Review: Smith Lord's Fake STAR WARS figures! 

Not having the original date on the back of the leg is good enough to show it's not original. It's also the buyer's responsibility to beware.

Even though they are repros i still wouldnt feel bad for dropping some greenys to have them in my my own collection

I have a few of Stan Solo's figure and they are fantastic! Near perfect duplications of the originals. Don't care if they are not vintage, all I know is I have a few hundred dollars more in my pocket. Thanks, Chris Smith!

Smith Lord and Junkman are now besties. They even got matching half-heart tattoos that read: I'm with dummy. I just love happy endings.... In fact, i need to go make an appointment at my massage parlor

I am writing this before watching pt. 2 and this is not an attack on this channel or the Junkman. To start I have all of Smith Lord Creations figures he has produced to date. I have to say that I love them. These are prized additions to my collection and are not the only repro’s I have. I also have a couple Crazy Toys Stormtroopers I bought after I got the Smith Lord figs. I have no intentions of selling any of my repros. or fooling anyone. Personally I support Smith Lord and hope he continues turning out some great figures. He has brought the fun back into the hobby for me and filled a void that Hasbro neglected. I am also a subscriber to this channel and really enjoy it too. I like that you have opened up and at least listened to both sides of the argument. As for the repro weapons I cannot slight him for the accuracy. There are so many people making extremely good repros that its impossible to tell which is real and which are fake. There were hundreds of molds used to make these weapons back in the day and no two molds are identical. Keep up the good videos Junkman. Now off to part 2

I ordered the Han and Luke. According to the postal tracking, they just left Utah. Hopefully they arrive by Friday. From the pictures, I could tell a few differences on the Luke. The left knee cap looks a little different, and the face isn't exactly the same. But that of course is just going by the picture on eBay. Could you please ask him about making slave Leia and the 8 unproduced Droids figures? I'm more interested in stuff that was never made...like the Han.

Ya the original luke looks like john denver. Rocky mountain high 😃👋

Repo = what happens when you don't make your car payment. RepRo = reproduction. Say it with me now ...... RepRo!

The guy that used to do the cardboard/insert work for Smith Lord was Darren Orme owner of Replicator Boxes and Inserts, until he had a falling out with the current owner/operator of Smith Lord Creations over not being credited for the work he did. That alone made me think twice about having any purchases from Smith Lord. I've dealt with Darren on several projects of my own. He's good people & didn't deserve to be stabbed in the back like that.

Why do I feel like I'm experiencing deja vu...🤔

The repro Luke does not need black writing on it. It has no trademark on it, that is difference enough. It would spoil the figure to make an outlandishly blatant trademark on it. Anybody dropping money on a POTF Luke Skywalker would be reasonably clued up. I understand vintage collectors may fear these repros but there are already are loads of repro weapons out there and the figures will not fool anyone. They look far too new. I think these guys are giving some really welcome additions to the vintage line. Having said all this, great review and it shows these are not of an equal quality to the originals. Those loose arm joints are worrying. You strike me as a good dude, Junkman but maybe the fear of people getting ripped off is getting the better of things in this review.

hey junk man theres videos to help fix the yellowing on ur trooper k ,But as far as a repro I'll accept it in my collection any day

ooo I want fake free stuff! Still making money on unlicensed goods is stealing

Smith Lord should get hired by Hasbro or Kenner those star wars look too real.I still will stick to my original toys.They are good but I rather the real McCoy's stuff.Im not into buying Jordan's due to price range but I never but the bootlegs.But yes they look very good I credit smith lord a lot.

If it doesn't have a copyright than there is no harm. I have never had a problem with reprise as long as they don't lie about it. Not having a correct copyright is an issue to me also.

That repro looks great! A Smith Lord or a SL stamp sure would go a long way towards what we all want. Clarity as to whether or not it is legit!

It was your interview with RetroBlasting that brought me to the channel. What continues to impress me is your capacity as a RU-vidr to honestly want to understand both sides of a story. You do this in your video commentary, interaction with other creators and in the comments and this made me a subscriber. My cap is off to you Sir. 🧢 👍🏼

Really great video. You didn’t mention cancel culture, inflation, or woke. Not even once. Shocking.

Honestly I believe when something is released and when it's gone from production it's gone. That's the point of the thrill of collecting, saving money and hunting for something you want. I don't like it when I pay a lot of money for something then a copies made. It dilutes the joy of collecting

Thanks for posting and comparing. Sometimes it's tough to see the differences, although your Luke Stormtrooper is pretty obvious. After paying $300 for a custom carded blue snaggletooth (I know I overpaid on an auction for that one, seen them for about $100), I came across new listings for the same figure and they now say "A Star Wars holy grail item! Amazing, professionally manufactured, custom STAR WARS 20/21 back carded blue Snaggletooth 3.75” action figure, complete with weapon. Molded from an original vintage blue Snaggletooth figure. Limbs tight but move nicely. Comes with weapon! Same techniques, plastic, and weight as the originals. Like out of the original Kenner factory!" so, yeah, I'm pretty sure I got one of these. I'm seeing true original blue snaggletooths going for $300-$650 now. Damn, they can sure fool you. Oh well, even getting a repro figure that I've never seen an original is a good life experience. Lesson learned.

The Luke Stormtrooper I got from Chris has no joints showing.May just be a molding issue with the arm on that particular figure.The head just like on the original does not turn on this one either.

Im going to repo some potf2 guys but use some white plastic to make customs without customizing a vintage

At least they are trying to fake 3 3/4 inch action figures! I still am pinpointing the best as displays action figure line 3 3/4 inch vs 6 inch (many times in other groups) and noticing how Galoob and Star Wars Unleashed 2008 line did not return ... that nothing beats 3 3/4 inch figures and the many (although scale not there but adequate enough) vs 6 inch people are wasting money on today! For example, they are hooping up Darth Maul 6 inch ... and, at least, no Tattoine Sithspeeder? 😬

I don't mind fakes as long as they have differences to indicate they're fakes.

I enjoy repros and customs. But I do agree there should be clear markings on the figs and accessories to distinguish them from original.

Still love watching your RU-vid shows. Keep doing them. Ill support your show 100 percent.

Wondering why my original comment was removed about Chris Smith abusing me and banning me from his facebook group for informing people on my vintage figures group that someone who bought a fake off him sold it as an original on ebay in case it was one of them?

A part of me is excited at the prospect of the democratization of the toy industry, where fans can create new toys that blend in nearly perfectly with the authentic vintage toys. However, I think eventually Hasbro or Disney is going to step in with legal action here if these start becoming more widespread.

I know you don’t like “repo”, but I can tell the helmet on your original Luke has a repro helmet just by hearing the sound of it when it bounces off the table.

looks like the left hand is twisted a little different, but i'm not a long time collector. I did have this figure as a kid tho.

Reproductions are best for using as a base to make your own custom figures But yes there needs to be some kind of change in the figures because more less than reputable people will see an easy way to make a quick Buck by selling them as original and real

The detail on the repro looks sharper?

Hey - Junkman... I have some of those coins! The Luke Endor one, and probably most of the Droids cartoon coins - id like to send those to you, and maybe some other stuff if my sister still has the collection I gave her (she isn’t so much into it now) .. but I know that the coins are still here with me, and I’ve been purging “stuff”

I don’t know why this is a big deal, but hasbro makes them and it’s ok? Star Wars collectors are the biggest battered wives in the toy world. Take the abuse, come back for more

The coloring looks different on the coins. Fake ones have a different tint to them.

I refuse to pay book value on something that is carded and seems perfect, the people making the carded items for a bubble plastic things.

Doing a listen then stop and comment as I watch this. 0:40 - so these repro figures are easily identifiable? That's a plus, no?. 1:56 - Just curious what you're opinion of Retro figures is considering one can take them off the card and have a repro figure as well? Official repro figures are fine? 3:05 I'm not sure why you're having a problem 'putting your finger on why you can tell it's a repro when it's clearly the helmet being taller? I don't need any years collecting experience to see that. 3:55 Oh, now you can tell? At this point I just skipped through to the end. You don't like repros, I get it and I personally wouldn't buy repro figures as well if my aim was to display them alongside genuine vintage figures but thanks to that guy over @ Retroblasting I've relaxed over repro weapons and don't care if my imperial gunner has an identical repro weapon for $10 instead of forking out $200. I've never actually come across anyone being caught out trying to sell repro stuff as genuine. They've always been upfront & honest from all of me experiences & that's the only concern a diehard repro hater should have as far as people making & selling them. And if you're in to vintage figures then you'd have to be pretty stupid to be duped when ALL repro stuff is identifiable. Disliking them on a personal level is fine but when I see people getting hated on or getting kicked out of groups for even dare mentioning them, I can only come to the conclusion and recommend for those people to Get A Life.

I'm happy if Smith Lord makes retro figures that never were made by kenner like e.g. the Han Solo stormtrooper but repo copies a bit of a hit and miss for collectors

Why did you put the black box over the box

I don't see the point other than to pass them off as the real thing. Whether it's to make money or just to make people think you have a complete collection. Otherwise he would mold an obvious but suble tell on the front. I like what Hasbro did with the Retro cards they put out, but i don't like how they made the figures identical from the front. You should be able to tell in a photo.

Repros should only be made by hasbro. Custom figs are okay, but repros suck

I’m more than happy with those high quality repro figures. What takes the fun out about collecting Star Wars figures are the elitists who buy massively to control the prices. It’s been like that for decades now. So, a big shoutout to the brave ones who aren’t scared to produce high quality repros. Don’t forget, these are toys, they are supposed to make us happy, not to ruin us.

I can't wait until they're able to make these 100% indiscernible from the originals, so everyone can have affordable star wars figs. I used to hate repros, back when they looked like crap, but if someone make them exact, I'm all for it. Why would anyone care? Is the carbon signature on these toys so important? I'd be excited to pay much less for exact replicas. Those who oppose them are scared they'll affect their financial investments, plain and simple. Lame.

Awesome Junkman! Great comparison and I agree with your input!

What I support from Smith Lord is the Bantha project and the Slave Leia!!! I’ll give him all my money for unproduced vintage items. He should do the Droids White Witch, mynoch, cantina aliens so many options! I would even support prequel figures in the vintage 5 point Kenner design! How bout a vintage style Sarlacc pit (without the dumb little shop of horrors head).

I wouldn't mind buying a repro, hard to find accessories may be pretty expensive, but if I were to buy repros it would be for my personal collection, I never sell anything, thanks Junkman!

If someone doesn't know what to look for, they probably shouldn't be spending tons of money on it. We are adults, and bootlegs have existed since the beginning. It is on the buyer to be informed before spending their money ...

Within 10 years this kind of thing will be so prevalent ... it will be nearly impossible to discern real from not , imo . To quote another " Smith " , " It is inevitable " .

Chris Smith has some quality reproduction figures. I have one of his carded Han Solo in Stormtrooper disguise figures and it is beautiful. 👍🏼

Don't worry Junkman, I got ur back. I feel pretty much like u do.

It’s the Hans not fake but the LUKE is

100% should be a VERY distinct mold difference!!!

I actually own one of these and they are nice. It's like a spiritual continuation.

Nice looking figures. He’s done a great job.

9:00 When it comes to Guns and Accessories - I tend to treat them all as Repro mainly as they are the easiest things lost and there are FAR TOO MANY people making Repro Parts... UNLESS You are buying MINT IN BOX / ON CARD for ANY Collectable - Always Treat parts as Repro!!! I have seen Optimus Prime Trailer Parts claimed to be Original... But those parts are NEAR IMPOSSIBLE to verify!!! And I have been trying to get as close to as I can after being lucky enough to find a fully boxed but slightly damaged Optimus Prime (Original 1980's) for my son in a Charity Shop (I offered more than they asked for it as I knew it was worth more than they were charging me!!! But they still sold it me for only £15... Once I opened the box and found it had almost everything except some parts in the trailer - I knew I should have paid at least £30!!!) The only way of being sure the Parts are Genuine - YOU NEED THE ORIGINAL TRAILER! The Parts have NO IDENTIFIERS!!!! Same with Star Wars bits... There are NO Identifying Markings - END OF! Conclusion - I still understand your worries! Sadly, With Weapons and Accessories... I stand by what I said above... Unless you are buying MINT - Chances are they are fake!!! Don't ever buy Loose Weapons and accessories!!! As for the Repro Debate - I think Smithlord will be OK as long as he makes some minor changes... His works good but as someone has already sold a Yak Face as Genuine, He does need to do something to make his work more distinguishable! It wont STOP the problem... Scalpers will always con someone.. But He can make their lives that little bit harder! The Copyright on the cards - I was thinking about that as you showed it on your video... I was wondering if he could change anything there... But the Most obvious answer is actually ON THAT CARD!!! Only a few of the Tri-Logo Figures came with the BARCODE on the FRONT of the package... Now a Collector will know exactly WHICH these were... I dont remember them all but I only had 3 that had a Front Barcode... All the others were on the Rear! The Tri-Logo Vader was 100% on the rear of the card!!! So, ALL his Repros have the Barcode ON THE FRONT! One Simple change that is NOT out of place as some did anyway... But as it was only SOME it makes his Repros Distinct if they are ALL LIKE THAT! Another one... In fact, I could probably do this... A Kenner / Palitoy style Logo but HIS NAME? Look good and fits the style!!! Kind of like what Funko have done with the Reflexive Action Figure Customs! The Reflexive Logo is 100% Kenner Styled but their name!!! That will at least destroy one market for Scalpers!

Fanboys be triggered. It's not the job of toy creators to differentiate. They will tell people straight up they're repros. It's not their job to police the lowlifes who try to pawn off replications as genuine

I buy clone and storm trooper bootlegs from china. They must of got their hands on a old mold or damage mold and retooled the mold. I have personally saved hundreds on troop building thanks to bootlegs.

You are dressed like you should be in line for the opening of Independence Day in 1996

You should get the third side Paul Harrison from JediTempleArchives 😀

Chris does great work!!

The newer one looks a little too detailed compared to the older one and Luke's face and hair looks slightly different I can see why you think it's a fake

I used to feel the same way about reproductions, but scalpers and unethical toy merchants have changed my mind. I think what Chris is doing is necessary and ultimately inevitable. I still understand wanting to keep things original, but even the Colosseum in Rome has had repairs made, and walls reinforced. Even old damaged masterpieces are restored so they can be appreciated again. Ultimately these toys are like works of art, and in the long run we'll have more examples of the art was like and more may survive far into the future for others to appreciate and enjoy. At least that's my hope.

great video and i enjoyed it junkman

Agree with you he’s like an art forger

MICHAEL at Retroblasting

If I had $200 and my choice between these two figures....I would buy the Smithlord figure...because the Kenner release has aged so badly...he looks like crap. Why would I want to display a figure that looks like crap?

Wait, didn't I just watch this video a few hours ago?

I understand your point of view but it's just like anything else it's a copy of something that gives an opportunity to someone who can't find or afford to pay what it would cost for a vintage figure for someone to buy one that is reproduced by someone that is honestly not trying to pass it off as an originalfor the most part I think it's a nice representation of what the original is and what it would look like if it were produced today from the actual brand product

Dang..., where'd my comment go? :)

They are a bit pricey so nope im good have my original luke pof stormtrooper

While you might not have a problem with the custom figure it looks real enough to fool someone new into collecting who might not know the Han Solo in Stormtrooper armor was never a figure.

Retro goodness 👍👍

I've relied heavily on repro parts over the years to complete stuff. I'm all for it and fuck the market, dealers are too greedy and it needs harming. I don't collect Star Wars, I collect other things and always did my homework, it's all about honesty as well. I don't intend on selling any of my collection, but if I did I would list what was repro or not. Most repro stuff is better quality than the original stuff these days,especially with Corgi repros.

if hasbro did it well, we shouldn t have to deal with custom and repro. but hasbro don t care much

Why are you spending even any energy worrying on behalf of other people, who may or may not be ripped off or something? If this stuff is really that close, then does it even matter. Also why do you think Smith Lord needs to be obligated to protect potential buyers of genuine vintage toys. Why would Smith Lord be concerned with making unique differences. Just because that’s what you think is fairer, it doesn’t mean the Smith Lord needs to be concerned with that. That is not what these repros are about. IMO the world would be a better place if people didn’t get “outraged” on behalf of other people, that actually may or may not even care in the end.

I want them but they seem to expensive for a reproduction.

Hey delete this one mate as people can see your address on the packaging !! There are some wierdos out there and I'm a dad too !!!

Junkman 😁

Your secret identity is safe with me ;)

if you dont like repo dont buy it. why Ryan Johnston it for the rest of us? if you dont mind dropping $100 for a tiny piece of plastic be my guest. personally if i am going to buy a repo it has to be of the highest quality and look indistinguishable from the real thing. exact shape color markings everything a dead ringer for the real deal at a reduced price is fine with me. fact is no matter what your hobby or interest there will be reproduction if a dollar can be made creating a knockoff someone will produce it. be it toys, antique furniture,money,paintings, cars...yes cars you name it, if there is money to be made someone is knocking it off. junkman, why are you so worried about the guy who buys your junk after you pass on? by that time no one will care about this stuff anymore and the reproduction game will have moved on to other things. by that time no one will care if its real or not it will all be just old plastic.

If they aren't the real deal, I have NO use for them. I feel the same way about boobs. 😉

To be honest.....Smith Lord is walking on thin ice. Yeah I love all his stuff but.........He's promoting them on numerous youtube channels. They are still bootlegs. When Disney lawyers get wind of it they're gonna crucify him. Refer to the Shepperton Design Studios vs. Lucasfilm case. Love your channel btw Junkman!!!!!

2nd

I'm going to say one thing....If you were a kid, you wouldn't be able to play with those repros. That Luke figure's joints are about to pop out and you just took it out of the box. You didn't really comment on it, but you can tell the legs are about to pop out, too. So, for collectability, definitely not good. And for playing....Pathetic! The only thing I would say these would be good for would be modern kids being able to play with them. And seem cheaper than those bootleg Micronauts the convenience stores used to sell that would fall apart in the car. I would feel bad letting a kid have one of these things.