This Bantha is our most ambitious project to date.
Design
The Bantha is our unique sculpt and design. The idea behind our design was to create a look that would fit in with the original Kenner line-up.
Attributes - Trap Door
We didn't want to have just a solid product or a large paperweight. We wanted it to be a functional piece, so we made sure to add a working spring loaded trap door. This design is similar to what Kenner used on items such as the Tauntaun and the Dewback. This will allow a figure to be put on the back as to appear to be riding the Bantha.
Attributes - Movable Legs
Along with adding a trap door, we wanted to make sure the legs were movable. Once again, we used items like the Tauntaun, and Dewback as references. The legs move forward and backwards. They are set in the body as a peg/notch system. The legs are designed to move and to be able to stand on it's own regardless which position the legs are in.
Attributes - Tail
While we did use Kenner's Dewback as references for the legs and the trap door, we decided to veer away and make it non mobile. Several thoughts on this was it would make the Bantha a lot more stable due to its size and weight and it would be one less thing to wear out and break off over time.
Add On Options
We wanted to provide a few add on figures to the Bantha. The original Tusken Raider was a no brainer, however, we wanted to offer something more than the run of the mill Tusken Raider. We decided to make this add on the one with the hollow tubes on the face. The original hollow tube Tusken Raider is a very rare figure, one that most collectors don't have. While ours is a reproduction and not the real thing, it will stand out among the other Tusken Raiders. Also, we do not offer this figure in our stores, so it is only available with the Bantha.
Fear not, we put our stamp on the back of the right leg just like we do with all our figures so they can't be re-sold as original.
Book of Boba Fett Tusken Warrior
We wanted to add our version of the Tusken Warrior from the Book of Boba Fett as an add on. For those that collect our Book of Boba Fett figures, or anyone else's Book of Boba Fett figures, we wanted to provide that option. We do offer this figure in our shop so it isn't an exclusive add on to the Bantha.
Nomad Boba Fett
Of course, any Book of Boba Fett collector or Boba Fett collector would like to have this version of Boba Fett with the Bantha. He rides one and takes care of one in the show. This add on figure is also an exclusive figure for the Bantha and is not offered in our shop.
Complete Set Add On
We know that some collectors would want both exclusive Bantha figures, and not have to buy a second Bantha to get the other exclusive, we wanted to give the option to add the complete set of three.
Bantha Material Details
Like all of our custom products, each item is made by hand, and the Bantha is no exception. We don't have a factory that can produce these for us. These are not plastic injection molded, nor are they resin poured.
The Banthas are 3D resin printed using an ABS like resin for strength and durability. The body, head, legs and tail are printed using custom colored brown resin so it is not painted, but printed in the appropriate color. The horns are made the same way, they are printed in the custom colored resin. Again, since we don't have a factory at our disposal, we had to make the saddle a part of the body and not removable. So, the saddle, lips, eyes and nails are the only thing painted on the Bantha.
The trap door is also printed in the ABS like resin, and uses a torsion spring to allow the door to open and close. The spring has a 0.670 In-lbs load and won't wear out.