Collectibles > Power of the Force 2

POTF2 Figures - Which Were the Ones that "Wowed" You?

<< < (2/2)

Morgbug:

--- Quote from: Brian on August 30, 2006, 10:46 AM ---I was curious, again with me not collecting POTF2 from the get-go or being online at the time - were there a lot of complaints about the figures and/or sculpts back then? Were people a little more forgiving than we are now, just excited to have Star Wars figures back on the pegs?

--- End quote ---

Interesting you ask this Brian.  I don't recall a lot of complaints at the time, though I wasn't on any boards either.  I did type out something a while ago that held no interest here.  It was from a magazine talking about the early shipments of POTF2 and it's probably somewhat timely to repost it now:


--- Quote ---From Wizard 55 by Dan Albaugh

An exclusive offer for a Star Wars action figure of Han Solo in a Stormtrooper outfit is currently available on specially marked boxes of Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal.  The Solo figure is available from Kellogg's in exchange for two Froot Loops proof-of-purchase UPC symbols and the official order form.  The offer exired on December 31, 1995 (or when supplies were exhausted).  The figure is limited to one order per order form and five per mailing household.  The secondary market value for the Han Solo Stormtrooper is $20-30. 

Kenner has also released a four-pack of original Star Wars figures, crafted from the old figure molds.  The re-issues are identical to the originals and include Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.  The set of four retails for $19.95.

Some hobby retailers expressed concern that the new Star Wars line might have a negative effect on the sales of figures and accessories produced from 1978 through 1985.  "Such has not been the case, " claims retailer Ken Lawrence of Heroes Unlimited in Oradell, N.J.  "The new line hasn't slowed sales on older pieces at all.  I wouldn't say the new line has sparked significant interest in older releases, but it hasn't hurt."

Of the new Star Wars line, Princess Leia and C-3PO have taken the lead as the most actively pursued figures.  C-3PO was a late release and is now valued at $12-18.  There was a rumor in the hobby marketplace that Kenner was displeased with Leia's appearance and planned for changes.  Not so, say Kenner sources.  Her figure is currently an easy $15-20 sell. 

According to retailers in the know, three different Star Wars case assortments have been produced.  Assortment #1 contained no Leias or C-3POs, three Han Solos, three Luke Skywalkers and two of each of the remaining figures (Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca and R2-D2).  Assortement #2 included no C-3POs, two Leias and two each of all the other figures.  The most recent assortment features on Leia, one Kenobi, two C-3POs and two of everyone else.

Star Wars releases slated for February include Han Solo (Hoth gear), Lando Calrissian (Cloud City outfit), Yoda and TIE Fighter Pilot, along with Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber and a Speeder Bike with Scout Trooper.
--- End quote ---

So apparently at one point Kenner was happy with monkey-faced Leia ;) and at the very least she had secondary market value.  I interpret that to mean that most people were just gobbling this stuff up, crap or not. 

Vader impressed me initially.  I could at least accept his buff physique because of the armor.  R2 was cool as well being one of the three figures I initially bought.  The third was Obi-Wan and he was a gift to my graduate student advisor who got the analogy of him having Obi-Wan and me having Vader. 

As a general comment I think the buff/He-Man/overly muscular figures were the normal style of the day.  While they don't hold up well to modern Hasbro stuff for the most part they were comparable to much of what was being produced and bought during the mid-90s. 

I'll always keep a set of the early POTF2 stuff, even if it is considered hideous by most collectors.  It now has a bit of a nostalgic feel for me relative to the new stuff.  Transitional if you will.

Brian:
Thanks for posting Brent, that was an interesting read.  Its funny reading how the early Leia and 3PO figures were so sought after, and demanded fairly high prices.  The 3PO still doesn't really look too bad, but the Leia has become infamous since then.  Of course, I probably would have wanted it too, seeing as the cast would be incomplete without her.  As funny as some of those figures look - especially now - its just fun for me to read other people's experiences.  It seems like it would have been a fun time to be collecting - Star Wars figures back for the first time in 10 years, a fairly limited release so there wasn't as much to keep up on - just simpler back then (and cheaper, I'm guessing).

JesseVader08:

--- Quote from: Brian on August 31, 2006, 09:48 AM ---The 3PO still doesn't really look too bad, but the Leia has become infamous since then. 
--- End quote ---

And you know, as ugly as that figure is, I like it.  Not because of its sculpt, but like Brent said, because of its nostalgic feel.  For me, the POTF2 line, especially the early "buff" figures, are among my favourites.  I just brings back the memories of finding those figures on the shelf for the first time and being so excited that there was actually something Star Wars -based to buy.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page