Tag Archives: Star Wars

The latest wave from The Vintage Collection is making its way to stores. Tonight’s Visual Guide features the long-awaited Power Droid (VC167). Click below to check out the full Visual Guide. Make sure to also visit our full review by clicking here.

It only took 41 years! But Hasbro finally got it right! The Lars’ homestead EG-6 Power Droid is finally released and part of the wonderful The Vintage Collection. An original Kenner 20-Back, Hasbro maintained its original name and card art. It’s also the final 1979 figure to be designed/released. The bottom line is that It’s BEAUTIFUL. In retrospect, the Power Droid was so simple to produce. You have to wonder what took them so long to make it. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

In Italy, Star Wars figures were released under the Harbert company label. The name of the line for the first Star Wars figures there was called Guerre Stellari. The card back didn’t vary all that much for the ones produced by Kenner, but there are obvious differences as you inspect and compare. Featured on 20-Back, the reverse side of the card features the same toy images in colored blocks made famous by Kenner, in addition to a few other related toys, including the Millennium Falcon and the X-Wing Fighter among others.

Today we revisit Power Droid. The figure wasn’t made available in the Trilogo line, so we’re representing it on the Italian Guerre Stellari packaging for our update today instead. Note the alternate card art, exclusive to this packaging. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Power Droid figure HERE.

In 1984, the new packaging design 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 Death Star Droid. The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original Kenner card image. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Death Star Droid figure HERE.

In 1984, the new packaging design 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 R5-D4. In the Trilogo line, the figure was renamed Arfive-Defour (R5-D4). The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original card image. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS R5-D4 figure HERE.

In 1984, the new packaging design 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 Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot. In the Trilogo line, the figure was renamed Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Fighter Pilot). The Trilogo card art doesn’t vary much from the original card image, save for more yellowing this time around. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot figure HERE.

In Italy, Star Wars figures were released under the Harbert company label. The name of the line for the first Star Wars figures there was called Guerre Stellari. The card back didn’t vary all that much for the ones produced by Kenner, but there are obvious differences as you inspect and compare. Featured on 20-Back, the reverse side of the card features the same toy images in colored blocks made famous by Kenner, in addition to a few other related toys, including the Millennium Falcon and the X-Wing Fighter among others.

Today we revisit Walrus Man. The figure wasn’t made available in the Trilogo line, so we’re representing it on the Italian Guerre Stellari packaging for our update today instead. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Walrus Man figure HERE.

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 Snaggletooth. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Snaggletooth figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Snaggletooth figure HERE.

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 Hammerhead. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Hammerhead figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Hammerhead figure HERE.

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 Greedo. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Greedo figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. You’ll notice that the card art for this version is significantly “darker” than the first STAR WARS version. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1979’s STAR WARS Greedo figure HERE.

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 Tusken Raider (Sand People) (Homme des Sables) which doesn’t vary much from the classic Kenner card art, except for the name. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Sand People figure HERE.

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 Han Solo. Han Solo’s Trilogo card art features an alternate image of the character with a background of the halls of the Death Star. For one strange reason or another, Kenner neglected to finish the image below Han Solo’s wast, resulting in a “pink underwear” reveal. The artists at Kenner “airbrushed” the bottom half of the character that didn’t exist in the original publicity shot. Most of the background is “fake” and also part of the “airbrushing” technique of the early eighties. It was also used for the running change American Kenner Return Of The Jedi figure. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Han Solo figure HERE.

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 Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi. Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi’s Trilogo card art features an alternate “portrait style” image of the character with a background of the Millennium Falcon inside of the Death Star. The artists at Kenner “airbrushed” the bottom third of the character and added a lit lightsaber that didn’t exist in the original publicity shot. Most of the background is “fake” and also part of the “airbrushing” technique of the early eighties. It was also used for the running change American Kenner Return Of The Jedi figure. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi figure HERE.

In 1983, Mexico’s Lily Ledy toy company released a line of Return Of The Jedi action figures under the La Guerra De Las Galaxias: El Regreso Del Jedi line look. This range of Lily Ledy Star Wars figures is exciting for two specific reasons. Firstly, the original 1978 versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO were released in this lineup. Secondly, for each figure, Lily Ledy chose a never-before-utilized Lucasfilm reference image of the characters, and these images were used nowhere else in the Star Wars toy line (for any other company including Kenner and Palitoy). Featured on 30-Back, the reverse of the card back features hand-drawn images of the line of 30 action figures in addition to a few other related toys, including the Millennium Falcon and Jabba the Hutt.

Today we revisit See-Threepio (C-3PO). The 1978 version See-Threepio (C-3PO) was packaged for this line, and the packaging features an exclusive image of the character. Its name is See-threepio (C-3 PO) (Ci-tri-pi-o). The reference image used features a behind-the-scenes picture from The Empire Strikes Back. Lily Ledy covered up the studio equipment with airbrushed graphics, including the fakest control panel imaginable. This Lily Ledy release is the only way to obtain this unique character image on the card art. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS See-Threepio (C-3PO) figure HERE.

Yikes! We almost missed it! Happy birthday to the Creator of Star Wars. Thanks for the years of joy and all of the memories!

In 1984, a new packaging design of Star Wars packaging 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 Chewbacca. Chewbacca’s Trilogo card art features an alternate “portrait style” image of the character with a background of Endor. It was also used for the running change American Return Of The Jedi figure. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Chewbacca figure HERE.

In 1984, a new packaging design of Star Wars packaging 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 collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Princess Leia Organa. Princess Leia Organa’s Trilogo card art doesn’t deviate all that much from the standard American Kenner release. The same reference image was utilized across all lines and card backs, although its placement varies a bit. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Princess Leia Organa figure HERE.

In 1984, a new packaging design of Star Wars packaging 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 collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Luke Skywalker. Luke Skywalker’s Trilogo card art features an alternate “gunner station” image used for the running change American Return Of The Jedi figure. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1978’s STAR WARS Luke Skywalker figure HERE.

Tomorrow is May the 4th, and that means we’re going to run through the vintage Kenner action figures once again. But to change things up, we’ve added a new segment to all of them for 2020. Each figure will feature an exclusive look at the foreign card art used for non-American releases. The focus will be on Trilogo figures because many feature exclusive and gorgeous artwork and design, but you’ll also find hybrid card backs and Lily Ledy as we make our way through the line. Be here tomorrow as we restart the journey!

Some exciting new customs to share with you this week. I haven’t been able to go on any toy runs due to most places being shut down during the coronavirus scare, but alas, that gives me time to work on some customs. Click through to see them, and take the opportunity to share your weekly finds or deliveries or customs in the comments!

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While NY Toy Fair was gut-wrenching and devastating to most, the announcement of the Lars homestead EG-6 Power Droid was such incredible news for me. I was so excited it was confirmed (it’s been hinted by my sources for over a year and a half now), that I didn’t care that Hasbro phoned it in for the rest of The Vintage Collection reveals. We’ve posted nearly half a dozen front-page articles whining and moaning how Hasbro has NEVER updated the vintage Kenner Power Droid figure in the modern line. It only took them years, but I could not be happier that the modern definitive modern update to the vintage Kenner Power Droid is finally here. (Be prepared for more whining and moaning for the few others yet to be made too in the near future.) (more….)

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It’s time to check out four Large Size Action Figures from The “Vintage” Original Trilogy Collection. Let’s begin with Luke Skywalker, and don’t miss out on the vintage Kenner packaging! It’s the focus of our Research Droids Reviews today! Be sure to leave your thoughts in our comments section, vote in the poll or comment about it on our Facebook page. Click the banner below for the direct link to the review! As always, you can also send your review requests via email if you’d like to see something that we didn’t cover yet.

Esquire ranked the 40 “greatest” Star Wars characters of all time. While I can’t disagree with many of them, there are quite a few head-scratchers here, including L3-37 beating out Luke Skywalker. Check it out, and let us know your Top 10 favorites in our comments!

Tonight we are finishing up our Visual Guide updates for The Vintage Collection wave 24 with the Shadow Trooper (VC163). Click below to check out the full Visual Guide. Make sure to also stop by and check out our review of this figure if you haven’t already.

Hasbro, we have to chat. Thank you for providing us definitive updates of the Luke Skywalker (Yavin) and Princess Leia Organa (Yavin) figures. You did a fantastic job on them, and the enhancements you made to the figures are appreciated. But did you realize you produced these characters as they appeared at the very end of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope? You forgot to update these characters in their outfits at the BEGINNING of the film. We made it easy for you. We provided images of the figures you neglected to update. Click through for more!

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