Star Wars Action FiguresFor many years previous, the only toy option given to boys was the GI Joe action figure, which came only in a 12 inch size and had changeable outfits. The size and detail of these toys made them somewhat expensive, so most kids could only afford to have one or two, which made the outfits a necessity if they wanted their Joe to go on different adventures. Star Wars action figures changed all that in 1976, when Kenner Toys got the exclusive rights to make toys for the upcoming movie. Due to the amount of futuristic technology in the movie, it was determined that there would definitely be a need for different ships and vehicles, and it just wasn't economically possible to do this with 12 inch action figures and still keep them affordable. In response to this problem, Kenner decided to throw the doll size standard out the window and create a series of smaller, 3 3/4 inch figures that were not only affordable, but fun to play with as well. When the toys were released in 1978, they were bought by fans in record numbers, since their small size and low cost (under $2) allowed consumers to buy many different figures rather than just one large one. When the Star Wars figures left the market in 1985, there were more than 100 different action figures on the market and all kinds of vehicles for them to interact with. The Star Wars action figure phenomenon didn't end when the line left the market, however, as fans clamored for more stories and characters to fill the void left by their favorite movie. Kenner redesigned the appearance of the figures while keeping the original size, and reintroduced them into the market in 1995. Although the new Star Wars figures followed the same format of the original line, some fans didn't like the new, muscular bodies that the reissued figures sported. Still, the figures were as wildly popular as they were originally, paving the way for the new characters and vehicles that would be introduced when the new movies were released more than 20 years after the originals. These days the Star Wars action figure line includes classic characters such as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker as well as the "newer" characters like Queen Amidala and Ki Adi Mundi, and the original figures are selling for more than ten to twenty times their original price, especially if they are in perfect condition and still on their cards. However, most of the fans of the original Star Wars figures were less interested in their resale value than getting them home and playing with them, so finding a brand new Star Wars action figure still in the original packaging can be a bit of a task. If you're looking for some of the original figures on their cards, or if you're just wanting to rebuild the classic collection from your childhood, there are plenty of resources you can turn to on the Internet. There are thousands of figures for sale on auction sites, as well as specialty shops, but it's important to do some research and shopping around before you buy instead of just snapping up the first one you see. After all, there were literally millions of figures manufactured and sold in the 1970's and 1980's, so there's a good chance you'll find another one, even if you pass one up. The idea of an ordinary, average farm boy going off to adventures in a galaxy far, far away appeals to almost all of us on some level, which goes a long way toward explaining the enduring popularity of the Star Wars movies with such a wide range of fans. The Star Wars action figures gave fans the opportunity to have adventures of their own, and bring all their favorite characters home with them, something that had never been possible before with toys. And with hundreds of figures and variants to collect, fans are sure to be able to create legends of their own for years and years to come. |