Tag Archives: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

5POA is never OK, but at least Hasbro did something good with the Celebrate The Force multipacks, a parting gift for collectors as they close the tooling archives on these figures forever. The Bounty Hunters set includes a new take on R5-P8 that uses the same tooling as a The Vntage Collection figure. This character first saw release in Disney’s Droid Factory line. The rest of this multipack is a waster Are you buying these sets for your collection? (more….)

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5POA is never OK, but at least Hasbro did something good with the Celebrate The Saga multipacks, a parting gift for collectors as they close the tooling archives on these figures forever. The Galactic Empire set includes a new take on R2-Q5, a figure we haven’t seen Hasbro release is 19 years. And the included TIE Fighter Pilot and Snowtrooper sculpts are better than their current super-articulated counterparts. The rest of the set is “meh.” Are you buying these sets for your collection? (more….)

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Here’s the review to The Vintage Collection Carbon-Freezing Chamber playset. (more….)

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Today we revisit 4-LOM. 4-LOM wasn’t part of the Trilogo line. We’re showing one of the foreign Return Of The Jedi card back instead. 4-LOM was a late release in 1982 because it was first offered as the line’s mail-away figure that year. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 4-LOM figure HERE.

Here is the basic figure release of The Black Series [Phase IV] Luke Skywalker (Snowspeeder) figure. Are you buying it again to complete the mural? (more….)

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It’s just a straight repack, but will you get it for your collection? The Black Series [Phase IV] Darth Vader is a dang-nice figure. (more….)

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In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Zuckuss. Zuckuss has card art that’s nearly identical to the Kenner release. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Zuckuss figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Bespin Security Guard [B]. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Bespin Security Guard [B] figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Bespin Security Guard [B] figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit (Twin Pod) Cloud Car Pilot. It didn’t come in standard Trilogo packaging. Instead, it was packaged in what the collecting community deems as “Trilogo Hybrid” packaging. The card front is nearly identical to the Kenner Return Of The Jedi Cloud Car Pilot figure, while the back features the Trilogo logo and figure group shot. The review’s Collector Notes are updated with this information. See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (Twin Pod) Cloud Car Pilot figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit AT-AT Commander. AT-AT Commander has card art that’s nearly identical to the Kenner release. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK AT-AT Commander figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear). Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear) is noticeably different than its Kenner counterpart. It looks as if the film-out was bleached it’s so light. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear) figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit ARTOO-DETOO (R2-D2). ARTOO-DETOO (R2-D2) has an interesting Trilogo card back. C-3PO was repositioned, and both characters received a strong orange wash over them. Eventually, the name of the figure was changed to Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) (with Sensorscope), but that took some time. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1982’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK ARTOO-DETOO (R2-D2) figure HERE.

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now we’re finishing up revisiting the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. We’ve reached the final wave of figures. Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) was excellent for the time but has since aged out. How many of you bought this figure by the dozens? We updated the figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

The Mission Fleet TIE Advanced/Darth Vader set is pretty remarkable. Sure, it’s not a collector’s toy, but it is still a lot of fun. (more….)

Thank you for reading Research Droids Reviews: Season 12!

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now we’re finishing up revisiting the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. We’ve reached the final wave of figures. IG-88 (Bounty Hunter) was released as a permanently definitive action figure as well. It’s timeless, even in 2020. We updated the figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now we’re finishing up revisiting the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. We’ve reached the final wave of figures. Bossk (Bounty Hunter) was released as a permanently definitive action figure. it still is fabulous today. We updated the figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

You saw our The Pathway To The Vintage Collection Special Report published on August 6th. Now we’re finishing up revisiting the figures that set The Vintage Collection in motion. We’ve reached the final wave of figures. Han Solo (Hoth Outfit) was a significant update to the character in 2007. We updated the figure in our newly updated review, complete with new text and photos and Visual Guide.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit 2-1B. Too-Onebee (2-1B) received a name change. But more noticeable is the significant orange wash the card art received for the Trilogo card back. The crop of the character is also different. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 2-1B figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Imperial Commander. Imperial Commander has a different color palette than the Kenner figure and the tones are darker See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Imperial Commander figure HERE.

Our next Visual Guide update features The Black Series Boba Fett (Carbonized). Click below to check out our full Visual Guide page. We also have a full review of this figure right here.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit AT-AT Driver. AT-AT Driver perhaps has the strangest alternate still image than any other Trilogo figure. For reasons unknown, Kenner airbrushed out the figure’s detail below the helmet. There is nothing but a white “blue” shaped to look like chest armor. Again, it’s one of the strangest updates made to a figure’s card art. See the full Trilogo card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK AT-AT Driver figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Rebel Commander. Rebel Commander’s Trilogo card art features a new crop of the film-out image See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Rebel Commander figure HERE.

In 1984, new packaging for Star Wars figures was introduced for the European market. A cost containment initiative, the new packaging sported three languages of the Return Of The Jedi logo for a “one size fits all” approach. Although a “three-logo” design was created for The Power Of The Force line (as evidenced on some ‘boxed’ toys), it wasn’t carried over to the basic figure line’s card design. They continued to use the three Return Of The Jedi logos instead. Although the word “Trilogo” is found nowhere on the packaging, the term is universally adopted by all Star Wars collectors to describe this line of figures.

Today we revisit Leia (Hoth Outfit). Leia (Hoth Outfit)’s Trilogo card art features an alternate image used nowhere else in the classic toy line. Finding a high-resolution version of it is next to impossible as well. It’s one of the rarest film-out images in the Lucasfilm archives. They also changed the character’s name to Princess Leia Organa (Hoth Outfit). See the full card art and additional notes by revisiting 1981’s THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Leia (Hoth Outfit) figure HERE.

Chewbacca is our next The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Visual Guide update. Click below for our full Visual Guide. We also have our full review of this figure posted in our review database right here.

The best-looking 6″ version of Chewbacca is part of the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. This is a must-have figure for your collection. (more….)

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