Evel Knievel, Barbie, and Star Wars “Early Bird Kits” in 1977

Over the last month I’ve posted two old newspaper articles about the Kenner Star Wars “Early Bird Kits” (first post, second post) and now it’s time for more! This Bryan Times article is a snapshot of the toy industry in December of 1977, with a story about Evel Knievel toys, the latest news with Barbie, and this fantastic piece about the “Early Bird Kit” that we should all enjoy:

The phenomenon of “Star Wars” has created a different problem for Cincinnati-based Kenner Products Co., granted the toy license for the film on the basis of its successful $6 Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman lines.

Although Kenner has drastically slashed production time for its “Star Wars” figures, the General Mills’ division can’t meet Christmas demand and is giving children boxes filled with gift certificates to be redeemed in late January.

Related articles

• Kenner’s Star Wars in Cincinnati Magazine in 1997 (battlegrip.com)
• This Day in the 80s: 29 August (yello80s.com)
• Toys R Us To Launch New Star Wars Saga Products With Midnight Opening Events On September 4, 2015 (firewireblog.com)