Sticker on Reverse (click to enlarge)
Sticker on Reverse (click to enlarge)
Case Insert Sides 1 & 2 (click to enlarge)
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Catalog Description:
SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S CASE The Collector's case holds up to 24 STAR WARS action figures in two plastic trays. The reverse side of each tray has 12 foot pegs so action figures can stand in action poses. Featured on the case front are many STAR WARS characters in full color. Action figures not included. Source: 1980 Kenner Toy Fair Catalog |
Description:
For 1981, Kenner extensively re-worked their popular vinyl storage case, giving it new frontal graphics and changing the color of its plastic trays from gray to tan. Although, by that time, the Darth Vader Collector's Case had already been on the market for a year, it must have been felt that a second, cheaper storage case could continue to hold its own at retail. Nevertheless, the scarcity of this case when compared to its Star Wars forerunner suggests that its sales were greatly reduced by the presence of the sexier Vader model.
The new graphics that Kenner cooked up for this issue of the vinyl case were terrific. And, of course, they prominently featured several of the figures and toys that Kenner either had already released or planned for release that year, including the TaunTaun, Turret and Probot Playset, and the Slave 1 and AT-AT vehicles.
At least one new insert was released with this case. It was blue on one side and yellow on the other, and it featured photos of the expanded range of action figures-- by that point there were 41 in all. As I stated above, this case isn't nearly as easy to find as the older Star Wars model, but it's not incredibly rare, either. Still, unused examples with their seal stickers intact can sell for decent prices.
The following year, Kenner issued yet another ESB vinyl storage case, which again featured unique graphics.
First Issued: 1981 (ESB graphics)
Re-issues: None
