My #StarWarsSunday thread about the Vintage Original Trilogy Collection (VOTC) starts now! Back in 2004, Hasbro focused attention on the OT as Revenge of the Sith was about to hit theaters, to celebrate this, Hasbro had an idea that would spawn a future toyline.

Hasbro decided to forgo the action features and focused on upping the articulation points and make new, improved versions of OT characters. As a bonus, they would be on Kenner style vintage cards.

But an added bonus, and theft deterrent was a plastic clamshell that could not only protect the card but make it harder to steal the figure and accessories.

Hasbro sent out the 1st figures, here is the 1st wave:

http://www.rebelscum.com/OTCvintagelist.asp

These figures proved to be wildly popular and stores sold out fast once word hit the collecting sites that they were on store shelves. Hasbro would go back after the ROTS line and as the new Saga line began in 2006.

A 2nd wave hit in 2006:

http://www.rebelscum.com/TSCvintagelist.asp

This wave was not as popular, but featured Greedo and a Tusken Raider, along with Endor Han and X-Wing Luke. But the wave sold well enough to warrant a 3rd wave for the 30th Anniversary Line.

Here's the final line:

http://www.rebelscum.com/TACvintage.asp 

This wave featured Bespin Luke, and Endor Leia to go with Endor Han from the previous wave, plus 2 popular bounty hunters from The Empire Strikes Back. If got 1 of any of these figures, you did well. Endor Leia I had the easiest time finding.

The success of these waves helped Hasbro detrmine that fans wanted vintage Kenner cards on the new super articulated 3.75 action figures, beginning in 2010. The current VC exists thanks to this line!

Most of these VOTC figures don't hold up well to the modern line. Swivel elbows, figure heights (ANH Luke, Leia, & especially ROTJ Leia are too short) and sculpts don't hold up well now.

Also, figures like IG-88, Bossk do hold up well, the Tusken Raider here was repacked in one of the final 3.75 Black Series waves. Greedo is mostly the same, minus the cloth vest in future releases.

The cloth robes, vests, coats, ponchos and skirts changed the game for Hasbro. Fans flocked to this, and while sales for all toys are down now, this is the line that spoiled us.

Also, this is the only way you can get modern ANH Leia, Luke, ESB Lando and Ben Kenobi on Kenner style cards. Hopefully the VC corrects this one day. End thread.

#StarWarsSunday