slow selling release due to the pricepoint, etc., but if I were us (and I am), I wouldn't bet on it. Keep hitting the "refresh" button on the eFX pre-order page and hope for the best...

 

[jkno]

You are right about the hand painted and the idealized versions and the possibility to get the first one. We'll have to see what eFX comes with when talking about edition size, type of order etc. Since I'm getting mine from an EU seller I also hope to be able to get the hand painted one. BUT to be honest I'd really like to know how will the hand painted look first, it could be not like we were expecting not because eFX didn't do their job but maybe because the painters might skip a detail here and there...

 

[Dutchskywalker]

I believe eFX said all edition sizes would be based on pre-orders, and I am sure we can grab one of each when these are going to be offered for preorder.

I am not worried not being able to secure an preorder for both and I will be getting mine from an EU retailer wich will offer these an couple days later then the eFX site and/or USA based retailers.

 

[automaton]

the "chase" and "hunt" are often what drives the collectible market... grails should not be easy to come by.

 

[QuiGonFishing]

I believe eFX said all edition sizes would be based on pre-orders, and I am sure we can grab one of each when these are going to be offered for preorder.

If this turns out to be the case (and it does look as though this is the process they used on the TIE Fighter), that would seem to solve the scarcity issue.

The unfortunate part of this, though, would be that if pre-orders dictate a very large edition for the hand-painted version, in relative terms of course, this could conceivably alter the production treatment of the piece. In other words, the hand-painted version was surely drawn up as a smaller more elite class. If it turns out that eFX has to produce twice as many of these than they initially figured, the "by hand" treatment could go down from tier one to tier two or three. The difference being tier one = x number of great painters turning out y number of helmets per day to meet the agreed upon delivery date. Tier two, etc. = 2x artists, 2y per day. When you're talking about a truly 'by hand' production, doubling the hands is rarely a good thing...

the "chase" and "hunt" are often what drives the collectible market... grails should not be easy to come by.

Yes, exaclty. Grail or not, if the edition size on a hand-made product like this is based on the number of orders, not only are you introducing the possibility of a down tick in quality/attention to detail, but you've also really bastardized the idea of limited edition. What value is there in limiting the production size to the number of people who want to buy the product?

All this said, even if the production hand-painted version is notably less "awesome" than the proto/paint-master, I'll be happier if I get one than if I don't.

 

[shocktrooper_au]

So when is this due for ordering?

 

[furystorm]

December. Just before Christmas. No kidding.

 

[jkno]

So when is this due for ordering?

Bryan from eFX says:

We are working on the final master pattern and paint master. We are anticipating putting this helmet up for pre-order in December. Please watch our website for the latest updates. . .

Thanks!

Bryan

 

[shocktrooper_au]

Thanks guys, kinda awkward timing, but I think this is a must have

 

[Dutchskywalker]

I do not care about the edition size or the value as long as I am able to get both versions

 

[shocktrooper_au]

I'd prefer the hand painted, but would be happy with either I think

 

[jkno]

I'd prefer the hand painted, but would be happy with either I think

I'm getting just one of them, I'd rather keep my money for another collectible than 2 similar Vader helmets, maybe for an eFX ESB Vader helmet in the future or the MR AT-AT LE.

 

[jstep13]

Im going to give myself a high-five because I just sold my Ep. III Vader helmet for what should be just about retail for ANH's helmet!

ANH preorder here I come!

 

[jkno]

Im going to give myself a high-five because I just sold my Ep. III Vader helmet for what should be just about retail for ANH's helmet!

ANH preorder here I come!

Excellent choice my friend