Kenner Products
Kenner Products[2] 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.[3]
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.[1]
History
- "Nathan, who is sixteen now, the first word I think he learned was 'Kenner'."
- ―Mark Hamill, on the preponderance of Star Wars toys in their home, during an episode of the television show Personal FX
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[source?], 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.
In addition to their toy lines, they released games including the Star Wars: X-Wing Aces Target Game in 1977 and Star Wars: Electronic Battle Command in 1979.
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.[1] After that collection and other subsequent releases, the Kenner logo was finally replaced with Hasbro branding in 1999. In later years, Kenner branding was revived for products with packaging reminiscent of the original toys, including Star Wars: The Vintage Collection and other series.
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 92 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. Also the Yak Face figure was never available in the United States and was not pictured on the card backs.[4][5]
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 | 1981 |
| 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 Nunb | 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 "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 | 1988 |
In popular culture
- "These are toys. These are little men. [He 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 Lando Calrissian. See? And this is Boba Fett. See.... and look, they can even have wars. Look at this. [He has the action figures 'shoot' each other.]"
- ―Elliot in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars action figures are included in a scene in which lead character Elliot introduces the alien "E.T." to objects in his everyday life.
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.
Sources
"Collections" – The Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine 2- "Collections: Foreign Star Wars Collectibles" – The Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine 5
- "Collections: If Collecting Has A Name, It Must Be Indiana Jones" – The Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine 6
"Boba Fett: Mystery Man in Not-So-Shining Armor" – Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 1
"Scouting the Galaxy: Just Trying to (Action) Figure It All Out" – Star Wars Insider 30- The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
- Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive
NYCC 2013: Meet the Inquisitor, the New Face of Evil in Star Wars Rebels on StarWars.com (backup link not verified!)- Offscreen, but Not Forgotten: Mini-Rigs, Body-Rigs, and Other Kenner Vehicles on StarWars.com (backup link not verified!)
- SDCC 2014: Hasbro's Star Wars Panel – Liveblog on StarWars.com (backup link not verified!)
- Collectibles from the Outer Rim: Vintage Kenner Cardbacks! on StarWars.com (backup link not verified!)
- "10 Star Wars Greatest Tabletop Games" – Star Wars Insider 165
- Collectibles from the Outer Rim: Vintage Star Wars Kenner TV Commercials! on StarWars.com (backup link not verified!)
- "Chapter 7: The Reckoning" Episode Guide on StarWars.com (backup link not verified!)
Star Wars: Retro Collection (Pack: Reva (Third Sister)) (backup link)- Star Wars: The Vintage Collection (Pack: Reva (Third Sister)) (backup link)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The History of Kenner. KennerToys.com (archived from the original on April 15, 2006)
- ↑ Star Wars: The Ultimate Action Figure Collection
- ↑ D. Martin Myatt: An Interview with Bernard Loomis, former president of Kenner. Rebelscum.com (archived from the original on June 5, 2020)
- ↑ Hutchinson, Richard: Vintage Vault: Collect all 92! 93! 96! Erm? How many Star Wars action figures are there? (2018-02-05). Fantha Tracks (archived from the original on September 24, 2020)
- ↑
Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1985) (Pack: Yak Face) (backup link)
