THE CARDBACKS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ICCC 2022 EXCLUSIVE CUSTOM ACTION FIGURES

The ICCC 2022 exclusive Ahsoka Tano custom action figure on card.

In our final post about the design, development, and packaging of the ICCC 2022 exclusive custom action figures, D2C Studios’ Matt Brookins gives us a detailed look at the cardback designs and photography, and discusses his approach to the complete package.

The four figures in the exclusive wave of custom action figures based on “The Mandalorian” TV series on Disney+ include Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight, Ahsoka Tano, and Bib Fortuna! Each figure comes on either a cardback or in a box. The packaging was designed by Brookins, and the photographs were taken by legendary Kenner photographer Kim Simmons.

And each figure will be individually numbered to add to the exclusive nature of these items. Brookins took a few minutes to discuss the cardback design for each of the exclusives:

BIB FORTUNA: I had fun drawing the Bib Fortuna illustration for the card back art. Unfortunately, the figure area is so large (because of the size of the figure), combined with the logo up top, that only a portion of the drawing is visible on the card. I tried to do a nod to the Kenner special offers on the card fronts as a way to show their exclusive nature. Since Bib Fortuna was originally a Return of the Jedi character, I borrowed the Emperor's offer for this one.

Bib Fortuna’s cardback is based on the 32A. Similar to the other exclusive cardbacks, I did change some things around so that it was more balanced given when I needed to include on it. I was able to do a back like this with individual photos, because Kim Simmons took individual photos of every figure! And not just with this background, but also with a more neutral background! So please thank Kim Simmons when you see him at the ICCC, for his amazing contributions to this year’s exclusive toys!

AHSOKA TANO: Most of my life I was an original trilogy fan and kept my Star Wars viewing to the film world. After many years of being encouraged by fellow Star Wars fans, I finally watched the Clone Wars and Rebels. I had always heard about Ahsoka Tano, and seen her on merchandise and around the web. But I didn’t know anything about her. After watching these shows, I then understood why everyone loved her so much. She’s awesome! So creating a figure for her vintage style, as well as vintage style packaging such as this MOC, was quite fun!

Ashoka’s back is based on the 47A (but with 41 figures). Initially, when doing a design, I’ll take a picture of the original Kenner cardback, and start to rough out my layout over top of it. I try to stick to the Kenner layout as closely as possible, but I am not afraid to change things if it makes sense given my images and message.

BOBA FETT: Boba Fett is always fun to draw. And I must say I love the look of a Boba Fett MOC! I thought about using the “free Boba Fett” offer seal from the original Kenner 20 backs, but opted for something different in this case (since I had already used that offer in the past on my custom Mandalorian 20 backs).

Boba Fett’s cardback is based on the 45A. Similar to Ashoka‘s, Kim Simmons provided a famous figure step picture. I still can’t believe how amazing it is to see the Mandalorian custom figures looking so vintage! For fun, we show Boba Fett doing his best imitation of the display in the offer. Will any ICCC attendees in 2022 buy enough Boba Fett figures to re-create this great image by me and Kim? Who will accept this challenge?

LUKE SKYWALKER: Luke’s name is synonymous with hope. For those of us who grew up with the original trilogy, he is the epitome of a hero. Small town boy, dragged into something larger and rises to the occasion despite the odds. Although his part in the Mandalorian TV series was small, given what he means to so many people, I really wanted to include him as part of the 2022 ICCC Exclusive Mandalorian-themed exclusive line. I also wanted to package him similar to how he was originally done by Kenner in his Jedi outfit for Return of the Jedi. So, his cloak is laying underneath him in the bubble.

Luke Skywalker’s cardback is based on the 32C. And just like the other exclusive cardbacks, I made some mild changes to the layout to ensure everything flowed well. And just like the other cardbacks, Kim Simmons worked his magic with some outstanding figure photography!

All four custom action figures will be available in limited quantities, and with different packaging, during all three days of ICCC 2022, April 29-May 1, at the Sheraton Music City resort in Nashville, TN. Each day will feature different packaging. Tickets are on sale now. #ICCCon