Vintage Loose Figures - Ben (Obi Wan) Kenobi

As I mentioned last time, I purchased some vintage figures in an attempt to complete the whole vintage set by collecting all of the loose figures. I have three down, and a lot more to go.

Stamping Information
Date: 1977
Location: Hong Kong

What we have here is an original Ben (Obi Wan) Kenobi with a 1977 stamp, produced in Hong Kong. There are different variations on these models with the hair color, either being white or gray. This one is gray (hey, just in case you're color blind!). The included lightsaber is the variation that is more commonly found - the single telescoping version. There is a double telescoping version, as well.

This piece is in pretty good condition. The vinyl cape has no tears and seems to have held up pretty well over the years. It does, however, have a small blemish on it which you can see in the picture below.

You can see the blemish just below his left hand. 

I have a few more figures that I will update shortly.

Go get 'em, Ben!

Focus Collecting and Starting Up Again

I've been collecting Star Wars memorabilia since the early to mid 90s. The first figure I ever received was a vintage Luke Skywalker in Hoth Battle Gear which I got from my best friend on my birthday. He introduced me to the world of the Star Wars films as well as Star Wars action figures. Him giving me that figure started something that has been my hobby for nearly two decades. Being an elementary school student when I first started out, it was unfeasible for someone with my low level of income ($5 allowances can only go so far!) to collect carded vintage at the time, so I focused on buying as many Power of the Force II figures that I could and tried to get as many of the vintage figures from my friend as possible. It was an exciting time. 

Fast-forward to now. I have a relatively large collection, consisting of a lot of neo-classic and modern pieces. I have a number of loose vintage figures and vehicles, and even three vintage carded Return of the Jedi figures (all in pretty bad condition) and one vintage Power of the Force Luke in Combat Poncho. For the past couple of years I haven't really done a lot of collecting, however, I've been inspired to lunge back into the hobby. The source of the inspiration comes from listening to an awesome vintage focused Star Wars podcast, called the Star Wars Collector's Archive Podcast, also known as, "The 'Chive Cast." If you have any interest at all in Star Wars memorabilia, this is the podcast for you. 

Being in Japan thousands of miles away from all of my Star Wars stuff, I've decided to start a couple of different focuses so I can have a taste of Star Wars where I am in Japan right now. I've come to the decision that I'm going to try to collect ALL of the original vintage figures, loose. I'm not going to be a stickler for variations or anything like that. I just would like to own every one of the figures from the original line. I've already started. I just ordered a few pieces from a collector on the Rebel Scum forums and am in the process of completing the sale. Rest assured, as soon as I have the figures in my hands, I will post some pictures and show you what I've obtained.

The 'Chive Case has also introduced me to something that I never really though about before in the world of Star Wars collecting - focus collections. If you don't know, basically, these are collections that are focused around one specific character. I'm thinking about doing this as well, but am trying to decide which figure I'll do. I would like to pick something that nobody else is doing and also a figure that wouldn't be super expensive to collect. Money is going to be tight for the next few months, so it's possible that I'll get started out in November or so. Of course, if I make a decision, I'll post it here. 

Until next time, which will be soon. I'll just be waiting for some figures to arrive. Happy collecting!

Star Wars in 3D coming...

 

Talk about Star Wars appearing in 3D has been lurking in the shadows for some time now. Well, the curtain has been let back and details have finally emerged. Star Wars will be coming back to the big screen in 3D starting in 2012, according to Hollywood Reporter. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) would be the first film to receive the 3D treatment, with the rest of the saga following each consecutive year.

Why not any earlier? Well, Lucas is wanting to make sure he'll be able to capitalize on the 3D releases to the fullest extent. Right now, while there are quite a few 3D theaters located throughout the United States and all over the world, it is only likely that the number will grow over the next years. Not only that, but 3D televisions will possibly make a big splash with consumers as the prices come down and as the technology itself improves.

This Star Wars nerd is pretty excited. Not having the opportunity to EVER see any of the original Star Wars films in the theater has always haunted me. When the Special Editions hit the theaters in 1997, I was in junior high school and my mother and father would not take me to the theater to see the films. This is a chance at redemption...I only have to wait another half a decade!

Star Wars 12 inch Collector Series - Jedi Luke Skywalker & Bib Fortuna

Name: Star Wars Collector's Series - Jedi Luke Skywalker & Bib Fortuna
Release Date: November 1, 1997
Country: United States
Availability: FAO Schwarz Exclusive

Pictures

Packaging text: Bib Fotuna, a member of the Twi'lek people, became one of the foremost "clandestine exporters," or smugglers, of the addictive chemical ryll. this chemical and it's profitable trade caught the attention of the Empire, as well as smugglers and slavers. Bib Fortuna's "business" eventually brought enslavement and death to some of the Twi'lek people.


Angry at the injustice, the Twi'lek brought Fortuna in the front of a court of his peers and sentenced him to death, but the clever Fortuna escaped promising one day to take his revenge.


Bib Fortuna then received an interesting offer. The Tatooine gang lord, Jabba the Hutt, wanted in on the spice smuggling trade and asked Fortuna to perform as his production and transport agent. Unfortunately, the Imperial Navy began to intercept the spice shipments, and Jabba began to get angry. The demanding boss had no patience for mistakes and tended to exterminate anyone who might do so, so Fortuna decided to request a higher position in Jabba's organization and was surprisingly granted one.


Bib Fortuna became a lieutenant, helping to conduct business and bowing his head and tails whenever necessary. Jabba was impressed with the Twi'lek's organizational and management skills and brought him into the inner circle of Jabba's chosen few. Eventually, after presenting Jabba with a gift - an enormous rancor beast, and the untimely death of another lieutenant, Fortuna became Jabba the Hutt's majordomo.


Unfortunately, this position did not last long.


While trying to save Han Solo from the grips of the Tatooine gang lord, Luke Skywalker played a Jedi mind trick on Fortuna, forcing him to allow the young Skywalker entrance. Luke threatened the obese Jabba with destruction if he didn't set the Jedi's friends free. Jabba tried to feed Luke to his rancor, but watched in disbelief as the young Luke defeated the beast. Jabba, in anger, then scheduled the execution of Skywalker, Solo, and Chewbacca, but failed and the Rebels launched their escape. In fear, Bib Fortuna raced to his skiff and was never seen again!


Authentically styled from Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker features his highly detailed Jedi uniform, complete with lightsaber and Bib Fortuna features his jumpsuit, chest plate and cloak! This special edition set, available for the first time ever, is destined to become a classic collectible.


May the Force be with you!


The Jedi Luke & Bib Fotuna pack was a FAO Schwarz exclusive in the United States back in 1997. It wasn't until a few weeks ago I finally found one of these, and in Japan, no less! The price was very inexpensive for me, as well. I only had to pay 1,500円 (about $15)! It's a very good price considering that on online auction sites this is going, on average, for about $65. This particular piece is in unopened, and in pretty good condition.

Just thinking back to 1997, the stories on these action figure packages were some of the best places to get background information on these characters. The internet was up and going at the time, but being a kid with limited access, these action figures were the next best thing for the info.

I'll keep you posted on any more of my findings.

Release information from Star Wars Cargo Bay.