Top 10 Series: Neo Star Wars Toys (Misc.)
Welcome back to my ongoing Top 10 Series,
Today’s subject is a continuation of the Neo Series of Star Wars toys, miscellaneous. First I’d like to say that I’m not incorporating the prequel movies or the recent Saga Collection as they are merely recycling old characters.
To me this series started in 1995, continued from there and ended around the time Episode 1 hit films. Sadly, a lot of the playsets and vehicles did not impress me too much. Most vehicles were re-issues with some new features added or removed. Very few playsets.
So for this list I’ve included numerous figures which should have been part of the ”action figure” list, but are the 12 inch variety and more for collectors such as myself.
Shall we begin the list?
10. (12 Inch) Princess Leia Organa & R2-D2 as Jabba’s Prisoner
To me the 12 inch line in the neo line was all about artistry as compared to playability. Much effort and work was put into the sculpts. So many exclusives were released in this line that it was hard to keep up, including…
The 12 inch version of the Prisoner Leia which was a nice piece, especially when coupled with R2-D2 serving drinks from the portable bar around his head. The two were paired nicely (eventually a 4 inch version of Artoo would be released later) and the design was well made.
09. (12 Inch) Han Solo & Tauntaun
One of the two Hoth collections, the 12 inch Han Solo & Tauntaun was a nice piece.
I’m impressed Kenner even attempted to make a sculpt of the Tauntaun for this size, but they pulled it off nicely. My only complaint was the balance of the figure which would not stand up on its own.
Why not Luke and Tauntaun? Well he was paired with someone else…
08. (12 Inch) Luke Skywalker & Wampa
Luke had a rough time on Hoth, what with being almost eaten by the Wampa. And Kenner thought the two would make a good pair for the 12 inch line.
The Wampa seemed a little too cuddly and I thought a battle damaged Luke would be more appropriate, but beggars can’t be choosers.
All in all this pair pulled it off.
07. (12 Inch) Han Solo as Prisoner & Carbonite Block with Frozen Han Solo
Still in the realm of The Empire Strikes Back, we have a pair of one. Han Solo as a Bespin Prisoner and a Carbon Block with a Frozen Han Solo.
Funny way to put it.
I’ve always been a fan of the Carbon Han in his many shapes and forms. My first was of course the accessory with the Slave I, and I’ve collected other variations of him over the years.
To have a 12 inch version of the Carbon Han was a dream for me. I’m so glad that I got this exclusive and have proudly displayed it ever since. Now all we need is a 12 inch Jabba and I’ll be happy.
06. Tatooine Skiff
The Tatooine Skiff was a toy I always enjoyed in either the vintage line or the neo. I suppose I lived the fantasy that if they were going to make a skiff, they’d have to make a Sarlacc pit to go along with it. This toy was a prime example of why I really like the neo line.
The one thing that Kenner failed to do with the vintage line was to make the Star Wars universe lived in. The Lucas credo which worked so well and helped the audience to believe the setting they were visiting.
But Kenner got it right this time with each and every sculpt, starting with the Landspeeder. No pretty toys this time, unless called for it.
05. (12 Inch) Dewback & Sandtrooper
Another surprising addition to the 12 inch line was the Dewback and Sandtrooper. Kenner really was filled with gumption that people would buy such a toy. And we did anyway, we were collectors after all. I remember the first time I saw one, I was in Plattsburgh at a local Toys ‘R Us and I didn’t buy since it was too much.
A month later it arrived in Canada and there we were. I think this toy asks two obvious questions:
a) What would have happened if Kenner continued to produce 12 inch figures in the vintage line? I think some amazing things might have happened.
b) Why does Dewback get top credit?
04. Rancor & Luke Skywalker
While he made it only as an honorable mention in the vintage list, Rancor comes back with guns blazing. Kenner really got him right this time with a sculpt of expertly textured skin and a mouth that is no threat to your Jawa figure or whatever you may have lost in the original. I must say the designs that have gone into the neo line by Kenner are excellent.
Of course they are not always perfect, since this Rancor also has problems standing on his own. But if you did it right, found good support or figured it out (pun intended) then you had a Rancor which would stand for an eternity.
03. Bantha & Tusken Raider
When I was a young lad I sent a letter to Kenner suggesting a number of figures and accessories and eventually got a reply. Bascially they said my ideas were appreciated, liked even but my interests needed to be protected, coypright, patents and other junk.
I gave this problem to my father and never heard a thing from him. Then I forgot all about it and moved on with my life.
The Bantha was on my list. Even a kid knew it would make a good toy.
And what a nice addition to the collection this was. How great was this Bantha? It looked nice, the faux fur was a nice touch. I bought mine (along with #4) at a nearby Wal-Mart for $100.00 and it was worth it.
Like so many of these neo toys Kenner finally optioned an idea that needed to be made (no, should have been made) and the world is a better place for it.
02. (12 Inch) Speeder Bike & Scout Trooper
My god! Is it possible!? Could it be!? Did Kenner actually make a 12 inch Speeder Bike? Yes they did! And collectors were all aghast. Or at least I was when I first saw it in the store and snatched it up. I was impressed with the detail and just the sheer awesomeness of the thing. Who wouldn’t (Non collectors keep your mouths shut) stand in awe?
I’m hoping that this means more cool vehicles might be incorporated into the 12 inch line. The skiff? Bantha? Rancor? TIE-Fighter or X-Wing?
Ah, I’m just living in a pipe dream I suppose. Anyway this toy was a nice surprise and I’m happy to have added it to my collection.
And now for the top toy of the Neo-line?
01. TIE-Bomber
The TIE-Bomber was an elusive vehicle which so many people wanted to see made, myself included. It wasn’t as if in the vintage line Kenner never acknowledged this ship. Kenner did make a die-cast TIE-Bomber vehicle. But the full fledged toy was not to be until the neo-line.
It was worth the wait. This piece was pretty awesome and I don’t think Kenner made a single mistake with it. My only complaint would be the lack of sounds and lights (a common feature removed from the neo-line) which could have easily be inserted in such a large vehicle.
But I digress. It may have taken 20 years but we finally got our bomber and I believe we’re all the better for it.
That’s it, my list is complete. Until next time, ladies and gentlemen.
I bid adieu,
your Origami reporter,
L.Manly
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