If, somehow, you have not seen The Mandalorian on Disney+ yet, or have miraculously been able to avoid all of the pop culture-permeating spoilers of this massively popular Star Wars TV show, well, then I guess you should turn back now. Okay, if that ONE person left on this planet has gone now, we can talk about the seriously awesome work Fwoosh Friend Joe Amaro has put together via his Amaro Studios to bring us the REAL star of the series – The Child. Or The Asset if ya nasty.
Okay, so, I get why John Favreau and the rest of the team behind The Mandalorian wanted to keep the Child under wraps for its debut in the actual series. I mean, even the licensees like Hasbro were (apparently) left out of the secret until the series dropped, and that is the kind of surprise that almost impossible to maintain in this modern world. Because of this though, the merchandise that everyone and their Padawan has wanted since first clapping eyes on that adorable face has been absent, with everyone rushing to get into production everything from action figures to formed and pressed chicken nuggies (probably) for your spending cash. So, get ready, because it is all coming, but it does take a bit of time.
Joe was quick on his feet with this, though, and he put together a few handmade resin pieces that are compatible with the Star Wars Black Series line, and I was fortunate enough to get both the standing version of the Child, as well as the version with the pram, complete with clear stand. These are so well-done, and if you have ever picked up any of the other Amaro Studios offerings, you know the quality that you can expect. For the most part, these are not articulated, though the heads can move a bit and the figures are made from multiple pieces. Joe really got the likeness down on both of these, and as you can see, they go great with the Mandalorian figures.
The pram/buggy/hover stroller is also pretty amazing, and something that, at least at this point in time, we are not getting SWB. Joe has some pretty amazing sculpting skills, but I have always been an admirer of his fabrication as well, and the level of detail put into this, down to the smallest thing is really impressive. I love the subtle copper dry-brushing on the inner edge of the pram, and the messy blankies are present and accounted for, too. The best part is that the figure that is made for the pram has a magnet feature so that the Asset stays safely in place, even during giant hideout/cantina shootouts.
Yes, we are all waiting with bated breath for the second series of the show to drop this fall, and while we wait, we are going to be inundated with merchandise of this adorably powerful little bugger in every form we can imagine. I am thankful to have gotten this set though, and Joe’s work always finds a way to set itself apart, but all the while finding cohesion with the compatible line. I wanted to share this because it is a fun set and it gives a little look into the work that a guy who is likely responsible for some of the toys in your collection does in his “spare” time. Thanks, Joe!
