Cloud City Playset (ESB)

Cloud City was another one of the Sears exclusives (see Rebel Command Adventure Set, Cantina Adventure Set, and The Jabba the Hutt Dungeon) and, like the other playsets, a very cheap toy. Cheap as in quality. The playset was nothing more than a 3-D backdrop with depictions of Han’s torture chair, a Cloud City-scape, and the Carbonite chamber. It came with four figures, Bespin Han, Dengar, Ugnaught, and Lobot. By the way, Dengar was never shown in Cloud City. There were also plastic pegs to insert into the set so figures could be held in place.

Why should you get this set? Five reasons:

1. God knows you need more cardboard crap.

2. The only time you’ll get your Carbonite chamber. Take that, cocky Han Solo!

3. Finally, something for your Ugnaughts to do.

4. Another four figures in one shot!

5. Spring-load the base of the Carbonite chamber so you can make Bespin Luke shoot out. Yeah, that’s not a big waste of your time or anything.

Backstory:

Cloud City was built by the Incom Corporation about 2,000 years before the first SW movie took place. It was primarily built for the refining of Tibanna gas which was in abundance on Bespin, and was used in hyperdrive engines.

Cloud City has 392 levels, with factories, luxury casinos and hotels, the refineries, housing, local government offices, and the many repulsorlifts that keep the City aloft. The City has passed hands many, many times, during the Clone Wars, during a Sabacc game (where Lando won it), during the time of the Empire and later on.

Want more? Wookieepedia article

34th in alphabetical order

Power Droid (SW 1977-79)

Saying “Gonk” and walking. That was the big scene for the Power Droid in the movie. A few different Power Droids are seen in the movies (well, in SW and ROTJ), but the model for the figure was probably the one in the Jawa sandcrawler.

This figure comes with nothing. It came on SW, ESB, and ROTJ cards. It could, possibly, rank right up there as the most boring vintage Star Wars figure to play with. Really. No accessories. Had almost no screen time. Was not pivotal – at all – to the plot. Boooooorrrrring. Still, I have to convince you:

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:
1. Nothing says “gonk” like a Power Droid.

2. Surprise your manager with a Power Droid instead of an ink cartridge.

3. Mascot to the box manufacturers of the world.

4. Goes great with a Jawa sandcrawler.

5. Recreate a droid office party. The Power Droid is the guy no one talks to.

Backstory:

The model of the figure is most likely an EG-6, manufactured by Veril Line Systems. Other models in the films were the EG-4, and the GNK. They were basically walking batteries and served all sides. A Power Droid can be seen getting tortured in Jabba’s dungeon in ROTJ.

Want more? Its Wookieepedia article

120th in alphabetical order

Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) (ESB 1980-82)

Finally, somewhere where the natural Stormtrooper color actually works! I hope the Empire learns something from this. Oh, wait – they still sent out stark white Stormtroopers to a forest environment (Endor). Morons.

The more common name for this guy is “Snowtrooper,” but the title of this posting reflects the official name on the card. The trooper came on both ESB and ROTJ cards, and came with a rifle (Dengar has one too). He also has a plastic skirt attached to his hips to reflect the smock worn in the film.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. If you’re Scottish, this comes closest to a SW figure with a kilt.

2. More mysterious than the first gen Stormtroopers – now you can’t even see their mouths!

3. If you’re storming a base, you’ve got to have one.

4. No Tri-Pod Laser is complete without one.

5. Who the heck else is going to be in your Imperial Attack Base?

Backstory:

Snowtroopers/Hoth Battle Gear/Cold Assault Stormtroopers – all the same thing. Personally, I like the last one – it sound like they were shrunk to microscopic size to fight an infection in the Emperor. These were Stormtroopers that went training geared to place them in colder climates. Their uniform reflected this as well, with better heaters, a breathing hood, and traction boots. For more, check out the other Stormtrooper post.

Want more? The Wookieepedia article

78th in alphabetical order

Lobot (ESB 1980-82)

While the people who lived in Cloud City seemed to have finer tastes in clothes, Lobot exemplified it. Look at those sleeves! Look at those pantaloons! Look at that headgear! Apparently Lobot didn’t have room for toupee with his cybernetic implant.

Lobot came on both ESB and ROTJ cards with a standard Cloud City figures pistol (Lando and the Bespin Security guys come with the same one). My personal favorite of anything said about this figure was in the Star Wars: The Action Figure Guide: “Lobot is not very tall, and his height has been translated well to the action figure.” Seriously – that is the only thing it says about the figure itself. Basically “right height.” Ha!

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:
1. Disco fans – check out the duds!

2. Hearkens back to the late 70’s/early 80’s time of bulky headgear.

3. If you don’t want two Pilots for the Cloud Car, you can put him in the other pod.

4. Someone needs to make hand gestures to Cloud City people.

5. Mascot to the mute (well, he just didn’t have a speaking part).

Backstory:

Lobot was the son of a slaver, who, after being raided by pirates, ended up at Cloud City stealing for a living. He was caught and sentenced to community service to the city, and also given cyborg enhancement. He became the city’s computer-liason officer, staying on even after his service ended. He basically controlled the city, more than the Administrator.

He secretly helped Lando win Cloud City, since he knew Lando would elevate its status. Lobot was the one who told R2-D2 about the Falcon’s hyperdrive and how to fix it. He continued to administrate over Cloud City despite its changing owners multiple times, but 17 years after the Battle of Yavin he began helping his old boss Lando out with various missions. Usually these missions required some kind of cybernetic liason. He would later return to Cloud City, the last place he is mentioned to be.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

101st in alphabetical order
 

Greedo (SW 1978-79)

If it's seventies retro-chic and a blaster in its hand, then it must be Greedo. Ah, much maligned "G," as his friends call him. It's fairly obvious that Han shot you first, not like Star Wars: the Special Edition showed. You shooting first and missing? I don't think so. You guys were sitting right across the table from each other! A blind Turkalian Grag Beast of Goopos IV couldn't have missed that shot. Heck, even on the set of the upcoming Indiana Jones IV movie George Lucas was seen wearing a "Han Shot First" t-shirt.

Greedo came out during the entire run of the figures, first on a Star Wars card, then ESB, and ROTJ. Taking a look at his outfit screams 70's today, or someone from the Scissors Sisters. Apparently someone from Kenner must have gotten the outfit of another cantina alien mixed up and put it on Greedo, instead of the jacket with yellow stripes and vest that he had in the film. Why they never changed the figure in all its years of production we'll never know. At least the head is pretty good.

Why should you get this figure? Five reasons:

1. Proceeds from every sale go to the "Han Shot First" restoration project.

2. You will never get a chance to own another figure that screams "Yes, I am wearing a tacky green jumpsuit, but I'm okay with it."

3. Cantina scene - classic. You need to get every figure you can from it and play that funky music.

4. How else are you going to act out the scene between Han and Greedo for your drama class without this figure?

5. He comes with a blaster. Hey, it's the same one the Han figure comes with. Do you suppose...okay: Greedo threatens Han. They wrestle for the gun. It goes off, killing Greedo. Han mourns this tragic loss of life, takes the gun, and vows to do good in Greedo's name. This is how it will happen in Star Wars: a Very Special Edition.

Backstory:

Greedo's family fled their homeworld after persecution by a warlord. Eventually hooking up with some bounty hunters that taught him the essentials, Greedo had dreams of one day becoming the best" bounty hunter there ever was. He was maneuvered into going after Han because of a grudge he had against him (Han once caught him stealing power coupling from the Falcon), even though the bounty hunters who arranged this knew Greedo would be no match for Solo.

In the novel Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina, it was revealed that the bartender took Greedo's body after his death, and, except for the head, used it to make a fine liquer. Whether his partons knew this or not is debatable. Greedos' head was eventually claimed by a friend and given a proper burial. Sheesh, what a way to go.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

63rd in alphabetical order
 

ASP-7 Droid [POTF2]

...with SPACEPORT SUPPLY RODS.

Don't recognize the ASP-7? That's because, until the release of the Special Editions that added a longer Mos Eisley scene, it didn't exist. Now, you can clearly see one picking up rods (chuckle). In fact, they make no bones about it - look at the package: "From the newly-created footage in The Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition." I use to be excited by something like this, now I just think "They're just printing more money!"

While it's an okay droid figure, I just felt it was never fleshed out like others. Where are some wires? Where are the knobs?

Five reasons to own this figure:

1. The only way to get Star Wars supply rods. Really, where is our accessory pack just for these?

2. Nice and creepy- no eyes, just a slit.

3. Cylon alert! Slit for eyes. Insert your own oscillating red LED for the full effect.

4. "From the newly created footage!" Come on, you have to buy it just for the laugh factor.

5. Did I mention supply rods? SUPPLY RODS!

Backstory:

The ASP-7 is apparently a worker droid, but other materials also mention that the ASP-7 model is used as a trainer for Darth Vader's lightsaber practice.

Want it's full story? Go here.

Luke Skywalker (in Battle Poncho) (POTF 1985)

Seriously? “Battle Poncho?” This is, in all probability, the only time you will associate battles with ponchos. Han gets a cool trenchcoat on Endor, and Luke gets a effeminate battle poncho. It’s for camouflage, but who doesn’t want to look cool while trying to infiltrate a secret Imperial shield bunker?

BP Luke comes with the same pistol (molded in black) as Jedi Luke does, and a cloth poncho with a utility belt to cinch it. His helmet is not removable, but under the poncho is the same black outfit as the Jedi Luke figure (when I do the Jedi Luke posting I’ll retroactively link it here). Where is the frickin’ lightsaber? I mean, really, he cuts a speeder bike in half while it’s flying! BP Luke comes only on a POTF card.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. The only chance to get a Luke figure without a lightsaber. Wait. That’s no reason…

2. Your excuse to get another speeder bike.

3. Poncho fever – catch it!

4. The only Luke figure goofy enough to be seen in the Ewok Village.

5. POTF – rare, collect them all!

Backstory:

Well, Luke is obviously wearing this outfit for Endorflage, but his full Wookieepedia article is here.

105th in alphabetical order

Death Star Space Station (SW)

You thought getting an AT-AT was cool (okay, technically that came after this one)? Well IN-YOUR-FACE! I’ve got a Death Star! Can I tell you how cool this is? I can, but you really have to experience it for the coolness to settle into your pores and take hold. Tell me Ben, what does this marvelous (dare I say, rad?) playset have to offer us? Let us count the ways, from the bottom to the top:

1. The bottom level has a trash compacter that really compacts with:

1a. “Garbage” (collapsible foam squares)

1b. A dianoga (one-eyed trash compacter monster)!

2. The second level has a trap door into the trash compactor and…

2a. Monitors and control panels.

3. Third level has a walkway and collapsible bridge for Luke and Leia to swing across with a rope!

4. Fourth level: a turbolaser to blast those pesky rebel fighters out of the sky!

5. Last, but not least, a working elevator to all floors – with a tractor beam control tower at the top! The elevator door even works! Okay, okay, must breathe. Too…much…excitement.

If you were in England, Europe, or Australia, you could suck it because your Death Star playsets were entirely different and made of cardboard. USA! USA! Seriously, though, I always feel bad when I hear about things like this. Why not give them the same quality product I had? I’ve seen those cardboard Death Stars – they are not pretty.

Why should you own this set? I just gave you a TON of frickin’ reasons!

Backstory:

The concept for the Death Star began with an idea for an expeditionary moon, but when told to Tarkin, it eventually formed into a weapons platform. Plans for it were seen as far back as Episode II, when they were moved to prevent the Jedi from getting them. The final design work was done in the Maw Installation, an isolated Imperial laboratory, by a brain trust. The first Death Star was 160 km in diameter, and had countless turbolasers and tractor beams for defense, as well as its main weapon, the super laser. When Luke blew it up, there were an estimated 1,000,000 Imperials crewing it. Heavy.

Want more? Wookieepedia article on the first Death Star

Wookieepedia article on the dianoga

43rd in alphabetical order

Sam's Club Collector Pack [1995, POTF2]

I thought I would go a with a little change of pace here and post this Collector Pack. Much as J.C. Penney or Sears had exclusives (mostly re-purposed sets) with the vintage line, some places wanted to get in on exclusives with the new line.

The Sam's Club Collector Packs (there were other figure packs besides the one pictured) represents one of the lamer attempts at exclusivity. Basically this is 3 figures (all previously available) put in one cardboard backing. Admittedly, this might be cheaper being from a bulk store like Sam's, but if you just wait for these same figures to get marked down elsewhere, you'd get them cheaper.

In later waves Target made much better exclusives by actually having vehicle you could only get there, and even Wal-Mart (the parent company of Sam's) got in a bit with exclusive Max Rebo Band figure packs later.

Rebel Armored Snowspeeder (ESB 1980-82)

Kenner came a long way from the Landspeeder during the first movie – now we get the Snowspeeder! Not only does it make shooting sounds, but it has a harpoon with tow cable (does not shoot on its own), light-up lasers, and retractable landing gear. Not to mention a two-seater opening cockpit! If you had this and and AT-AT, you died and went to Heaven.

The Snowspeeder came in an ESB and ROTJ box, the ESB background being pink versus the ROTJ background being blue, and slightly different photos (probably to incorporate a few later ESB figures). They also tacked on the word “Vehicle” when it came out in an ROTJ box.

Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. Cool flying vehicle.

2. Lights up! Sounds! OMG!

3. Harpoon and tow cable!? Sure, it’s string, but tow cable!

4. You could always simulate damage by removing one or both guns.

5. Fits two figures, so it's a good excuse to ask your parents for another Luke in X-Wing outfit.

Backstory:

The Snowspeeder’s official name is the T-47 Airspeeder, an atmosphere-only craft. It was modified by Rebel forces to work in the cold weather on Hoth, and it was originally built by Incom Corporation. It features dual laser cannons, and modified to have a rear gunner with a light blaster and a harpoon with tow cable. While it’s lasers were ineffective against AT-AT armor (except the neck joint-watch the film) the harpoon and tow cable could tangle and trip the AT-ATs.

Want more? It's Wookieepedia article

130th in alphabetical order