Star Wars Action Figure Photography Weaves Tales from the War Zone

Matthew Callahan is a US Marine Corps combat correspondent. He recently started a photo series that he calls Galactic Warfighters. Set in the Star Wars universe, Galactic Warfighters features action figures of ground troops, specifically the clone troopers. Each picture is accompanied by a brief quote from the subject or a sober description of the scene, as if from a journalist.

Speaking with io9, Matthew said that the accompanying texts are based on real stories: “The vignettes I write about these photographs reflect a myriad of experiences and hardships real men and women I’ve known in the service have encountered before, no matter how big or small.”

At the same time, Matthew also means for Galactic Warfighters to be an extension of how, as children, we tend to inject life to our toys when playing with them. With the series’ matter-of-fact perspective and mundane or profoundly sad topics, Matthew intends to further add depth to these fictional characters, who are often portrayed as awe-inspiring warriors. You can follow the series on Matthew’s website or Instagram page.

Clone Commander Wolffe drags a wounded clone out of a kill zone after being ambushed by separatist forces. #starwars #toyphotography #wolffe #clonetrooper #action #killzone #wounded #toyslagram #toys #sideshowcollectibles

A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 20, 2015 at 9:34am PST

A recreation of an iconic image made by combat photographer Lucian Read out the battle of Fallujah, Iraq in 2004. 1st Sgt. Bradley Kasal being carried by his Marines out of the “Hell House.” #marines #starwars #toyphotography #usmc #fallujah #iraq #clonewars A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 28, 2015 at 6:12am PST

Pop Smoke: A scout trooper blazes through red smoke used to designate a landing zone. The trooper was moving to establish an outer cordon with the rest of his platoon on Endor. #starwars #scouttrooper #toyphotography #motion #speederbike #endor

A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 27, 2015 at 12:53pm PST

Fast Rope: Clone troopers with the 212th Attack Battalion conduct fast rope drills alongside the 501st battalion ahead of a six-month deployment to the Utapau system. The Battalion will be assigned to the 5th Republic Army Battle Group to conduct combat operations against separatist forces. #toyphotography #starwars #military #gunship #deployment #clonewars A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 24, 2015 at 11:01am PST

Scars. A reflection of the fatigue and doubt troopers may have when faced with back-to-back deployments to a combat zone. #toyphotography #starwars #clonetrooper #portrait #justanothertoygroup

A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 23, 2015 at 4:59am PST

Combat Camera Troopers: To provide senior Republic government officials with a directed imagery capability in support of strategic, operational and planning requirements during wartime operations, Galaxy-wide crises, contingencies, joint exercises and xenomentarian operations. #starwars #clonewars #combatcamera #military #toyphotography #meta A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 13, 2015 at 1:26pm PST

Backblast Area CLEAR! Advanced Recon and Airborne Commandos fire a Mk 153 shoulder-fired multi-purpose assault weapon during joint weapons system familiarization training. The projectile explosive weapon is used to bust tanks and bunkers for light infantry. The troopers worked together as gunners and assistant gunners to get used to operating in the same environment together for future operations. #starwars #clonewars #toyphotography #SMAW #Marines #dyegb #specialforces

A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Nov 9, 2015 at 11:21am PST

Portrait of a galactic war fighter: The men fighting next to me are literally the only family I have. They’re the only family I’ve ever had. I think that’s liberating. #starwars #clonewars #toyphotography #portrait #sideshowtoy #sideshow A photo posted by Matthew Callahan (@galactic_warfighters) on Oct 22, 2015 at 4:53pm PDT