inspiration for Darth Vader?

[txteach]

I have never seen this micronauts figure before but he has a lot of similarities to Vader. You think Lucas saw this figure and modeled Vader after him?

MEGO MICRONAUTS EMPEROR EXC. COND. W/BOX !! LOOK !! - eBay (item 230381893782 end time Oct-03-09 1416 PDT)

[The Toyroom]

I'm no Micronauts expert but apparently Emperor is from Series 5 (1980) so I doubt it

[txteach]

Ahh thanks. I know NOTHING about the line.

[Mikey]

I always thought Vader's helmet was based on a WW2 German helmet.

Vaders face-mask seem to be loosely based on a skull

[Gorn Captain]

His helmet was based on a samurai helmet, complete with Mempo face mask. Mempo masks were fashioned to instill fear in enemies, and often featured skulls, demon faces, etc.

When you watch Kurosawa's Hidden Fortress, you'll say "Hey, that's Star Wars". It has the princess that needs to be protected by two men, one a former military man, another a farm boy.

[rche]

Kurosawa. yeah!!

the mego Micros started in '78?? I think. That eliminates any predating. Tho that emporor, Baron Karza, and the white version of the Baron certainly look like they took some influence from the SW universe.

[Gorn Captain]

I often find it ironic that "big guns" like Lucas crack down on stuff that's inspired by SW, but he himself borrowed heavily from so many sources....

[ctc]

>Baron Karza, and the white version of the Baron certainly look like they took some influence from the SW universe.

....'cept the character THOSe are based on (Steel Jeag) came out years earlier....

Don C.

[toys2cool]

That guy looks more like the Wraith in the LOTR knickerbocker figures

[Hector]

His helmet was based on a samurai helmet, complete with Mempo face mask. Mempo masks were fashioned to instill fear in enemies, and often featured skulls, demon faces, etc.

When you watch Kurosawa's Hidden Fortress, you'll say "Hey, that's Star Wars". It has the princess that needs to be protected by two men, one a former military man, another a farm boy.

Right on the money.

[hobub]

Well, this is prabably the inspiration for Darth Maul. Please allow him to introduce himself.

[saildog]

I often find it ironic that "big guns" like Lucas crack down on stuff that's inspired by SW, but he himself borrowed heavily from so many sources....

Truer words have rarely been spoken.

ALL of Star Wars was inspired by something. The story...the imagery. That is the main reason it did so well. The story and it's elements were so easily identifiable by the audience that it didn't take screen time to explain everything. It was just understood.

Storm Troopers. You can't think Lucas came up with that independent of History. Somehow, I think he'd like you to.

[trekman101]

I often find it ironic that "big guns" like Lucas crack down on stuff that's inspired by SW, but he himself borrowed heavily from so many sources....

Exactly....be glad your work inspires others.....as long as they aren't stepping on your feet they should be left alone.

[SUP-Ronin]

Ran across this a while back and thought it was pretty sweet looking. I want one. It kind of looks melted but is really a nice blend of classic vader with classic samurai helmet.

[Gorn Captain]

Ran across this a while back and thought it was pretty sweet looking. I want one. It kind of looks melted but is really a nice blend of classic vader with classic samurai helmet.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...uto0-thumb.jpg

Helmet and sword are about $1,500.
They're some seriously cool sh*t!
Darth Vader Samurai Suit Is Awesome, Small - Geekologie