"Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series" Star Wars Figures
For those who don't know, Ralph McQuarrie was the main concept artist for the original trilogy; he created many gorgeous paintings that guided the visual development of the films. You can view many examples here. Hasbro is now bringing his work into the third dimension with a sub-line if you will of figures, the articulation and detailing of which they are pouring extra effort into. Each wave of this year's 30th Anniversary Collection line will include one RMQSS figure; the first, the McQuarrie Concept Stormtrooper, has already shipped. I picked this thing up at Walmart tonight, previously unaware of its existence, and then looked up further information.
RMQ Stormtrooper
http://www.r2dtoys.com/productimages...mstorm2007.jpg
As you can see, when the piece this figure is based on was drawn, Lucas had already thought up lightsabers, but had yet to tie them specifically to the Jedi. RMQ also drew a few pieces depicting Han wielding one.
Coming in wave two: RMQ Boba Fett
http://www.hasbro.com/common/images/...86_main400.jpg
http://www.hasbro.com/common/images/...39606_a400.jpg
This figure will include two interchangeable helmets - one based on RMQ's earliest look for the character, and a more refined rendition closer to that which appeared on film.
Coming in wave three: RMQ Chewbacca (prototype from the New York International Toy Fair)
http://www.thejawa.com/nuke/modules/.../eDSC_0069.JPG
In the early pre-production stages, lovable old Chewie was being envisioned more as a menacing, truly alien creature, rather than the kid-friendly 'dog that walks upright' of the films.
Coming in wave four: RMQ Vader (prototype again)
http://www.thejawa.com/nuke/modules/.../eDSC_0052.JPG
Like Fett, this figure includes two interchangeable helmets - one based on the earliest art, one closer to the film. Also of note, this Vader wields a blue lightsaber rather than the now-iconic Sith red, as seen in what is quite possibly RMQ's most famous piece:
http://www.thejawa.com/nuke/modules/...ukevsvader.jpg
Naturally, RMQ Vader will eventually be able to duel with a matching RMQ Luke, complete with oxygen mask; figures planned for further down the line include RMQ Han, Snow Trooper, Rebel Soldier, and C-3PO/R2-D2 two-pack.