Re: Hot Toys - MMS 262 - Star Wars Episode IV - 1/6th scale Chewbacca Collectible...
Well the problem is having too many figures for each setting.
Plus I prefer (OCD) the look of two figures per detolf shelf. It's more a mindset of reducing rather than expanding (OCD). I need ZE_501 to help me out [...]
LOL...headed to work so I'll write on the subway. I've grappled with this a long time and love to talk about it, even though you don't seriously need my help.
Start by breaking/ignoring associations between characters and their contexts within the films.
Look at it from a purely visual standpoint first and what those visual cues reference, and if the references align with what you value most about the films you love.
Look at your all-time favourite designs in a desert island death-match. e.g. I know you love six versions of Luke. What if there could only be one?
Which costume looks best?
One of Luke's most heroic moments that captures the innocence and Flash Gordon vibe of the whole OT is X-Wing Pilot ... the costume has striking colours and references the technology and fast machines of Star Wars.
If I could have only one human figure that would be it, because it references the things in the OT I value the most and is visually striking.
The next element of the OT is the sinister technological edge of the Empire and the brutal angularity of their vehicles and weapons.
The Imperial Probe Droid embodies this while simultaneously appearing *alien* and otherworldly, all important Star Wars design tropes.
So my top two figures embody what I value the most about the OT, and reference signature design elements.
I love dozens of other characters and designs, but they may not resonate as strongly with my favourite elements, or they are merely repetitive variations on a theme.
In that sense, I could do without all the rest and have just those two pieces I listed as tangible references to what I love.
You might value other things more; like the mysticism of the Force or the dark mystery of one of the world's great cinematic villains, OT Darth Vader.
Maybe just the seven original heroes, with the Empire represented by Vader flanked by two Stormtroopers.
A collection tells a story. You can be a completist (madness), an army builder (more madness), a minimalist or have a reference collection.
The whole point of the latter two being...what can I live without?
Three things drive my love of Star Wars. Striking visuals, an innocent story of good guys vs. bad guys, and nostalgia.
If I can reference all that, completism, sets, representing scenes or locales...none of that enters into it.
Simpler, cleaner, cheaper. But that's what I like. I'm a designer by trade and love minimalism in general.
Your mileage may vary. If you don't want to go too bare, you can always look at all the old promotional photos for inspiration. They have a good selection of iconic characters without including everything; and all those old photos resonate strongly.
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