Toys, Books, and Stuff
This outstanding set was part of Kenner’s first wave of EMPIRE STRIKES BACK toys. Of course, this snow fort isn’t featured in the film, but Kenner correctly understood that kids playing with STAR WARS figures didn’t just remake scenes from the movies. Kids created their own adventures, and Kenner sometimes made their own creations, such … Continue reading Imperial Attack Base Play-set (1980)
With DIAL OF DESTINY hitting theaters this year, Hasbro released new Indy toys for the first time since 2008 when KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL debuted. One of the new lines is the Retro Collection which are recreations of the original Kenner figures and packaging from the '80s. The first wave of the Retro Collection … Continue reading Indiana Jones Retro Figures (2023)
It may seem a bit simple by today's standards with that cardboard backdrop, but this set has a lot of retro charm that makes for a super fun display piece. It also has closing doors and action levers that allow you to swivel figures and knock them over. Let's check it out! Of course, there's … Continue reading STAR WARS Creature Cantina Action Playset (1979)
In 1998, Kenner added new product to their POWER OF THE FORCE line, and for this year, figures included a slide. The slides could be stored in a mail-order booklet. There was also a mail-away slide viewer. Many of the previous figures from 1995-97 were repackaged with these slides. The slides were the same image … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 6 (1998)
Kenner's relaunch of STAR WARS figures was a great success in '95 and '96, but this was only the beginning. In 1997, the saga's 20-year mark, Kenner cranked up production, and we're going to take a look, month by month. I'm getting the release dates from Stephen Sansweet's STAR WARS: THE ACTION FIGURE ARCHIVE and … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 5 (1997)
One of the most exciting sequences from RETURN OF THE JEDI is the Speeder Bike chase. I have a memory, prior to JEDI's release, of sitting in a theater with my family, watching ads, waiting for a show to begin. I don't remember what movie we were there for. (Checking a list of films that … Continue reading Kenner’s Speeder Bike (1983)
Before YouTube and streaming. Before Blu-ray, DVD, and VHS. Before taping shows off TV with a VCR. Kids were at the mercy of whatever happened to be on TV at the time. Or playing in a theater, assuming parents would take them. Feel like watching cartoons? Better not sleep in on Saturday morning. Feel like … Continue reading Kenner’s Easy Show Movie Projector (1966) and Star Wars Movie Viewer (1978)
In the mid 90s, an all-new line of STAR WARS toys reached dizzying heights of popularity. And yet, just a few years earlier, the franchise was all but dead. 1986 thru 1994. Nine consecutive years without the release of any new STAR WARS 3.75-inch figures. Except for one. According to Stephen Sansweet's excellent guidebook, Vlix … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 4 (1995-1996)
1983 Early in '83, Kenner updated the backer cards for all their STAR WARS figures with the RETURN OF THE JEDI logo and an offer to receive a free Nien Nunb figure from the upcoming film, still months away. Around this time, a slip was placed in STAR WARS vehicle and playset toys, hyping the … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 3 (1983-1985)
By 1979, Kenner had conquered the toy world with their hot new STAR WARS line, but this was only the beginning. 1980 As 1980 began, anticipation was in full swing for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK which would be released in May. The cardbacks were updated with the EMPIRE logo and an offer to receive a … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 2 (1980-1982)