| Ben Kenobi Packaging Prototype Series | |
| This packaging prototype series is incredible not only for its sheer depth, but also for
its focus on a major character, Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi, from the Star Wars Kenner's
vintage 3 3/4" action figure line.
The top row (left to right) features a super cromalin series consisting of Revenge of the Jedi, Return of the Jedi, Return of the Jedi (2nd photo), and Power of the Force examples. The middle row (left to right) contains an impressive array of proof cards including the following card styles: ESB 47-Back (4-LOM Offer) (production-like), ESB 48-Back (Offerless) (production-like), Revenge of the Jedi 48-Back (Nien Nunb Offer), and Revenge of the Jedi 65-Back (Offerless). The bottom row features a series of carded mock-ups. At the far left, we see an ESB 21-Back mock-up, which exhibits a hand-cut bubble hand-glued to a proof card. Next up is a Revenge of the Jedi 48-Back mock-up featuring a hand-cut bubble removed from an ESB carded figure. This particular example was used at the 1982 Toy Fair show. The bubble is hand-applied onto a proof card. Six addition characters have been found in Revenge of the Jedi mock-up form like this Ben Kenobi. The third example is a Return of the Jedi mock-up used in-house at Kenner. The bubble has been hand-applied to a 65-Back (ROTJ65A) proof card. Finally, on the far right we see a POTF mock-up. The figure and coin bubble are individual components, both having been trimmed and hand-applied. Velcro is affixed to the card back signifying it was likely hung at one point on a presentation boards or other medium either in-house or at an industry show. The time, effort, and networking associated with the assembly of a series with such breadth is substantial. The accomplishment represents approximately 4-5 years of active searching and purchasing; a task obviously unsuited for the impatient collector. The series becomes even more exciting when one considers the fact that all but one piece (Revenge 48-Back proof card) is believed to be a unique item with only one example in existence. I greatly appeciate Adam's willingness to share this outstanding series with fellow collectors through the Star Wars Collectors Archive. |
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| Description by: | Michael G. Mensinger, Adam Benefiel |
| Photo: | Adam Benefiel |
| From the collection of: | Adam Benefiel |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | A New Hope |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1977 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Prototype Packaging and Proofs |