What makes a piece of plastic and resin feel like it was “torn out of the universe”? That is the question Adam Savage explores in the latest episode of Tested. He visited the legendary studios of Sideshow. There, he spoke with the team about their stunning new Sideshow Han Solo Premium Format figure. This Han Solo piece is a masterclass in sculpt and paint.
The Difficulty of Harrison Ford’s Likeness
Capturing Harrison Ford is notoriously difficult. Many artists consider his face a “white whale” of sculpting. During the interview, the Sideshow team admitted he is one of the hardest likenesses to nail. Interestingly, they noted that Indiana Jones and Han Solo cannot share the same sculpt. Even though they are the same actor, the characters carry themselves differently.
The team focuses on “lock points.” These are specific features, like Han’s signature scar, that tell the brain it is looking at the real Captain Solo. They even slightly exaggerate the volume of his 70s hair. This ensures the silhouette “reads” correctly at a smaller scale.
The Art of the Environment
The Sideshow Han Solo Premium Format isn’t just a figure; it includes a cinematic base. The team wanted to capture the “atmosphere and mood” of the Mos Eisley Cantina. To do this, they intentionally went darker with the color palette. They used heavy washes to make the architecture feel lived-in.
Adam Savage was particularly impressed by the “extra narrative” in the base. It looks like a chunk of the Star Wars galaxy. The construction and color choices fill out a beautiful vision. It creates a sense of history.
Premium Format™ Figure by Sideshow Collectibles
Pro Secrets: Weathering with Alcohol Inks
A highlight of the video is a live painting demonstration. Anthony Mestas from Sideshow showed how they achieve hyper-realistic weathering. He uses an Iwata airbrush and alcohol inks. Unlike acrylics, alcohol inks are thinner than water and evaporate instantly.
Anthony’s technique involves “broad strokes” of shading. He then uses an atomizer to spray denatured alcohol over the ink. This “breaks” the paint, causing it to pool and run naturally. This process creates organic “hard edges” that look like real oil drips or water stains.
“You’re letting the liquid do its thing,” Savage observed. “It’s like you’re creating a little ecosystem.”
The “Antler Paint” Secret
Perhaps the most surprising reveal was the use of taxidermy supplies. Anthony uses “antler paint” for deep, intense shadows. This specialized pigment is designed for staining bone and hide. It has immense amounts of pigment without a heavy binder. This allows artists to manipulate the color with water long after application.
For a project like the Sideshow Han Solo Premium Format, the work is grueling. A single master can take four to five weeks to paint. The team must produce two identical versions: a “paint master” for the factory and a “prototype” for the studio.
This deep dive shows why Sideshow remains a leader in the industry. They don’t just copy a 3D scan. They interpret the character’s soul through paint and texture. For Han Solo fans, this figure represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
The video is a must-watch for any aspiring modeler. It reminds us that “perfection” often comes from “happy accidents” and unconventional tools. Whether it is alcohol inks or taxidermy stains, the goal is the same: authenticity.
You can currently pre-order the Sideshow Han Solo Premium Format figure from Sideshow for $880.00. The piece has an expected ship date between September and December of this year.
