The history and evolution of Star Wars action figures is a fascinating story that spans over four decades. From the first wave of action figures released in 1978 to the latest releases, Star Wars toys have been a staple in the world of action figures. In this article, we will take a look at the history and evolution of Star Wars action figures and the impact they have had on the toy industry.
Origins of Star Wars Action Figures
In the late 1970s, Kenner Products, a division of General Mills, was given the opportunity to produce Star Wars action figures. With the success of the film and the demand for Star Wars merchandise, Kenner jumped at the chance. However, they were faced with a major challenge. They only had a few months to produce the toys in time for Christmas. Kenner had to come up with a solution quickly.
The solution Kenner came up with was a stroke of genius. Instead of producing traditional action figures, they created a new concept: 3.75-inch figures with limited articulation. These figures were accompanied by vehicles and playsets that made up the world of Star Wars. Kenner also introduced the concept of the "collectible" figure by releasing figures with different variations, such as Luke Skywalker in his X-Wing fighter pilot uniform or in his farmboy outfit.
The impact of Kenner's decision was enormous. The small size of the figures allowed for more detailed sculpting and a larger variety of characters to be produced. They were also affordable, making them accessible to kids of all ages.
The Evolution of Star Wars Action Figures
Over the years, Star Wars action figures have continued to evolve. In the early 1980s, Kenner introduced the concept of "Power of the Force," which included larger, more detailed figures and playsets. This line was followed by the "Droids" and "Ewoks" lines, which focused on the supporting characters from the Star Wars universe.
In 1995, Hasbro took over the production of Star Wars action figures and continued to innovate. They introduced the "Shadows of the Empire" line, which included characters from a multimedia project that included a book, comic, and video game. Hasbro also introduced the "Expanded Universe" line, which included characters from the Star Wars novels and comics.
In the early 2000s, Hasbro introduced the "Star Wars Saga" line, which included figures from the prequel trilogy. The figures were more detailed and had more articulation than their predecessors. Hasbro also introduced the "Vintage Collection," which reproduced the classic Kenner figures with updated sculpting and articulation.
In recent years, Hasbro has continued to innovate with their Star Wars action figures. They introduced the "Black Series" line, which includes highly detailed, fully articulated figures aimed at collectors. They have also released figures from the latest Star Wars films, including "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi."
The Impact of Star Wars Action Figures
The impact of Star Wars action figures on the toy industry cannot be overstated. Kenner's decision to produce the 3.75-inch figures revolutionized the industry and set the standard for action figures for decades to come. The success of Star Wars toys paved the way for other franchises to enter the market, such as G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Masters of the Universe.
The popularity of Star Wars action figures also spawned a culture of collecting. Fans would hunt for rare variations and exclusive figures, attending conventions and trading with fellow collectors. The value of vintage Star Wars figures has skyrocketed over the years, with some figures selling for thousands of dollars.
The original Star Wars action figures were produced by Kenner in 1977, after a delay in production due to the unexpected popularity of the movie. The first wave of figures featured characters from the original Star Wars trilogy, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. These figures were sold in a variety of packages and came with accessories such as lightsabers and blasters.
One of the defining features of the early Star Wars action figures was their small size, standing at just 3.75 inches tall. This size was influenced by the popularity of G.I. Joe action figures at the time and allowed for a more affordable price point for consumers.
The success of the original Star Wars action figures led to the creation of several waves of new figures, featuring characters from both the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy. These figures continued to be produced by Kenner until the company was acquired by Hasbro in 1991.
With the acquisition of Kenner, Hasbro brought new technology and design elements to the Star Wars action figure line. Figures now featured more articulation, allowing for more realistic poses and movement. Hasbro also introduced new materials and textures for accessories and clothing, such as cloth robes and soft plastic lightsabers.
In recent years, Hasbro has continued to innovate with the Star Wars action figure line, introducing larger scale figures and highly detailed collectibles for adult collectors. Hasbro has also expanded the line to include figures from the animated series and video games, appealing to a broader audience.
The popularity of Star Wars action figures has spawned a significant collecting community, with many collectors seeking out rare and hard-to-find figures from the original trilogy era. These figures can fetch high prices on the secondary market, with some rare figures selling for thousands of dollars.
Overall, the history and evolution of Star Wars action figures is a fascinating subject for fans of the franchise and collectors alike. From their humble beginnings in the late 1970s to the highly detailed and sought-after figures of today, Star Wars action figures have come a long way and continue to capture the imaginations of fans young and old.
In conclusion, the history and evolution of Star Wars action figures is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the creativity of the toy industry. Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated collector, there is something special about owning a piece of Star Wars history in the form of an action figure.
