Box Back and Top (click to enlarge)
Box Back and Top (click to enlarge)
Variation Box Front and 1983-Issue Back (click to enlarge)
| Catalog Entry | |
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Catalog Description:
IMPERIAL TIE FIGHTER Vehicle
Used by the forces of DARTH VADER. Pretend "crash" Imperial TIE FIGHTER into asteroids or any flat surface and it breaks apart in 4 pieces. Imperial TIE FIGHTER also has a button to "crash" vehicle in pretend battles in air. Reassembly is fast and easy because all parts are connected by a cord. Also includes a unique die cast Imperial TIE FIGHTER Pilot that fits into the cockpit. Ages 4 and up. Source: 1983 Kenner Toy Fair Catalog |
Description:
The Micro Collection TIE Fighter was a lot like it's X-Wing counterpart: it boasted nice detailing, a pretty cool break-apart feature and a little die-cast pilot.
While there isn't a whole lot to say about the toy itself, its box can be found in three different forms, which is strange considering it was on the market for a very short time. The first variation concerns the inset in the upper left corner of the box photo. While the first version featured a circular inset spotlighting the figure, the later version shifted to an oval inset, containing images of both the figure and the "crashed" vehicle. A "Special Offer" version of the toy was also offered to large retailers. It included a cardboard display backdrop, which was advertised on the box front with a colorful sticker. The "Special Offer" version of the toy is usually considered rarer and more desirable than the standard issue. Finally, in very late 1982 or early 1983, a new Micro TIE box was issued, the back of which replaced the mail-order advertisement of the old box with photos of the other vehicles in the line, including the then new Millennium Falcon and Snowspeeder.
To see the figures that came with this vehicle, click here.
First Issued: 1982 (with circular inset)
Re-issues: 1982 (with oval inset); 1982 ("Special Offer" sticker with backdrop); 1983 (new box back, showing vehicle photos)
