Magnitude (An Admiral Ackbar Mini Bust) - Mini Busts

Obviously Admiral Ackbar is a member of the Rebel Alliance, but did you ever expect to see him in classic military garb? Apparently artist Steven Daily did and painted a gorgeous piece of artwork which showcases this very thing. “Magnitude” (An Admiral Ackbar Mini Bust) is a clever collectible designed by the artists at Gentle Giant Ltd. who were directly inspired by Mr. Daily’s artwork to create a niche Star Wars collectible. Released as a 2013 San Diego Comic Con exclusive, designing this piece was risky for multiple reasons, all of which we’ll get two piecemeal. Not only does the Mini Bust break the traditional format of what Gentle Giant Ltd. had released previously up to this point thank to an all-new approach with the base, the packaging is actually a bit more impressive than the Mini Bust housed inside of it. Presented in a gorgeous wooden box, the “Magnitude” Mini Bust is also accompanied by a miniature print of Steve Daily’s original artwork as well as two certificates of authenticity: one for the print and one for the Mini Bust.

Gentle Giant Ltd. has had no issues delving into the Expanded Universe for the Mini Busts line, but the release of “Magnitude” is a little more aggressive. Clearly it would be erroneous to say that Gentle Giant Ltd. has never based a three-dimensional collectible on two-dimensional artwork because that sentiment is obviously disproven with the releases of the McQuarrie concept pieces. But “Magnitude” is based off of artwork that was based on a character (that had already been based on sketch designs and the like). It’s like some sort of meta concept. This is Admiral Ackbar through the eyes of the artist, not through the eyes of an artist trying to render Admiral Ackbar. Just like the original Admiral Ackbar Mini Bust, Gentle Giant Ltd. has added clear plastic eyes, but this time they’re bright orange with deeply set pupils. From certain angles they look truly life like and add a great deal of personality to Ackbar. It goes without saying however that it’s Ackbar’s outfit that defines his personality the most. The great double-breasted jacket adorned with medals show Admiral Ackbar in a light that is unmatched in uniqueness.

The last issue is the price. With an MSRP at a gut-wrenching $175, this isn’t a collectible that the average collector will be able to afford. And since it’s not directly inspired from a Star Wars film, there will even be a smaller group of collectors that will show interest in this piece. You have to hand it to Gentle Giant Ltd. as a company. They come up with some of the neatest concepts for their collectibles irrespective of how the mainstream collecting audience will respond to it. They’re innovative and beautiful collectibles set them apart no matter how successful or well-received they end up being. “Magnitude” (An Admiral Ackbar Mini Bust) may be the boldest step forward in this manner. We certainly can appreciate the sharp left turn Gentle Giant Ltd. took with this piece. It’s definitely experimental and it’s been definitely for a very small subset of Gentle Giant Ltd. collectors. While we absolutely find favor with this Mini Bust, it is our hope that Gentle Giant Ltd. in the future create characters in the Mini Bust line that hardcore collectors are still dying to see made. Ponda Baba (Walrus Man) Gentle Giant? Please?