The set clearly attracted a wide range of collectors, having more than just a few people interested in buying it. Even those that many times before had turned their heads away from the great product Koto puts out were easily seduced by the magnificently accurate design and fantastic attention to detail the kit offered. It was indeed a perfect depiction of the classic concept design by the masterful artisans at Kotobukiya.

Those less familiar with early McQuarrie's concept drawings will notice the outfits of the characters differ from the final versions on the films. For instance, Vader's mask has a more lupine look to it and his ignited lightsaber is blue, not red. On the other hand, Luke gets portrayed wearing a breath mask, oxygen tank and a red and purple outfit; his ignited lightsaber has a yellow glow to it, not blue. There was a reason for all this.

According to early version's of the movie script the Rebel starship Luke was in was attacked by Imperial forces and its hull was breached. The pressurized atmosphere in the ship was released into space forcing both, Luke and Vader to wear breath masks during a duel sequence. After some rewrites, the sequence was delayed until The Empire Strikes Back. By then, Luke no longer needed a mask but the Vader character kept his as it perfectly captured his malevolent presence.

The box for the set was designed in the black and gray colors used as part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration high -end collectible presentation packaging. There were no windows on it, something we had already noticed on the preceding Yoda's Spirit of the Force box for the Celebration events and which departed from the commonly window boxes previously used by the maker. Its size was an impressive  17" high x 28" wide x 12" deep. Printed on the back of the box was the number of total units as well as the specific limited amounts to be distributed worldwide, being the United States the one country to receive the most:

• Asia = 840 units
• Japan = 1977 units
• Asia = 840 units
• U.S.A. = 3030 units

Out of the two figures Luke was easily the most eye-catching. In part this was due to the fact the concept design  completely departs from the image of the Jedi we are used to see, making him appear as a new character in a superb action pose yielding his ignited lightsaber and dodging Vader's attack. The fact that Luke's breathing mask could be removed allowing for his face to be exposed, gave the kit some playability and a change of looks as well. The gaggles on the mask were made of a green plastic offering enough transparency to let one see Luke's piercing blue eyes.

Vader's pose was well captured, apparently overpowering Luke in what seems to me a death defying attack while holding in his hand an ignited blue lightsaber. His mask was fantastically crafted with every single detail seen in the McQuarrie illustration. The black outfit and helmet were accentuated following McQuarrie's view to the bone using blue highlights to enhance the menacing look.

When it was time to display the set, one had the choice on how to do so. Both figures could be displayed together, locked in the iconic pose made famous by the classic illustration, or separately. Of course, having them displayed together made for a fantastic centerpiece, a focal point on anyone's collection. All for all the set, just like the drawing it was based on, became an instant classic not to miss.

Measures approx: 16.5" Long (Combined bases) x 11 " High (Top of Vader's helmet)

UTAPAU CLONE TROOPER: Kotobukiya debuted the infamous receiver of Order 66 as a San Diego Comic Con exclusive in July of 2007, priced at $100.00 and having an edition size set at 2,007 units, one of the smallest edition sizes of any ARTFX Statues released. While most of the Utapau Clones were sold at Koto's booth #2301 during Comic Con that summer, the remaining units were later on made available worldwide in small quantities through different channels that included online merchants such as StarWarsShop.com This gave those that missed out on heading to the convention the chance to pick up this great looking Clone. 

Daily sales of the Clone at Comic Con were limited to only 2 kits per person and were distributed as follows in order to ensure everyone attending in different days had an opportunity to get a hold of at least one unit:

Each Utapau Clone Trooper was packed in the new windowless black & mauve 30th Anniversary box, a package that while it sports a fresh look for the line it offers as well the inconvenience of not allowing to view the kit before buying it.

Standing 12" tall, including a display base and trademark Clone Trooper blaster and DC-15 rifle, the Utapau Clone is a repaint of the previous two ROTS Clones done by the maker. His proportions, details and pose are the same. If we were to imagine the Utapau Clone to be the first ROTS clone mold ever made by Koto one would have to admit his attack pose is nothing short of perfect and that the 200 scratches claimed to be added all over his armor are definitely a meticulous labor of love. The orange color applied to the armor definitely helps enhance the weathering effects, making them easy to appreciate, however ...

Reality check. The use of the same mold over and over gives the whole deal a less than interesting look ala Hasbro Clones where many times, only color changes are implemented but poses become boring staying the same way over and over and over. When Koto's 501st Clone came out (same mold as the Utapau one) it became a true novelty. When the Shocktrooper Clone was later on released (same mold as the Utapau one) the whole thing became less interesting reminding everyone it was the same sales strategy used before by Koto and their AOTC Clones. Now that they pulled this third rehash from under the sleeve, it simply feels as a pushed upon us release simply for sporting the 30th Anniversary tag. Not that we want Koto to stop making Clones (they do a fantastic job at them), but perhaps it is time to change the pose an offer something we won't be able to describe with our eyes closed.

Measurements:  Approx. 12" tall

OBI WAN KENOBI, EPIDODE III VERSION: Koto's rendition of the vigorous Jedi Knight portrays the characters on a fighting stance that genuinely captures his powerful combat skills while confronting General Grievous and facing him in final battle. Making use of The Force, Obi-Wan's left arm is defensively extended, ending in a hand with pointing index and middle fingers ready to emit the flow of the mystical energy against Grievous withering assault. His right arm is raised and bent at the elbow behind him while holding the ignited lightsaber over his head.

A lot of attention has been given to detail specially all of the accessories attached to Obi's belt and his lightsaber which gets disassembled into three parts. On the down side, Obi-Wan's face fails to offer a true likeness to the character, following the usual Manga style for human faces Koto is known for. This is indeed a weak area the maker needs to improve on.

The presentation box is of the same design as previous ones for the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, lacking a viewing window. Hopefully the package will change again at some point bringing back at least a small window to see some of the kit as they once did. The back of the box shows several images of Obi Wan's kit and one small image of Grievous' silhouette with over imposed letters that read :Coming Soon!

Employing an interlocking base, the figure is part of a scene that incorporates the upcoming kit of General Grievous, recreating the deadly duel between the two characters. While Obi Wan's kit alone seems to lack some presence, it is quite sure that when both kits get to be face to face with each other the effect and feel of movement the will bring will allow for one impressive and unforgettable battle scene.

Measurements:  Approx.10.5" tall