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Star Wars Toy Kenner
Star Wars: The Franchise That May Never Disappear
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there was the little sci-fi movie that could “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”. At the time, though, it was just known as Star Wars, and it created a franchise unlike anything seen before.
In 2005, Forbes magazine estimated that the Star Wars franchise, from the time it began in the late seventies, had generated more than twenty billion dollars in revenue, and with six big screen success stories, at least three spin-off films, five licensed television shows, and thousands of books, comic books, and toys, it’s no surprise. What might be a surprise, though, is that by the time Star Wars creator George Lucas finished the first film, he was over-budget, out of time, and convinced the film would be a flop. Early screenings of the film did little to improve Lucas’ ideas that the film would be any kind of success, but when it was finally released in the summer of 1977, the film earned nearly seven million dollars in its first weekend. It is considered to be the second highest profitable film of all time.
More than Great Films
Ask any Star Wars fan, though, and they’ll tell you it’s not just about the movies, it’s also about the associated merchandise. The initial film was predicted to be a flop, so no merchandise was created to debut with the film’s release. The toy company, Kenner, though had purchased the license to sell associate products By Christmas of 1977, demand was so high, Kenner created an “Early Bird Special” kit. The kit held a certificate fans could send in for four 3 inch figures as soon as they became available. On Christmas morning, thousands of kids got empty cardboard envelopes that held only a display stand, a Star Wars club card, a few stickers, and a certificate they could put their name and address on, mail in, and wait for several months for the first Star Wars toys ever produced to arrive. Months later, lots of kids did get Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2, and Chewbacca in the mail, and years later, these four figures are considered to be some of the most valuable action figures on the collectors’ market today.
Explosive Industry Growth
As you can probably imagine, the Star Wars toy and merchandise franchise has grown considerably since the Christmas of 1977. Once Kenner geared up the production machine, it slowed for no one. From additional action figures to vehicles, playsets, and lightsabers, the vintage Star Wars toy market had everything. As Episodes V and VI were released, more toys hit the market. T-shirts, bed sheets, toothbrushes, combs, and watches were all part of the marketing campaign as well.
After the release of Return of the Jedi, though, the Star Wars marketing machine slowed considerably. People seemed to thing the Star Wars market was nearing the end. However, in the late 1990s, a new line of Star Wars action figures was released. Dubbed “The Power of the Force” line, these green carded figures created a whole new generation of collectors, and with the release of the special edition of the original trilogy, and the subsequent release of Star Wars Episode I, the marketing machine kicked back into high gear. From bubble bath to sandals, the Star Wars name can be found on almost anything these days, and with talk of additional television series, DVDs, and even other films, it’s hard to tell when the franchise will ever slow down.
About the Author
The author is the Admin of the Anime Friends Network site AnimeMine.com, where you can meet new friends and discuss your favorite anime and manga subjects. This article can also be found at our free article directory Smarticlesmart.com. For more anime information please go to Animemine.com today. For more free articles please try Smarticlesmart.com.
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1982 vintage CAP-2 classic STAR WARS movie toy kenner $0.01 |
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Kenner 1986 TOY FAIR CATALOG (MINT) – Star Wars UDE $35.00 |
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1978 Kenner Star Wars Model / Toy $27.55 |
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9″ Vintage Star Wars R2 D2 Plush Toy 1977 By Kenner $49.99 |
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22″ Star Wars Chewbacca Plush Toy 1977 By Kenner $59.99 |
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STAR WARS vintage 80s toys w/ EWOK ! Kenner RARE lot $0.99 |
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NEW STAR WARS POTF RONTO JAWA KENNER TOY 1997 $26.39 |
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Star Wars Kenner Special KB Toys Exclusive Comic Book $7.99 |
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Vintage Star Wars Malakila Rancor Kenner Toy 1997 MOC $3.47 |
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Star Wars Kenner 1981 Toy Fair Catalog $149.99 |
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Star Wars Kenner 1983 Pre-Toy Fair Catalog $174.99 |
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Star Wars Kenner 1982 Pre-Toy Fair Catalog $174.99 |
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Star Wars Kenner 1981 Pre-Toy Fair Catalog $174.99 |
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1977 STAR WARS R2D2 PLUSH TOY BY KENNER IT SQUEEKS $4.99 |
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Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Logo Kenner Toys Patch $8.00 |
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Lot 3 Star Wars Action Toys. All Kenner Brand 1977-78!! $0.01 |
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Kenner STAR WARS BUDDIES Figrin D’an Plush Toy $0.01 |
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Kenner STAR WARS BUDDIES Chewbacca Plush Toy $0.01 |
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Vtg 1982 Kenner Star Wars Imperial AT-AT Walker Toy NR! $24.99 |
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STAR WARS ACTION MASTERS KENNER TOY PROMO CARD CHOOSE 1 $4.99 |
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Star Wars Power of the Force Darth Vader Lightsaber Red $24.00 … |
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Star Wars® Imperial AT-AT All Terrain Armored Transport Vehicle $99.99 Scaled to interact with 3 ” figures, the Star Wars 2010 Super Deluxe AT-AT Walker measures approximately 24″ tall x 28″ long x 12″ wide, is designed to carry a total of 20 figures, 6 of which can be used as crew for the AT-ATTMs head cockpit; the Super Deluxe AT-AT is accompanied by a 3 ” AT-AT Driver and a deployable Speeder Bike. Bearing dimensions sufficient to crush all opposition and thoroug… |
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Star Wars: Power of the Force Red Card > Lando Calrissian Action Figure $0.75 Star Wars Power of the Force Lando Calrissian Red Card Action Figure with Heavy Rifle and Blaster Pistol… |
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Star Wars 1995 Power of the Force – Boba Fett Sawed Off Blaster Rifle $9.99 Star Wars 1995 Power of the Force – Boba Fett Sawed Off Blaster Rifle… |
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Star Wars POTF Red Card Tie Fighter Pilot Action Figure $4.50 … |
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Toys of the 1970s: Magic 8-Ball, Batman Action Figures, Vertibird, Big Jim, Kid Acero, Kenner Star Wars Action Figures, Silly String $19.99 … |
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Comfort Suites Kenner, Kenner,LA $99.99 Hotel property Comfort Suites Kenner, 2 Star, 2710 Idaho Avenue in Kenner, LA, United States |
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Americas Best Inns Kenner, Kenner,LA $60.26 Hotel property Americas Best Inns Kenner, 1 Star, 2125 Veterans Blvd in Kenner, LA, United States |
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Star Wars $30.09 As much a toy as a book, this special edition STAR WARS treasure chest has things to pull, press, twist, turn, fold–which will make things light up and, of course, pop up! |
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Toys of the 1970s: Magic 8-Ball, Batman Action Figures, Vertibird, Big Jim, Kid Acero, Kenner Star Wars Action Figures, Silly String $19.99 Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher’’s book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Magic 8-Ball, Batman Action Figures, Vertibird, Big Jim, Kid Acero, Kenner Star Wars Action Figures, Silly String, Monchhichis, Stretch Armstrong, Shogun Warriors, Mego Sonny |
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LEGO Brickmaster Star Wars Book and Toy Set $29.99 The ultimate LEGO Star Wars set! Everything you need to make 8 models! Includes a book, 240 bricks, and 2 mini figures. A great gift for that LEGO or Star Wars enthusiast in your life! This ultimate LEGO Star Wars set includes a 48-page, full-color, paperback book with instructions to build 8 LEGO Star Wars models using the 240 LEGO bricks and 2 mini figures that are included in this exciting package. This would make a great gift for that LEGO or Star Wars enthusiast in your life! |
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Star Wars Padme Blaster $9.99 Includes one toy blaster. Requires 2AA batteries, not included. This is an officially licensed Star Wars product. |
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Toy Wars $3.98 Everyone has heard of Hasbro’s games and toys–G.I. Joe, Monopoly, and "Star Wars" figures–but few know of the intrigue and strategy that brought the company to stardom. This reveals the inside story behind this successful company. |
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Star Wars The Clone Wars Clone Trooper Blaster $12.99 Includes one toy blaster. Requires 2 AAA batteries; not included. This is an officially licensed Star Wars product. |
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Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Kenner New Orleans Airport, Kenner,LA $94 Hotel property Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Kenner New Orleans Airport, 2.5 Star, 1801 32nd Street in Kenner, LA, United States |
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Extended Stay America New Orleans – Kenner, Kenner,LA $64.99 Hotel property Extended Stay America New Orleans – Kenner, 2 Star, 2300 Veterans Blvd in Kenner, LA, United States |
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Star Wars, the Clone Wars $19.59 Star Wars, the Clone Wars |
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Star Wars:The Clone Wars $24 Star Wars:The Clone Wars |
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Star Wars The Clone Wars $5.24 Star Wars The Clone Wars |