Box Sides (click to enlarge)
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Box Sides (click to enlarge)
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Catalog Description:
NEW! TIE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLE Look out, REBELS! Here comes on of THE EMPIRE's fastest fighter vehicles. This authentically designed TIE INTERCEPTOR has a hatch that opens to hold an IMPERIAL STORMTROOPER or any other Action Figure from the STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI Collection. Realistic battle-action features include battery-operated laser cannon sound. Press a button to eject the wings and simulate battle damage. Batteries not included. Action Figures sold separately. Ages 4 and up.
Image Source: 1984 Sears Wish Book |
Description:
The fourth and final TIE Fighter toy produced by Kenner, the TIE Interceptor might have also been the coolest. I mean, check out the wings on the thing! They were huge and pointy and menacing looking. Of course, the body portion was identical in form to those of the original TIE, Darth Vader's TIE and "Battle Damaged" TIE, but the gray color was distinct. It should also be noted that the cockpit lid used on the toy was the later, slatted version that had debuted with the "Battle Damaged" TIE.
One thing about the box that bothers me is that Kenner chose a Stormtrooper to be photographed as the vehicle's pilot. Duh, did they forget that they'd made a TIE Fighter pilot expressly for this purpose? Oh well, at least they didn't stick Paploo in there. But do you know what I find far stranger about this toy's package? The kid on the side of it looks eerily like the kid version of Star Wars collector Brennan Swain.
Without question, the TIE Interceptor is the toughest TIE toy to find, whether boxed or loose. And it's always been popular among collectors, due to both its scarcity and nifty appearance. Those looking for a loose example should make certain that the toy's wing tips have not broken off. They're prone to doing just that.
First Issued: 1984 (ROTJ packaging)
Re-issues: None
