Judge Me by My Size, Do You?

Since its debut in 1977, Star Wars has inspired children and adults everywhere. As much as the Star Wars films captured the imaginations of children everywhere, they pale in comparison to the hundred of hours children put into playing and imagining with Star Wars toys. For me there was nothing more satisfying as a child than igniting my lightsaber and pretending to be a Jedi Knight. Over forty years after the debut of the original film, and the subsequent line of toys, they are still are hit with children and adults alike.

 

Eric Brubaker and his son, Edward, play with lightsabers together.

Originally licensed by Kenner Products, the first Star Wars action figures debut in 1977 with 12 figures from what is now known as Star Wars: A New Hope. Thomas Allen Jr. has been a fan of the franchise since the very beginning. “My first memories of the toys actually begin with my parents buying me Star Wars action figures from probably 1979-1984. I remember playing with toys from all three of the original movies, from Luke and C-3P0 to Boba Fett and Darth Vader,” Allen said.

Kenner continued to produce toys for the Star Wars franchise until 1985. Production was ceased when interest for the films began to slow down following the release of the final film, Return of the Jedi. Inspired by a renewed interest in the mid 1990’s, fueled by the release of the trilogy on VHS and in anticipation for the 1997 special edition releases, Hasbro began releasing Star Wars merchandise, after acquiring Kenner in 1991. 

“Around that time in the mid 90’s is when I got my first Star Wars toys," Star Wars fan Eric Brubaker said, “when episodes two and three came out, I was able to start collecting on my own. Eventually I passed those down to my son to see if he would even be interested in Star Wars. Toys help seal the deal.” Brubaker’s nine year old son, Edward, has turned into quite the Star Wars fan these days, and his toys are a big part of the fascination, going as far as building his own Tatooine playset. 

With thirty different toy lines to date, the most recent being based on The Last Jedi, the Star Wars toy business has exhibited no sign of slowing down. And undoubtedly Star Wars will be around for a long time, inspiring many generations of fans young and old to come.

A special thank you to the sole author of this article, Gregory Nyikos, our newest member of the blogging team!