Tag Archives: The Empire Strikes Back

Hasbro has released the 6″ Boba Fett many times in many different ways. Now Boba Fett is back to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. Will you add this to your collection? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

Do you remember the first 6″ Darth Vader figure that looked like Droopy Dog? Well, you can throw that monstrosity away now. Hasbro created a stunning Episode and Episode VI version of Darth Vader in The Black Series [The Empire Strikes Back 40] line, and you’re going to love it. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue moving ahead with 2004’s VOTC Yoda figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

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 (Bespin Outfit). Han Solo (Bespin Outfit)’s Trilogo card art features a slightly lighter image of the character’s card art. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) figure HERE.

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue moving ahead with 2004’s VOTC Lando Calrissian figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

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 Dengar. Dengar’s Trilogo card art features a revised crop of the interior of the Executor. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Dengar figure HERE.

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now let’s revisit the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. Let’s continue moving ahead with 2004’s VOTC See-Threepio (C-3PO) figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

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 Ugnaught. The Ugnaught’s Trilogo card art features an image with a lighter color scheme. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Ugnaught 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 Yoda. Yoda’s Trilogo card art features an alternate right-facing image used for the running change American Return Of The Jedi version of the figure. The name of the character was also changed to Yoda, The Jedi Master. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Yoda 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 Bespin Security Guard [A]. Bespin Security Guard [A]’s Trilogo card art is unique because it’s a hybrid. The front of the card looks like a standard Trilogo Return Of The Jedi figure, while the back shows all of the figures in the Trilogo line. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Bespin Security Guard [A] 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 Lando Calrissian. Lando Calrissian’s Trilogo card art is notably different than its American Kenner counterpart. The image of Lando Calrissian is horizontally flipped and they added bright orange flooding of light that covers most of the character, presumably to imitate the reflection of the orange Bespin sky. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Lando Calrissian 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 (Hoth Outfit). Han Solo (Hoth Outfit)’s Trilogo card art isn’t much different from the American Kenner packaging. The character’s name was changed to Han Solo (Hoth Battle Gear). The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) 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 Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues). Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues)’s Trilogo card art is a significant departure from the American Kenner packaging. In fact, no other vintage Star Wars card art utilizes this image except for the Trilogo version. It features an alternate take (and different pose) of the “close up” shot Kenner utilized for the running change image, and it’s also flipped 180 degrees horizontally. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) 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 IG-88 (Bounty Hunter). IG-88’s Trilogo card art is quite a departure from the American Kenner packaging. The Executor background is completely eliminated, and in its place is an all-gray backdrop. Also, they dropped “Bounty Hunter” from the character’s name. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS IG-88 (Bounty Hunter) 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 Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear). Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear)’s Trilogo card art doesn’t vary all that much from the 1980 Kenner release. The biggest difference is the revised character name. The Trilogo card back refers to this character as Rebel Soldier (Soldat Rebelle). The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear) 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 Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear). Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear)’s Trilogo card art doesn’t vary all that much from the 1980 Kenner release. There are some pink elements on the Trilogo version that aren’t present on the American version, but nothing out of the ordinary. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1980’s STAR WARS Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) 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 FX-7. FX-7 ’s Trilogo card art features a horizontally-flipped image of the character against a revised starfield gradient background. The character’s name also changed, as Kenner and related companies dropped the “Medical Droid” subtitle. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1980’s STAR WARS FX-7 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 Princess Leia Organa (Bespin Gown). Princess Leia Organa (Bespin Gown)’s Trilogo card art features the same image from the first version of the original Kenner card art, but this time the background was changed to a gradient orange and white, perhaps to give a contrasting background to Leia’s milky skin. The character’s name also changed, as Kenner and related companies attempted to standardize the way they described Star Wars characters. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting the 1980’s STAR WARS Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) figure HERE.

It seems Hasbro will not revisit Boba Fett from the ground up to give collectors an all-new figure. So, they did the next best thing and clean up the 2008 TAC The Fett Legacy Evolutions sculpt with a screen-accurate paint job and a shortened cape. It’s probably safe to say that Hasbro finally perfected (as best they could) The Vintage Collection Boba Fett (VC09) figure. We’re catching up with some previously released updated carry-forward figures in The Vintage Collection. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 100-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2019 new release in the Collector Notes. Check out this excellently updated figure in our RDRs now! There’s more difference here than you may realize. Until we get an all-new figure with a non-removable helmet, this is the next best thing!

There are a number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection Han Solo (Bespin) (VC50) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2011 version from the 2020 new release in the Collector Notes. The breakdown is that this is the best version of this action figure to date. You’ll need MANY of them! You can probably find Han Solo (Bespin) (VC50) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping to the “Fan Channel” shortly. As with many other re-released figures, there’s more difference here than you may think. The Photo Real technology worked well here.!

There have been a significant number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection See-Threepio (C-3PO) (VC06) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 68-image gallery complete with comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2020 new release. (Hasbro has released this figure every five years since 2010!) You can probably find See-Threepio (C-3PO) (VC06) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping from the “Fan Channel” shortly. As usual, there’s more difference here than you may believe, including a possible retooling that benefits the aesthetics of the head sculpt! Be sure to acclimate yourself to the many changes!

There have been a significant number of changes made to the re-released The Vintage Collection Luke Skywalker (Bespin) (VC04) figure. We took the time to break it all down for you by producing an all-new 80-image gallery. The new gallery includes comparison shots, dioramas, and a breakdown of what separates the 2010 version from the 2020 new release. (Do you believe a decade transpired in between their respective releases?) You can probably find Luke Skywalker (Bespin) (VC04) at your local TARGET and WALMART stores now. If not, orders should begin shipping from the “Fan Channel” shortly. There are more differences here than you may believe. Be sure to acclimate yourself to the many changes!

The supposed “Fan Channel-only” exclusive wave of The Vintage Collection repacked and updated with Photo Real figures including Luke Skywalker (Bespin) and See-Threepio (C-3PO), which already showed up at TARGET and weren’t supposed to, are now showing up at Walmart. We assume they weren’t supposed to show up at Walmart either. Expect them to get marked down to $5.00 per figure in a couple of weeks. Special thanks to JTA reader Chad R. for the report and image.

Our last Visual Guide update from wave 2 of The Black Series The Empire Strikes Back 40th anniversary line is the repacked Lando Calrissian. Click below to visit our full Visual Guide. We also have a full review of this figure right here.

Out of all the 6″ The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary figures, Hasbro got Lando Calrissian close to perfect. There is almost nothing negative to write about this figure. Or is there? (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!