Friday, January 8, 2021

The Dark Crystal: Kira




Muppets creator Jim Henson never rested on his laurels.  He constantly pushed what puppets could do and be.

He pioneered multi-operator puppets, full body puppets worn by a performers and even electronic assisted puppets.

His imagination knew no bounds and his studio was known for its high quality work and craftsmanship.

Jim Henson and his staff not only created unique puppets but also incredible practical effects and groundbreaking film techniques.

In the early 1980s Jim Henson Productions created, produced and premiered their first, full-length, all puppet cast movie.

One of the key players in the movie was the Elfling Kira-a small, delicate but fiercely lay and strong female character that lived in a world populated by all sorts of unusual and terrifying creatures.

Sideshow Collectibles created two 12-inch figures based on the Henson film: The Dark Crystal: Kira being one of the two figures.

Upon opening the Sideshow flip lid box you immediately see the Kira figure.  Her clothing and sculpt really captures the delicate but strong persona of Kira as seen in the film.

Kira’s sculpt duplicate the look of the female Elfling to perfection and her gossamer clothing practically floats on her body.  A slight breeze causes the outfit to move and flutter.

The box is decorated with a reproduction of The Dark Crystal movie poster and a similar design theme runs around and in the box.  

Inside the flip open panel are the movie credits and on the opposite side Kira and her accessories are secured in a plastic cocoon with plastic strips and protected by a clear viewing panel.

Kira's head is slightly elongated with large blue eyes, a small flat nose, delicate red pursed lips, large pointed ears and a round face.

She has long blond hair, most of which lays down her back.  Two long pigtails drape over her chest in the front.  Each pigtail has a fabric tie at the end.

She wears a long light green dress with long sleeves.  Overlaying the dress is a slightly darker green, translucent, gossamer apron the opens in the front and drapes to the floor.  Long neck ties of the same material drape from her neck.

On the front of her dress, chest high, is a stitched raised pattern with several turquoise beads weaved into the fabric.  A similar raised fabric pattern is on her apron and the apron’s tie at the waist has several turquoise beads.

Loose strands of cloth from both the dress and vest hang at her waist.  She also wears a light brown cape with hood fastened at her neck.

Kira has long fingers on her pale hands and she has large bare feet of a similar complexion.  

The articulated figure comes with a base decorated with the The Dark Crystal logo along with a wire support.

Included with the figure is Kira’s fuzzy round pet.  It has a carapace face with small beady black eyes, a brown canine nose and a large mouth that swings open to reveal a large row of teeth.  Small feet peek out from underneath its fur.

It is a remarkable figure recreating one Jim Henson’s most recognizable movie figures.


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