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Kenner Products[1] was a post-World War II era American toy company founded in 1947 by brothers Albert, Phillip, and Joseph L. Steiner, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Under subsequent ownership of the General Mills Group Kenner Products acquired a master license from Lucasfilm Ltd. to produce all toys, games, and crafts based on the 1977 Star Wars film.[2]
Kenner, named after the street where the original corporate offices were located, manufactured a wide range of Star Wars–branded toys, with the most popular being their line of basic 3¾-inch action figures. In 1995, new Kenner brand owner Hasbro, Inc. reintroduced the Star Wars basic figure line, which has been in constant production since. Hasbro closed the Cincinnati offices of Kenner in 2000, and Kenner's product lines were merged into Hasbro's.
History
As a division of CPG Products Corporation, a subsidiary of the General Mills conglomerate, Kenner Products created several lines of Star Wars toys during its run, the most popular being a unique set of 96 colorful 3¾-inch (approx. 95mm) action figures, produced between 1977 and 1985, modeled after characters appearing in the original trilogy. Kenner acquired the license to produce Star Wars toys when the Mego Corporation rejected it in 1976, and upon the success of the line, popularized the 3¾-inch scale, which became an industry standard that dominated the action figure toy market for years. In addition to producing action figures based on Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, the toy company also produced more-stylized figures for the Droids and Ewoks cartoon series.
After several changes of ownership, Kenner was purchased by the toy company Hasbro in mid-1991. Following a long hiatus, Hasbro relaunched its Star Wars line under the Kenner brand in 1995, with the release of a revived The Power of the Force collection.
Collections
- Star Wars (1977-1980)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1979-1982)
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1982-1985)
- Star Wars: Droids (1985)
- Star Wars: Ewoks (1985)
- Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1985)
- The Epic Continues (1986) (Unreleased)
Table of Kenner Star Wars action figures
The table below takes information as given on the cards with which each action figure debuted. After the debut of an action figure, details in the packaging, the shape of the action figure, and the name of the action figure were subject to change. No one characteristic (name, shape, or product number) completely defines the list, rather all the characteristics taken together form a clear list.
There are 96 action figures listed below, though the final card back promoted a full line of 93 action figures. This is because when Kenner produced new versions (with new, unique product numbers) of R2-D2 and C-3PO action figures, they discontinued previous versions. Two versions of R2-D2 were discontinued. One version of C-3PO was discontinued.
The identical name "Bespin Security Guard" is given to two action figures. The first figure (No. 39810) is white, the second figure (No. 69640) is black. On card backs, the two Bespin Security Guards are shown separately, but labeled with the same name.
| "Wave" | Debut package card | Action figure (verbatim from debut package) | Product no. (on card) | Debut year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aa | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Luke Skywalker | No. 38180 | 1977 |
| Aa | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Princess Leia Organa | No. 38190 | 1977 |
| Aa | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) | No. 38200 | 1977 |
| Aa | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Chewbacca | No. 38210 | 1977 |
| Ab | 12-Back "Star Wars" | See-Threepio (C-3PO) | No. 38220 | 1977 |
| Ab | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Darth Vader | No. 38230 | 1977 |
| Ab | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Stormtrooper | No. 38240 | 1977 |
| Ab | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi | No. 38250 | 1977 |
| Ab | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Han Solo | No. 38260 | 1977 |
| Ac | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Jawa | No. 38270 | 1977 |
| Ac | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Sand People | No. 38280 | 1977 |
| Ac | 12-Back "Star Wars" | Death Squad Commander | No. 38290 | 1977 |
| Ba | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Greedo | No. 39020 | 1978 |
| Ba | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Hammerhead | No. 39030 | 1978 |
| Ba | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Snaggletooth | No. 39040 | 1978 |
| Ba | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Walrus Man | No. 39050 | 1978 |
| Bb | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot | No. 39060 | 1978 |
| Bb | 20-Back "Star Wars" | R5-D4 | No. 39070 | 1978 |
| Bb | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Death Star Droid | No. 39080 | 1978 |
| Bb | 20-Back "Star Wars" | Power Droid | No. 39090 | 1978 |
| C | 21-Back "Star Wars" | Boba Fett | No. 39250 | 1979 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) | No. 39720 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | FX-7 | No. 39730 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) | No. 39740 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Rebel Soldier (Hoth Battle Gear) | No. 39750 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Bossk (Bounty Hunter) | No. 39760 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | IG-88 | No. 39770 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) | No. 39780 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) | No. 39790 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Lando Calrissian | No. 39800 | 1980 |
| D | 31-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Bespin Security Guard | No. 39810 | 1980 |
| E | 32-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Yoda | No. 38310 | 1980 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Ugnaught | No. 39319 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Dengar | No. 39329 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) | No. 39339 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Lobot | No. 39349 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Leia (Hoth Outfit) | No. 39359 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Rebel Commander | No. 39369 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | AT-AT Driver | No. 39379 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Imperial Commander | No. 39389 | 1981 |
| F | 41-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | 2-1B | No. 39399 | 1981 |
| G | 45-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) (with Sensorscope) | No. 69420 / No. 69590 | 1982 |
| G | 45-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | C-3PO (Removable Limbs) | No. 69430 / No. 69600 | 1982 |
| G | 45-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear) | No. 69610 | 1982 |
| G | 45-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | AT-AT Commander | No. 69620 | 1982 |
| G | 45-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | (Twin-Pod) Cloud Car Pilot | No. 69630 | 1982 |
| G | 45-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Bespin Security Guard | No. 69640 | 1982 |
| H | 47-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | 4-LOM | No. 70010 | 1982 |
| H | 47-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Zuckuss | No. 70020 | 1982 |
| I | 48-Back "The Empire Strikes Back" | Imperial Tie Fighter Pilot | No. 70030 | 1982
|
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Admiral Ackbar | No. 70310 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit) | No. 70650 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise) | No. 70660 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Gamorrean Guard | No. 70670 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Emperor's Royal Guard | No. 70680 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Chief Chirpa | No. 70690 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Logray (Ewok Medicine Man) | No. 70710 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Klaatu | No. 70730 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Rebel Commando | No. 70740 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Weequay | No. 70760 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Squid Head | No. 70770 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | General Madine | No. 70780 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Bib Fortuna | No. 70790 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Ree-Yees | No. 70800 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Biker Scout | No. 70820 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) | No. 70830 | 1983 |
| J | 65-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Nien Numb | No. 70840 | 1983 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Nikto | No. 71190 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | 8D8 | No. 71210 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Princess Leia Organa (in Combat Poncho) | No. 71220 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Wicket W. Warrick | No. 71230 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | The Emperor | No. 71240 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | B-Wing Pilot | No. 71280 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Klaatu (in Skiff Guard Outfit) | No. 71290 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Han Solo (in Trench Coat) | No. 71300 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Teebo | No. 71310 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Prune Face | No. 71320 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | AT-ST Driver | No. 71330 | 1984 |
| K | 77-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Rancor Keeper | No. 71350 | 1984 |
| L | 79-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Lumat | No. 93670 | 1984 |
| L | 79-Back "Return of the Jedi" | Paploo | No. 93680 | 1984 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Luke Skywalker (in Battle Poncho) | No. 93710 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber | No. 93720 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Romba | No. 93730 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Amanaman | No. 93740 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Barada | No. 93750 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Imperial Gunner | No. 93760 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Han Solo (in Carbonite Chamber) | No. 93770 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper Outfit) | No. 93780 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Anakin Skywalker | No. 93790 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | EV-9D9 | No. 93800 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Warok | No. 93810 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Lando Calrissian (General Pilot) | No. 93820 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | A-Wing Pilot | No. 93830 | 1985 |
| M | 92-Back "Power of the Force" | Imperial Dignitary | No. 93850 | 1985 |
| N | 93-Back "Power of the Force" (Not sold in U.S.) | Yak Face | No. 93840 | 1985 |
| E1 | 6-back "Star Wars: Ewoks" | King Gorneesh | No. 71120 | 1985 |
| E1 | 6-back "Star Wars: Ewoks" | Dulok Shaman | No. 71150 | 1985 |
| E1 | 6-back "Star Wars: Ewoks" | Dulok Scout | No. 71160 | 1985 |
| E1 | 6-back "Star Wars: Ewoks" | Urgah Lady Gorneesh | No. 71170 | 1985 |
| E1 | 6-back "Star Wars: Ewoks" | Wicket W. Warrick | No. 71250 | 1985 |
| E1 | 6-back "Star Wars: Ewoks" | Logray | No. 71260 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars Droids" | Boba Fett | No. 39260 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) | No. 71560 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | See-Threepio (C-3PO) | No. 71770 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Thall Joben | No. 71790 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Kea Moll | No. 71800 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Jord Dusat | No. 71810 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Sise Fromm | No. 71820 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Tig Fromm | No. 71830 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Jann Tosh | No. 71840 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Kez-Iban | No. 71850 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | Uncle Gundy | No. 71880 | 1985 |
| D1 | 12-back "Star Wars: Droids" | A-Wing Pilot | No. 93830 | 1985 |
| D2 | Glasslite "Star Wars: Droids" (Sold in Brazil only) | Vlix | No. 77750/ No. 5176.15 | 1985 |
In popular culture
In the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars action figures are included in a scene in which Elliot introduces E.T. to objects in his everyday life. The scene begins with Coca-Cola and extends to fish, PEZ candy, a peanut, money, and a car:
Elliot: "Coke. You see, we drink it. It's a, it's a drink. You know, food. These are toys. These are little men. [Elliot shows E.T. several Star Wars action figures.] This is Greedo, and then this is Hammerhead. See, this is Walrus Man, and this is Snaggletooth and this is Boba Fett. See... and look, they can even have wars. Look at this. [Elliot has the action figures shoot each other.] Look, fish..."
In the 1994 The Simpsons episode "Lisa's Rival," Ralph Wiggum says "I bent my Wookiee" when he falls on his figure of Chewbacca. Ralph also enters a diorama of repackaged Star Wars action figures in a contest. His collection includes Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Chewbacca.
Bibliography
"Boba Fett: Mystery Man in Not-So-Shining Armor" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 1- The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
NYCC 2013: Meet the Inquisitor, the New Face of Evil in Star Wars Rebels on StarWars.com (backup link (news/nycc-2013-meet-the-inquisitor-the-new-face-of-evil-in-star-wars-rebels.html) not verified!)
SDCC 2014: Hasbro's Star Wars Panel – Liveblog on StarWars.com (backup link)
Notes and references
- ↑ Star Wars: The Ultimate Action Figure Collection
- ↑ An Interview with Bernard Loomis, former president of Kenner by D. Martin Myatt on Rebelscum.com (backup link not verified!)
