Retro Toys- part one:

 

The Kenner Star Wars action figure line, produced from 1977 to 1985, is a cornerstone of toy history and a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate collectors worldwide. When George Lucas granted Kenner the license to produce toys based on his upcoming space fantasy film, Star Wars (now known as Star Wars: A New Hope), few could have predicted the unprecedented success that would follow.

Faced with an unexpectedly massive demand after the movie's release, Kenner innovatively offered an "Early Bird Certificate Package" in 1977. This mail-away program allowed eager fans to secure the first four action figures: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2.

In 1978, the first wave of twelve 3.75-inch figures hit the shelves, establishing a new standard for action figure size and articulation. These initial characters included iconic heroes and villains like Darth Vader, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a Stormtrooper. Over the next seven years, Kenner released a total of 96 unique action figures, along with numerous vehicles and playsets, based on the original trilogy: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

The Kenner line was revolutionary for its time, bringing beloved characters to life in a tangible form that allowed children (and adults) to recreate the epic adventures from the films. The figures, with their simple yet effective five points of articulation, became a staple of childhood for a generation.

As the Star Wars saga continued, so did the Kenner line, introducing new characters and evolving packaging. The "Power of the Force" line in 1985 marked the end of the original Kenner run. By then, over 300 million units had been sold, cementing the figures' place in toy history.

Most Valuable and Sought After Figures

The vintage Kenner Star Wars figures are highly collectible, with certain rare variations and prototypes fetching astronomical prices at auction. Several factors contribute to a figure's value, including its rarity, condition, packaging (if still sealed), and any unique features or errors.

Here are some of the most valuable and sought-after Kenner Star Wars figures:

 * Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype: Considered the "holy grail" of Star Wars collectibles, this figure from 1979 was never released to the public due to safety concerns. Prototypes with the firing mechanism intact are exceptionally rare, with one example selling for over $1.3 million in 2024.

 * Early Bird Certificate Package: An unopened and complete Early Bird package from 1977, containing the mail-away certificate and display stand, can command prices well over $100,000.

 * Double-Telescoping Lightsaber Figures (Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi): The earliest versions of these figures featured lightsabers with two telescoping pieces. This design was quickly changed to a single-piece lightsaber, making the double-telescoping versions extremely rare and valuable, often selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

 * Vinyl Cape Jawa: The initial release of the Jawa figure featured a vinyl cape, which was later replaced with a cloth cape. The vinyl cape version is significantly rarer and can fetch substantial sums, especially in mint condition.

 * Blue Snaggletooth (Cantina Adventure Set): This figure, initially only available in the Sears Cantina Adventure Playset, featured a tall, blue version of the character, unlike the later, more accurate red version released on a single card. Mint-in-box blue Snaggletooth figures are highly prized.

 * Vlix (Droids Line): Released in 1985 as part of the Droids animated series tie-in line, the Vlix figure was primarily available internationally and was never widely released in the United States. Its obscurity makes it highly sought after by completist collectors.

 * Canadian Exclusive Figures: Certain figures, like Anakin Skywalker from the "Power of the Force" line, were released exclusively in Canada, adding to their rarity and value in other markets.

The enduring appeal of the Kenner Star Wars figures lies in their connection to a beloved saga and their status as iconic pieces of toy history. For collectors, these figures represent a tangible link to a galaxy far, far away and a cherished part of their childhoods.