Kenner’s Shadows of the Empire at Dog Star Collectibles in 1996

The September, 1996 issue of Lee’s Action Figure News and Toy Review included this full-page ad from Dog Star Collectibles. The ad is especially important to me at this exact moment in time since Kenner’s Shadows of the Empire line is the subject of one of my two new books (Kickstarter project) and I’m tracking down as many articles, ads, and details about the line as I possibly can before I begin the serious work of crafting the book.

What’s most interesting about the ad — if you ask me — is that the prices listed in the ad are for the most part higher than what these toys cost to buy today. Back when this ad was new the Star Wars action figures and vehicles were the hottest toys on the market and after-market sales reached ridiculous numbers. For example, this ad lists the Stormtrooper for $25 . . . today we can buy a Power of the Force Stormtrooper* for anywhere from $5 to $15.

Action figure collecting really isn’t the best form of investment out there. I’m glad I’m collecting for fun and not planning to turn a profit one of these days.

Related articles

• Star Wars Expanded Universe in the February, 1998 ToyFare (battlegrip.com)
• Star Wars: Power of the Force 1999 Cantina Aliens in Lee’s Action Figure News & Toy Review (battlegrip.com)
• “New” Star Wars Action Figures for June, 1997 (battlegrip.com)