Ok, so I broke down last night and bought a bunch of toys that I don’t technically collect or was looking for. And one of them, Luke Skywalker Snowspeeder Pilot, is so well-made that it just might be my favorite figure in a long, long time.
So I think I’m going to make a decision on my Star Wars collection in general based on this one figure: get rid of almost everything else. Now, I’ve been working to ditch the majority of my collection over the past year. How I’m going to do it will remain under wraps for the moment, but I’ve been sorting and documenting what I’ve picked up in the past 20 years as time has permitted (most of it is in storage). I had planned on getting rid of most of my Star Wars figures, having given away my entire vintage collection a few years back to friends with kids. But now that I’ve seen how nice the latest figures actually are (I stopped collecting Star Wars around the time of Attack of the Clones, with their stupid action features) I’m rethinking that a bit.
The toys that I’m keeping are small representative batches that make good displays. And the things that got me started in the first place, the figures that hold the only nostalgia for me are the original 21 figure from Star Wars, and the first set from The Empire Strikes Back. In fact, that first set from Empire holds the most memories from my childhood (although I can tell you where I got each and every one of the first 40 or so Kenner figures). So here is what I’m going to do: replace a set of the first 32 Kenner vintage figures, and acquire the best Hasbro modern day versions of those figures to make one big display. And that’s it. No more Star Wars figures outside of those. I’d be lying if I didn’t say this idea wasn’t heavily inspired by our pal CantinaDan’s awesome evolution blogs. No joke, go check them out now!
And since I haven’t been paying attention the SW for the past 6 years or so, I’m asking all of you: What are the definitive versions of those original 32 characters? Post a link to the figure you think is the best one in the comments below, and I’ll keep everyone updated with my progress as I pick them up. (Picture links are a must, especially for ones like Boba Fett, who has way too many to choose from!)
the best version now would be the rereleases of the legacy collection though you will proably have a hard time finding a new version of snagle tooth and the death star droid like the one pictured. plus c3po is also hard to find once he is on shelves. but the new verison out are a little better then the orginal for one the articulation is improved and so is the faces no more monkey face Leia .good luck
Fast, quick answer ’cause this one is pretty easy to find right now. C-3PO: look for the one packaged with his Ewok throne. This is easily the best version of this figure ever and it is still on the shelves now (in its 2nd re-release) He is vac-metalized (like the original), his head and arms are removable (like the Empire original), and it’s the first version (I think) with knee joints. Best of luck! (and I love CantinaDan’s evolutions too)
Oooh!
I’ll chime in on Boba Fett!
Get the current Legacy collection one:
http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCBD36Boba.asp
I think it’s the most fun version of Boba to date. It’s a repaint of the Evolutions Pack figure, but in more toy like colors. I think the Evolutions figure is closer to the drab Empire colors from the film, but if you want to go for a modernized version of the Kenner figure, the current version in brighter colors is better IMO.
The removable helmet may or may not be to your taste, but that and the holstered blaster make it a better toy for me, as it adds play value and articulation.
He’s got top notch articulation too, so if you want a fun modern version of Boba Fett that’s also a fun playable toy, I think this one is it.
Spy
Rebelscum posted a link to another site which listed the original vintage figures with the best modern counterpart just yesterday! Here you go:
http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5645/#details
In my esteem, a good chunk of your replacing needs should come from this line right here;
http://www.rebelscum.com/OTCvintage.asp
I think it’s a good idea. It will allow to refresh your collecting enthusiasm with a new block of challenges and new discoveries. It will also allow you to re-appreciate what has become, perhaps, stagnant.
I’ll add this. Sometimes you can see some really neat collections when you collect the same characters , regardless of line, scale,etc. I have seen some cool collections of Super Powers next to DCUC. I also once stumbled upon a collector who collected every single Jawa ever made. I admire that type of focus, as it keeps you from feeling you need every figure under the sun.
Same thing happened to me…having been on a Star Wars hiatus and then finding out just how well articulated and sculpted these figures are. In package it’s hard to tell just how articulated they are, as it is sculpted around the joints so flawlessly — some of the best figures made in my opinion.
The Vintage Trilogy re-release line was an attempt to form a collection around exactly what you’re trying to do — create the quintessential vintage replacements. They were pretty spendy though at $10 a piece, had reprinted original card art, and didn’t sell too well from the looks of it. Luckily, figures such as the Snowtrooper (one of my personal favorite figures ever made)have been rereleased in recent regular waves. I would definitely suggest that figure next.
With Empire Strikes Back’s 30th Anniversary this year, I would expect a lot of great figures to emerge. Happy hunting!