I’m Not Into The Retro Collection But Next Year Is Different

When I talk about the vintage Kenner line (or any long-lasting line for that matter), I tend to avoid rankings. I would never do a "Top 10" list for the vintage Kenner line because numbers 2 through 10 would be so close that it would be impossible to order them. They'd really be 2a through 2i. That's why you will often hear me say that the Kenner Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) is one of my favorites. Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise) is one of my favorites. Yes, I was very impressed by removable helmets back in the day. But as far as my number one absolute favorite Kenner figure, there is zero debate or hesitation:


Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit) was far and away my favorite figure from the vintage Kenner Star Wars line. Between the soft goods cloak, the DL-18 blaster, (which was surprisingly detailed for the time), and the lightsaber, it felt like a cornucopia of accessories for the era. As soon as I got the figure home from the store, I raced with it to the shrubs to pretend is was Endor. That DL-18 promptly fell into the bark mulch never to be heard from again. That incident definitely sparked my phobia of losing accessories. Incidentally, I lost the pistol from my G.I. Joe Zartan in roughly the same exact spot. Definitely a cursed spot of land.

I've been tacitly supporting the Retro Collection up until now. It doesn't thrill me, but, like a chump, I've been buying it. I even have the board game with the Tarkin figure. But the announcement of the Obi-Wan Kenobi Retro Collection wave officially changed that. Seeing the Grand Inquisitor and 5th Brother announced for The Black Series was one thing, but seeing them also announced for Retro, while they are MIA from the Vintage Collection, pushed me too far. I immediately canceled my existing Retro preorders. I have no problem with Hasbro dedicating tooling dollars to Retro. It's their company, and they have every right to invest in whichever product they deem offers the best return on investment. If I have any axe to grind with this, it's the fans who constantly beg Hasbro to give us dumbed down low deco figures. It's been the downfall of 3.75" once, and I fear it will be again. But with respect to Retro, the only right I have is to buy it or not. I am exercising that right to not buy. But...

I am legitimately excited that Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight Outfit) is coming to the Retro Collection. The only other time I've been excited about a Retro product was the Boba Fett from the Empire Strikes Back wave. I will have to temporarily break my "no Retro" vow for the Luke Jedi. Also, since you didn't ask, here are my 2 - 10 vintage Kenner figures (in no particular order):

Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise)
Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise)
Emperor's Royal Guard
Lando Calrissian (Episode V)
Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues)
IG-88
Power Droid
Greedo
Sand People

Wait, can I name some alternates? 2 through 10 isn't enough…

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