Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive (1999)

SANSWEET, Stephen, et al. 1999, Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive, London, Virgin Publishing Ltd

This book was originally of Japanese origin, it fastidiously catalogues the history of Star Wars action figures and related vehicles and accessories. Catalogue books and visual dictionaries are very common Star Wars products, I own several that detail the fictional histories behind props and characters (much of which is now no-longer canonical since the Great Disney Canon Reboot of 2015).

In terms of context, this book was red-edited into English before the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The book certainly comes across as a nostalgic recollection to prepare fans for the new

From the introduction -

'Because of the incredible merchandising success of the original Star Wars films in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many people associate the collectables - especially the ubiquitous Kenner 3 3/4-inch action figures with the films. In-fact, Eimei and I, who started our friendship by trading the toys, are firmly convinced that kids playing with some of the quarter billion action figures that were produced over eight years are one of the reasons for the continued strength of the Star Wars phenomenon.'

.The first portion of the book concerns with the new wave of products that coincide the digital re-releases of the films. Interestingly, some of the inconsequential background characters that were added to the digital edits also appear as toys in the new wave.

.The second portion of the book concerns with the original toy-lines released subsequently to the films between 1978-1989, 1980-1982 and 1983 - 1984.

'In 1977, movies weren't considered candidates for a successful toy license, and most companies weren't interested in taking on Star Wars in advance, Kenner Products took a gamble, but except for some puzzles and board games it was able to rush into production, there weren't any toys ready for Christmas 1977. Instead, against the advice of most marketers, Kenner sold and 'empty box,' an Early Bird Certificate Package that contained, among other things, a certificate to send away for the first four action figures that would ship in the first few weeks of 1978.'

. First 4 figures were Luke, Leia, Chewbacca and R2D2
. Leia was the only major female role in the 1977 film, and thus the only female out of a 93 character toy-line

. In 1985, two years after Return of the Jedi, the popularity seemingly began to fade and Kenner released a new range of action figures

. During 1985 two animated series including 'Droids' screened, and these spawned further action figure tie-ins.

.The final portion of the book studies the 1999 action figures, which include figures from the comic books and video games
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In terms of usefulness, the book contains many interesting facts in regards to the evolution of Star Wars action figures, however I will likely make greater use of the photographic documentation.