Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess 2-1B.
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The next two cards from the weekly Topps Star Wars Living Set are now out. Featuring the iconic blue starfield and the impressive artwork of Kris Penix, check out Even Piell (#161) and 2-1B Droid (#162). Each Tuesday, two new cards will be released and be only available for one week. Click here to view the entire Star Wars Living archive, including individual print runs.
In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.
Today we revisit 2-1B. Too-Onebee (2-1B) received a name change. But more noticeable is the significant orange wash the card art received for the Trilogo card back. The crop of the character is also different. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 2-1B figure HERE.
Hasbro, you have treated 6″ collectors very well with the four-decade celebration of 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope. The collection of vintage Kenner-inspired card backs was an interesting take for The Black Series line, but it worked out well because collectors bought them up. Sadly, you provided 3.75″ super-articulated collectors with a paltry line of 3.75″ Titanium figures that were both terrible and a slap in the face. So, can we ask you to do something special for us for 2020, please? (more….)
2-1B • The Empire Strikes Back • 1981
Welcome to another one of our JTA Presents: Evolutions features! Let’s check out how close or far we are from having an ideal Hasbro 3.75″ 2-1B action figure. Have we arrived at definitive status yet? Weigh in and let us know what conclusion you’ll come to by clicking through and adding your two cents in the comments!
Our “You Bespin Me Round (Like A Record)” marathon of the Star Wars Series 4 Vintage Kenner Mini Action Figures has concluded. If you need to catch up on any of them, all you need to do is click any thumbnail below, and it will take you to the archive. We’d once again like to thank you for your participation. Recounting all of your childhood memories with these unequaled action figures and sharing the wonderful experiences you’ve all had with them is priceless. Please keep adding to the discussions! Also, please begin to prepare yourselves for more as we dive into September’s “Pilots, Commanders And Droids! Oh My!” marathon where we look at the Series 5 figures. These reviews will focus on the Kenner action figures from the third batch of The Empire Strikes Back line.
Our “You Bespin Me Round (Like A Record)” marathon concludes with the medical droid 2-1B. It’s another favorite to those who grew up with the vintage Kenner line. Relive your memories of this classic 1981 action figure in our Research Droids Reviews today. Be sure to add your own experiences to the conversation! Reminisce your own childhood stories of this figure in our comments. Share your life-changing vintage Kenner adolescent experiences with us!
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