Sideshow Collectibles | Product Release
In a testament to his versatility and technical expertise, costume designer Sam Salman’s work has been featured in an unexpected arena: high-end collectible statues. Sideshow Collectibles, the premier manufacturer of premium pop culture collectibles, has credited Salman for costume fabrication on their exclusive Shao Kahn on Throne statue from the iconic Mortal Kombat franchise.
A $1,500 Masterpiece
The Shao Kahn on Throne statue represents the pinnacle of collectible artistry, retailing at $1,499.99 as a Sideshow Exclusive limited to just 100 editions worldwide. This massive 1:3 scale collectible brings to life one of gaming’s most iconic villains in stunning detail, featuring the ruthless Konqueror seated upon his throne, ready to crush anyone who threatens his conquest of Earthrealm.
The Creative Team
Salman joins an elite creative team assembled by Pop Culture Shock Collectibles for this definitive Mortal Kombat piece:
Artists:
- Jerry Macaluso (Sculpt)
- Justin McMillan (Sculpt)
- Sam Salman (Costume Fabrication)
- Nathan Eakins (Paint)
- Steve Ceragioli (Paint)
This collaboration brings together sculptors, painters, and costume fabricators to create a collectible that transcends typical statue production, incorporating richly detailed mixed media elements that elevate the piece beyond simple polystone casting.
Costume Fabrication Meets Collectibles
Salman’s involvement in costume fabrication for a collectible statue represents an innovative crossover between traditional costume design and the collectibles industry. While costume designers typically work with full-scale garments for film, television, and live performance, this project required adapting those skills to create miniaturized costume elements that maintain authenticity and detail at 1:3 scale.
The Shao Kahn character presents unique fabrication challenges. As the Emperor of Outworld, his costume combines elements of fantasy armor, gladiatorial aesthetics, and supernatural regalia. The mixed media approach—incorporating actual fabric and materials rather than relying solely on painted resin—creates a more authentic representation that collectors prize.
Premium Collectible Features
The Sideshow Exclusive edition includes special swap-out elements that demonstrate the attention to detail throughout the production:
- Swap-Out Unmasked Portrait: Revealing the face beneath the iconic helmet
- Swap-Out Hand Holding Onaga Head: A reference to deeper Mortal Kombat lore, showing Shao Kahn’s conquest of the Dragon King
These interchangeable elements allow collectors to customize their display, choosing between different iconic representations of the character.
The Mortal Kombat Legacy
The statue captures a defining moment from Mortal Kombat lore, as described in the product description:
“Shao Kahn, the Konqueror, is as ruthless as he is powerful. Reigning over the denizens of Outworld for centuries, he now sets his sights on Earthrealm. The rules of Mortal Kombat forbid him from taking Earthrealm by force, so he sends his underlings, Shang Tsung and Prince Goro, to defeat Earthrealm’s defenders, watching over the brutal tournament from his throne ready to step in and crush anyone who may pose a real threat to his agenda.”
Creating costume elements that honor this legendary character while working at a reduced scale requires both technical skill and deep understanding of the source material—exactly the kind of challenge that appeals to Salman’s artistic sensibilities.
Pop Culture Shock Collectibles
Pop Culture Shock Collectibles (PCS) has built a reputation for producing some of the most detailed and sought-after gaming collectibles in the industry. Their Mortal Kombat line represents a particular point of pride, with each piece designed to be “the definitive Mortal Kombat piece of the year.”
For PCS to tap Salman for costume fabrication underscores his growing reputation not just in entertainment production, but across creative industries where attention to detail and authentic materials matter.
Companion Pieces
The Shao Kahn on Throne statue joins a broader Mortal Kombat collection from PCS, including 1:10 scale statues of:
- Kung Lao ($220)
- Johnny Cage ($205)
- Kitana ($205)
- Reptile ($165)
While these companion pieces are produced at a smaller scale, they demonstrate PCS’s commitment to creating a comprehensive collection of characters from the franchise, with consistent quality and attention to detail across the line.
Limited Edition Collectible Market
The limited edition of 100 pieces positions this statue in the ultra-premium collectibles market. These limited runs create immediate collectibility while ensuring each piece maintains value in the secondary market. For artists and fabricators involved in such projects, association with successful limited editions enhances professional reputation within collector communities.
The $1,500 price point reflects not just the size and complexity of the piece, but the quality of materials, the skill of the artists involved, and the exclusivity of the limited edition. Collectors investing at this level expect museum-quality craftsmanship—exactly what Salman’s costume fabrication expertise helps deliver.
Expanding Creative Boundaries
Salman’s work on the Shao Kahn statue demonstrates the expanding opportunities for costume designers and fabricators beyond traditional entertainment productions. The collectibles industry—encompassing statues, figures, prop replicas, and wearable costumes—represents a significant and growing market where skills in costume design, fabrication, and materials expertise directly translate.
This project also showcases Salman’s versatility. His portfolio now includes:
- Major film productions (The Fabelmans, Ad Astra, First Man)
- Hit television series (Euphoria, Star Trek: Picard, Outer Range)
- Live spectacular events (Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show)
- High-profile cultural ceremonies (Global Fine Art Awards)
- Premium collectible statues (Mortal Kombat: Shao Kahn)
Few costume designers can claim such diverse experience across so many different applications of their craft.
Technical Innovation in Miniature
Working at 1:3 scale presents unique technical challenges. Materials that work perfectly for full-scale costumes may not translate to smaller sizes. Fabrics need to drape convincingly despite reduced dimensions. Details must remain visible and authentic even when miniaturized. Hardware, closures, and structural elements must be reimagined for the scale while maintaining the aesthetic of the original design.
These challenges require problem-solving skills and material expertise—precisely the kind of hands-on fabrication knowledge that Salman developed through his comprehensive training at CalArts and his practical experience running Northern Costume.
The Sideshow Collectibles Platform
Having work featured through Sideshow Collectibles provides exposure to a global collector community. Sideshow serves as both manufacturer and retailer for premium collectibles, with a customer base that includes serious collectors, pop culture enthusiasts, and institutions building permanent displays.
The company’s marketing reach—including detailed product pages, photo galleries, social media promotion, and inclusion in their print catalogs—ensures that the artists involved in each project receive appropriate credit and visibility.
A Testament to Versatility
The Shao Kahn statue credit represents more than just another line on Salman’s résumé. It demonstrates that his costume fabrication skills translate across scales, from full-size performance costumes to collectible miniatures. It shows his ability to work collaboratively with sculptors, painters, and producers in the collectibles industry. And it proves his craftsmanship meets the exacting standards of premium limited edition collectibles, where every detail faces scrutiny from discerning collectors.
For a designer who describes himself as “a builder, a creator, a fabricator and a fastener of fashions,” this project embodies the hands-on approach that defines his work—whether creating costumes for Zendaya on Euphoria, building period pieces for Steven Spielberg, or fabricating miniature costume elements for a legendary video game villain.
About the Shao Kahn on Throne Statue Manufacturer: Pop Culture Shock Collectibles Distributor: Sideshow Collectibles Scale: 1:3 Edition Size: 100 (Sideshow Exclusive) Price: $1,499.99 Status: Sold Out
Sam Salman Designs For inquiries about costume design and fabrication services across film, television, live events, and specialty projects, visit samsalmandesigns.com or contact hello@samsalmandesigns.com.
Instagram: @samsalmandesigns Phone: 661-425-4155 Email: sam.salman777@gmail.com
