# Galactic Samurai Figurines This Darth Vader Samurai is a Deadly Assassin By M | Published 2014-06-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darth-vader-samurai References: [nerdapproved](http://nerdapproved.com/approved-products/this-is-the-darth-vader-samurai-figure-weve-always-wanted/) & [kotaku](http://kotaku.com/the-darth-vader-samurai-figure-we-all-deserve-1590368180) Designer Takayuki Takeya recently created this wonderful Darth Vader Samurai figurine that creatively combines Star Wars with the culture of martial arts. This intergalactic statue, titled the 'Movie Realization Samurai General Darth Vader,' takes Darth Vader's iconic costume seen in the [Star Wars saga](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-x-citizen-rebel-starfighter-boxed-set) and gives it a super cool Samurai makeover. While Darth Vader still looks relatively the same in this figurine, his infamous black robe has been substituted for an armored breast plate. Darth Vader's breathing mask has also been cleverly adapted to look like a warrior helmet. The best part is Darth Vader's [red Lightsaber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pink-soldier-saber) has been redesigned to look like a sharp sword. While this figurine won't be released until the winter, it's fair to say this Darth Vader Samurai figurine is a pretty [cool collectible item](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-toys-2). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Crossover Collectibles:** The popularity of combining different cultural icons in figurines presents an opportunity for designers to create unique and highly sought-after collectibles. - **Character Makeovers:** Giving iconic characters a new spin through creative makeovers provides an opportunity for designers to tap into fan nostalgia while attracting new audiences. - **Martial Arts Fusion:** Blending martial arts elements with popular culture creates a fresh and unique aesthetic that appeals to fans of both genres. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can capitalize on the trend of crossover collectibles by creating limited edition figurines that combine popular characters from different franchises. - **Pop Culture Merchandise:** The demand for character makeovers opens up new opportunities for companies to produce merchandise that appeals to fans of the original characters as well as collectors who appreciate the creative twist. - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can explore the fusion of martial arts and popular culture to create visually striking pieces that resonate with both art enthusiasts and fans of the respective franchises. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plastic Sci-Fi Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artfx-boba-fett.md) - [Dark Sci-Fi Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darc-sport.md) - [Motion-Activated Sci-Fi Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hasbro-2.md) - [Sci-Fi Franchise-Inspired Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-collection-2.md) - [Chrome-Colored Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-toys-1.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Classical Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sen-donnan.md) - [Movie-Inspired Digi-Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-tamagotchi.md) - [LED-Powered Laser Swords](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-series-obiwan-kenobi-force-fx-elite-lightsaber.md) - [Sci-Fi Series-Themed Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hasbro-3.md)