Product Review: Regal Robot Archive Collection Max Rebo Concept Maquette Replica

Let’s be honest, that did not last long. After obtaining the Droopy McCool Signature Edition concept maquette, I had spent what felt like hours, staring at this amazing piece. I had since placed it in a simple display case to keep the dust off it. I say simple, it was a click and assemble case for the moment. I want to upgrade the case to something that resembled more the Master Replicas cases to match the plaque that the model comes with. However, I suddenly realised that I might want to pause that upgrade in case I got more of these outstanding models, I would want cases that matched. I didn’t realise just how soon I would be getting my next model.

As I said in my first review, these pieces are not easy to get this side of the pond. Thankfully, the Facebook group Regal Robot Fans and Collector Showcase is full of collectors who are friendly and will go out of their way to aid you. While I was looking for a Phil Tippet signature edition of any maquette that he had signed, I knew what my eight-year-old daughter really wanted: Max Rebo. You can tell from the title of the review who won that particular battle. I wish I could say I was able to obtain a signature version of this maquette, which coincidentally enough was Phil Tippett signing and would have met both mine and my daughters wants, but alas the stars didn’t quite align for that. To be fair, it was a Star Wars Celebration exclusive with only eighty-three made!

With slim pickings in the UK, I seized on the chance to get the numbered edition from someone selling their numbered copy. As a bonus, they had had a custom plaque made that was signed by Simon Williamson, the puppeteer for Max Rebo in Return of the Jedi. A rather unique addition which made up for the fact it wasn’t the Phil Tippett signed version. I’m sure I’d find one eventually. With my money sent, I awaited eagerly for my next concept maquette to arrive.

How I adore next day delivery. Opening the outer packaging, I took the Regal Robot box out and couldn’t help but still be quietly impressed with the box and packaging. Simple, plain and does the job that a box is designed for: safe transportation of the maquette. I know packaging can impress but I don’t have the space to display boxes. I always feel a little disheartened when putting boxes from the likes of Hot Toys in the attic when it is clear so much time and effort has been spent on the packaging. Regal Robot keep their attention where it’ll matter most the product itself.

With the box open, I found the certificate of authenticity from Regal Robot, the plaques and Max himself. Like with Droopy, a grin was instantly on my face. I perhaps knew this model better than the Droopy one and this is instantly recognisable. This could be due to the red balls and the fact that Max is so memorable, whatever the reason I was just as awed as I had been with the first model. Max is quite a bit bigger than Droopy, something I hadn’t really thought about when purchasing him. Going through Regal Robot’s website I realised Droopy was one of the smallest of the set! Max has a real presence to him, just as much as Droopy. I think it helps that his eyes are looking straight at you, there’s a vulnerability there that the statue captures perfectly. The sculpting here (for someone who hasn’t held the actual model) seems to be spot on from the phots and videos I’ve seen, and the replication is flawless. I can imagine the tools that Phil used that went into creating this, that’s how close the copy is.

With Max being predominantly blue, the rest of the paint work is really evident on him. The reds, the beige/brown colour on his sides, it really makes you think that these details were added by the legend that is Phil Tippett. Even without the extra plaque, just the numbered one gives this a museum quality. The fact it closely matches my Master Replica lightsabers is just a bonus, although I need to find some way to let these be displayed close to each other.

I placed the model on a shelf and didn’t say anything to Ember. When she next came into the study it took all of two seconds for her to notice the change and her face lit up! “Daddy, you got him!” She was very excited and even that alone made getting my next maquette so soon worth it. She was beside herself and was fascinated by it, looking, just like me, at all the intricate details.

I have the bug. Two down and I’m already giddy with joy. These concept maquettes are incredible. Max just further expands on what I love about the Droopy model. It certainly doesn’t replace it and I’m glad to have both in my collection. I think Max is a bit more recognisable, a bit easier on the eyes. The size also helps as you can see a lot clearer why these things command such a cost. I don’t regretting getting either. If you have the chance to add Max to your collection, I would certainly seize it with both hands! Now my daughter has been sated, it’s time to find a Tippett Signature edition.