Rancor Monster Limbs Wax Sculptings
This has to be one of the most special items in my collection. I never thought I'd see the day when I had the opportunity to purchase wax sculpts from the Star Wars toy line. What you see here is a pair of alternate wax sculpts for the arms to the Rancor Monster, along with the wax master for the Rancor's left leg. By "master" I mean that it's the finalized sculpt, the one that was used to make the production toy. The two "alternates" are just that-- they're simply artifacts of the sculpting process and do not represent finalized sculpts.

 

Above are two close-up views of the outer side of the Rancor leg. Upon close inspection one can detect sculpting lines from the sculptor's work on the leg. In the second photo can be seen the inner side of the leg. You'll notice a hole is drilled into the upper flat portion of the limb. This allowed the leg to attach to the Rancor sculpt body. Similar holes can be found on the arms.

Next is an in depth look at the arms. Although the hands are missing, these are still quite impressive works of art. The protrusions on the arms are much more reduced than on the final sculpt. I appreciate these pieces for their role in the creation of the Rancor toy as well as for the countless hours of work that went into them by their sculptor.

It's rare that a series of sculpts like this surfaces, and few are lucky enough to get the opportunity to buy them. These will certainly hold a special place in my collection for years to come.

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


  


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