Kenner and Hasbro
Figure Collecting 
The Classic Kenner Figures (1978-1985)
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Star Wars figure
collecting began in 1978 with 12 original figures, now known in the collectors
market as "12 backs" (this is because on the back of their cardboard boxes, the
original 12 figures were shown). 21 figures were produced for the first movie
(the last being Boba Fett, who wasn't in Star Wars). After "Empire", Kenner
manufactured many more figures. "Return of the Jedi" produced more figures until
the "Power of the Force" line ended in 1985. For more info on collecting Star Wars figures, click on The SW Collecting FAQ. |
Power of the Force / Classic Edition(1995-2000)In 1995, Kenner launched a new "Power of the Force" figure collection. The original release had 9 figures: Luke, Han, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Obi-Wan, and a very late Leia. These were all new molds with new weapons. New ships were also released. These were replicas of the old ones, with new detailing and sound effects. New ships have also been released, several using the same molds as the originals. Others, like the AT-AT use a similar mold design, but are superior. Kenner decided to change the card design several times over the 95-2000, causing there to be several versions of each figure. First, there were the red cards. Then, the green cards, Then holograms were added to the green cards. Next, there were "freeze-frames" slides. The last version was the "Classic Edition". The final batch of this line also has comm-chips which talk, like the Episode One figures. For photos of many of these figures, visit the Rebelscum Photo archive.
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Wuher the Cantina bartender on a green POF Card
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Episode One (1999-2000)
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Episode One figures arrived in stores about three weeks before the movie
opened in May 1999. Many stores opened at 12:01 AM to a line of raving
collectors who stormed into the store to pillage the shelves! Many people were
unable to pick up their favorite character, Darth Maul, because he was such a
quick sell-out. Thirteen figures were released in the first "wave". A second wave
followed shortly after, which featured Mace Windu. The third wave, featuring Yoda and R2D2 . Hottest figure in this assortment
was the Destroyer Droid, as well as
Queen Amidala in Ceremonial Gown, and the Tattoine resculpt of Darth Maul. The
Yoda in this wave shipped for 6 months without an "Episode One" on its
front. This was later corrected. Episode One figures seemed to sit on the pegs in the latter
half of 2000. Boss Nass and Jar Jar could not be given away. Even priced at
$1.99 these figures were still sitting on the pegs months after being
discontinued!
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| Power of the Jedi
(2000-2002) With the demise of the Episode One figures came the renamed "Power of the Jedi" line. The cards are very similar to the "Power of the Force" line, but now clearly illustrate that this line contains sculpts from both the new and classic trilogy. These figures are more detailed and more posable than their older cousins, and usually contain really cool accessories. Also included was a "Jedi Force File" booklet with each figure which has a detailed history of the character. Some great figures are contained in this line: Porkins, Chewbacca Mechanic, Darth Vader Dagobah, Coruscant Guard, Aurra Sing, FX-7, IG-88 (12 inch too!), and Shmi Skywalker.
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Power of the Jedi carded Coruscant Guard
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Episode Two "Blue Line" (2002-2003)
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With the coming of Episode 2, Hasbro released figures on a newly designed card. This card was a basic blue tint, and has the Jedi hands (Luke's?) holding the lightsaber up graphic. Hasbro also released figures from the classic trilogy on these cards as well.
The new figures in this line contained more accessories than previous lines, and were much more detailed. Only figures released on the first day had a paper backdrop inserted into the rear of the card. The rare paper-backing figures fetch more money from collectors. This line consisted primarily of Episode Two figures, but also had figures from the classic trilogy and Episode One. Some great figures in this line : Episode 2 Yoda, C3PO with removable armor, Clone Trooper, Count Dooku, Jango Fett, .Luke Bespin Duel, and Darth Vader Bespin Duel |
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Clone Wars (2003-2006) These are figures partially based on the Cartoon Networks original animated CLONE WARS series. . New "fantasy" sculpts of familiar characters were included in this line as well as a few new ones. The cards look similar to the blue line, but have a brown hue.
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Trilogy/Saga Line (2004-2007)
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Trilogy Han Solo |
There are two different lines of the basic figures. The "standard" is pictured at left. These are re-releases of sculpts of previous lines in new packaging that resembles the original Kenner line. There is a very large bubble that the figure sits in, and a backdrop is provided. Then there is the "classic" look. Hasbro is releasing 12 figures in replicas of their original packaging. The front of the card is basically the same. The figure is a new resculpt of the original figure. They are very high-quality, and are full posable. The back of the card is different from the originals, as Kenner is not allowed to product exact replicas. These figures will be more expensive, basically at $10 per figure. They ship in a protective plastic case (as pictured). These began shipping in summer of 2004. The Trilogy Collection was later renamed the Saga Collection - card was almost identical to Trilogy design. The "Classic Trilogy" is not discontinued as of 2007... |
Classic Trilogy Luke Skywalker |
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Episode 3 (2005-2006) To celebrate the last Star Wars movie, Kenner redesigned the figure box. It featureed an illustrated Vader mask surrounded by flames. The "bubble" was quite large. I really like the design of this line with the exception of the lame Darth Vader illustration behind the figure. It is too juvenile - by using an actual marketing photo of an actor in the suit, the box would have appealed to kids as well as collectors. There were over 55 figures in this wave released in 1995. |
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30th Anniversary Line (2007-???)
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To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original release of Star Wars, Hasbro has released a new line of Star Wars toys. The card has been radically designed into a cool new no-so-square shape. Every figure comes with a collector coin. Many new types of figures are being designed, including figures based off of Ralph McQuarrie prototype designs. |
Read the Star Wars Collecting FAQ! (old but good)
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