We've talked before about the heartbreaking loss of all the cool stuff Palisades had planned for their Muppets line. Well, prepare to feel the pain again, because today we have another wretched example.
This one is made only slightly better by the fact that it is a completely handmade custom display piece. While it might have been scratch-built by one amazing fan, Palisades did have something similar in the works at one point. Would it have been as awesome as this? Maybe not: if you look around on that site, you'll see that the same guy also improved the already-quite-awesome Backstage Playset, so it's inconceivable that what Palisades delivered would live up to this custom.
But really, isn't that how it always works? The things we imagine can never live up to reality, so in our heads there's some Platonic ideal of what the Muppet Theatre Playset would have been, had Palisades been able to push it out; this custom will make you ache for what might have been. Take a deep breath before you go, and prepare for a piece that might just bring a tear to your eye.
I have 2 Ikea DeTolf display cases chock full of Palisades Muppets in the kids' rec room- all the Palisades dioramas and most all of the Muppets are in there- even club exclusives like Jim Hensen and Super Grover. The crown on top over the 2 cases is a wood pirate ship I scored for $8 at Target which holds on the Muppet pirate figures. Seeing the pic you posted just has me floored. After I model up a Castle Greyskull for my Classics MotUs I'm gonna start sawing away and tackle the Muppet Theatre next...better yet I'll make sure my boyz take woodshop in High School!
Seriously.... that is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.
What even more impressive is that its entirely based on the sketch/es for the one Ken/Palisades were planning. Can you even imagine....
The Muppets line remains one of THE greatest toy series' of all time and will always rank up there at the top. Truly remarkable what all they were able to do.
I miss Palisades and Ken Lilly
Hooooo-lee crap! That is amazing! Every inch of it a beauty!
So, who wants to help me drive to Vancouver so we can steal this?