High and Low.
(Vintage Princess Leia Organa in Combat Poncho, Vintage Romba)
My childhood toy collecting days were all but done by the time Return of the Jedi was released (I bought only one figure: the awesome Biker Scout) so it smarts a bit to look back now and see all that I missed. Why? For Return of the Jedi, Kenner went into overdrive and released nearly 50 action figures, almost as many as they released for the first two Star Wars films combined. And with their craft honed over the course of the previous five years, Kenner was designing and producing some of their best and most ambitious work.
For the film’s main cast there was the stunning Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight, Princess Leia in Boushh Disguise, and a convertible Han Solo with his very own semi-translucent Carbon Freeze unit. For background characters there was an army of Jabba’s flunkies including the otherworldly Amanaman, the all-business Squidhead, and the under appreciated Ree-Yees to name a few. Naturally the Empire had their share of smash hits with the Biker Scout, the Emperor’s Royal Guard, and mean ol’ The Emperor himself.
The only missteps were arguably in Anakin Skywalker, General Madine, and Nien Nunb. But hey, 3 or 4 stinkers out of over 40. That’s not a bad batting average.
Anyway, we’re rapidly approaching the 30th anniversary of the release of Return of the Jedi. So crack open a cold one and crank up “Lapti Nek”, it’s time to celebrate!
Buying Notes on Vintage Princess Leia in Combat Poncho
Check out the current vintage Princess Leia in Combat Poncho listings here.
The Princess Leia Organa in Combat Poncho is easily one of the better efforts by Kenner during the Return of the Jedi push. Be careful when scoping one out on eBay to account for all accessories before committing to a bid or purchase. There are four cool accessories: the soft-goods camouflage cape, a black utility belt, a tiny Endor blaster, and an unattached helmet. Full coverage on each is here. As always try to ensure tight joints and minimal or no paint loss/scratches.
Buying Notes on Vintage Romba
Check out the current vintage Romba listings here.
If you’re into Ewoks (hey, I am), Romba is a great choice to invest in. As one of the Last 17 released by Kenner in 1984-85, Romba’s considered to be more scarce in numbers and tends to fetch somewhat elevated prices. Two accessories to be concerned with: an Ewok hood and pointed Ewok spear. Some sellers will interchange Ewok hoods just to give the appearance of a complete figure, so keep a sharp eye out. Romba’s hood is the only one that’s meant to appear ‘tied’ under the chin. As always try to ensure tight joints and minimal or no paint loss/scratches.
The Anakin Skywalker figure that was a free mail order and later a rare POTF figure was great. It was all molded without a plastic cape, very much like Obi Wan, but with limited play value. He was only designed to just “stand there” in the Ewok village. Vintage awesomeness.
I see your point Richard. I have to admit those molded robes are pretty stylish. But maybe they could’ve given him some actual hands? I’d hate to see what would happen if vintage Anakin and Imperial Dignitary ever needed to duke it out. Maybe they’d poke each other into submission!
Reblogged this on Collecty.net.
I didn’t know until recently that the Imperial Dignitary was somewhat rare, he was a peg warmer around here at the time,but I did have him ( and will again eventually). I remember once I got him, I was curious as to what he was and read the paperback novelization of “Return Of The Jedi”.
The Anakin figure was one of those that you sent off for, and then it seemed like 10 years later ( probably was really 4 or 5 weeks) it came. You opened up the mailer box. It was in a plastic baggy, and then he went into the Darth Vader carrying case, and pretty much remained there forever. LOL! There just wasn’t anything you could do with him. haha.
I’ve read that the Endor Leia in Combat Poncho was a peg warmer, but it took me a long time to find her back in the day.