Dengar (ESB 1980-82)

Maybe Dengar wasn't the most glamorous of figures. Maybe he didn't have as much play value. But damnit - look at him! He's a man's man. He doesn't care if you've been out on the trail pushing cattle and you haven't showered in 8 days. He's been there, man.

Dengar, obviously known as one of the bounty hunters summoned by Vader to hunt down Han Solo and the bunch in The Empire Strikes Back.

Why do you want this figure? Five reasons:

1. That scowl. You can just imagine that the galactic Time-Life series "Bounty Hunters," says he once shot a man for snoring too loud.

2. He doesn't need fancy equipment - he's got scavenged armor from a snowtrooper and sandtrooper.

3. He's got the guts to wear said armor in an Imperial star destroyer in front of the second-in-charge Imperial Dark Lord.

4. He's got a big laser rifle. I hear the ladies like that.

5. He's a bounty hunter - you need all of them.

This figure came on an Empire Strikes Back card and later a Return of the Jedi card (in the U.S.). Although he had a little more screen time than some flash-in-the-pan characters, he never had a coin like that cocky Amanaman!

Backstory:

Dengar once was an acquaintance/rival of Solo's on Corellia when they were younger. In a swoop bike race (see the Wookieepedia if you don't know that reference) Han flashed Dengar with his burners, scarring him for life. Dengar thought it was on purpose and set about getting his revenge on Solo - Episode VI was originally named "Revenge of Dengar: You Know, That One Bounty Hunter You Saw For 10 Seconds in The Empire Strikes Back." Dengar jumped at the Empire's offer to hunt down Solo. In the course of doing so, Dengar fell in love with some native woman and settled down. He also mellowed out and forgave Han a bit.

His backstory is actually much more extensive, involving Imperial cybernetic implants and service to the Empire after his swoop crash. He later defected and became a bounty hunter, was recaptured by the Empire and given a choice of death or hunt for them. He was also occasionally recruited by the Rebellion, and only really knew emotions again (he was kind of emotionless because of his implants) when the Aruzan woman Manaroo shared her feelings with him cybernetically. This all happened in the novels, so let's just pretend he's still a mysterious Marlboro Man - without all the smoke (the Empire went smoke-free after it was found that it was almost impossible to wash out of Vader's cape).

Full story? Wookieepedia article

44th in alphabetical order

Death Star Space Station (SW)

You thought getting an AT-AT was cool (okay, technically that came after this one)? Well IN-YOUR-FACE! I’ve got a Death Star! Can I tell you how cool this is? I can, but you really have to experience it for the coolness to settle into your pores and take hold. Tell me Ben, what does this marvelous (dare I say, rad?) playset have to offer us? Let us count the ways, from the bottom to the top:

1. The bottom level has a trash compacter that really compacts with:

1a. “Garbage” (collapsible foam squares)

1b. A dianoga (one-eyed trash compacter monster)!

2. The second level has a trap door into the trash compactor and…

2a. Monitors and control panels.

3. Third level has a walkway and collapsible bridge for Luke and Leia to swing across with a rope!

4. Fourth level: a turbolaser to blast those pesky rebel fighters out of the sky!

5. Last, but not least, a working elevator to all floors – with a tractor beam control tower at the top! The elevator door even works! Okay, okay, must breathe. Too…much…excitement.

If you were in England, Europe, or Australia, you could suck it because your Death Star playsets were entirely different and made of cardboard. USA! USA! Seriously, though, I always feel bad when I hear about things like this. Why not give them the same quality product I had? I’ve seen those cardboard Death Stars – they are not pretty.

Why should you own this set? I just gave you a TON of frickin’ reasons!

Backstory:

The concept for the Death Star began with an idea for an expeditionary moon, but when told to Tarkin, it eventually formed into a weapons platform. Plans for it were seen as far back as Episode II, when they were moved to prevent the Jedi from getting them. The final design work was done in the Maw Installation, an isolated Imperial laboratory, by a brain trust. The first Death Star was 160 km in diameter, and had countless turbolasers and tractor beams for defense, as well as its main weapon, the super laser. When Luke blew it up, there were an estimated 1,000,000 Imperials crewing it. Heavy.

Want more? Wookieepedia article on the first Death Star

Wookieepedia article on the dianoga

43rd in alphabetical order

Death Star Droid (SW 1978-79)

Seen in the first movie in both the Jawa Sandcrawler and the Death Star (the Death Star one is black), this droid is one of the more listless figures of the original line. At least the one from the 1990’s line had a mouse droid with it.

It came with no accessories, and had a shiny metallic finish and a bug-like head. It was released on cards from all three movies.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. If you own the Sandcrawler you need to fill it with as much useless junk as possible, including this figure.

2. A more bureaucratic droid I have never seen.

3. If you have a headless one, and a bodiless C-3PO, they pretty much match.

4. The shiny metallic finish is kind of cool, until you play with it too much and you see the original plastic.

5. Oh, I give up. This figure was booooooring.

Backstory:

This droid’s official designation is the RA-7 protocol droid. They were fairly useless droids, but the Imperial Security Bureau used them to spy on other Imperials. Their limited use, however, caused many an RA-7 to be disposed of or “lost” by many an Imperial Commander – which is probably why one was in a Jawa Sandcrawler. There were so many aboard the first Death Star that they earned the nickname “Death Star Droid.” The similarity in body to C-3PO probably relates back to the first film’s limited budget.

Want more? Wookieepedia article

42nd in alphabetical order

Death Squad / Star Destroyer Commander (SW 1978-79); X-mas!

Going back again to the original "line of 12" today, we take a look at the Death Squad Commander. This fig came out on cardbacks for all three movies. Soon after being released on the ESB card, his name was changed to Star Destroyer Commander, mainly due to comparions with Nazi Germany "death squads." However, this did not stop Kenner or George Lucas from ever changing the name of the "stormtroopers."

The person on the cardback has a gray uniform, but most of these type of characters in the film had black uniforms. This fact was changed for the re-release of this character in the 1990's line. He includes a standard blaster (must be Imperial issue since the stormtroopers came with it, of course Hammerhead came with it too. Hmm.)

Why should you get this figure? My five reasons:

1. Two words: army builder. You know, one of those characters there were a lot of in the film. Get 20 and line them down the halls of your custom-bult Death Star interior (built in your mom's basement) or the Kenner Death Star Playset.

2. That helmet. If you look in the photos, the helmet slopes down like one of those fancy bike helmets. However, the figure seems to have a half-sphere on his head. Perfect for creating your Spaceballs army.

3. That uniform. Chicks dig uniforms. You could also modify this figure to be in most any situation that calls for someone with a uniform.

4. He has a blaster - a common one. If you ever lose it on another figure, you can easily replace it with this one or take one from another figure. Sorry, Hammerhead.

5. How else are you going to observe the chain of command on your Star Destroyer or Death Star Playset? Death Star gunners aren't going to order themselves to fire that turbolaser.

Backstory:

Not much backstory to this guy, just another cog in the Imperial machine. Just one in a million Imperials. Literally. Since that is about how many died in the first Death Star explosion.

Want more? Wookieepedia article on Star Wars Commanders

41st in alphabetical order

Darth Vader's Star Destroyer Action Playset (ESB)

Yes, it’s not just a playset, it’s an “Action Playset!” And it’s not just a star destroyer, it’s “Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer!” Representing the command bridge/meditation chamber/gunnery station portion of a Star Destroyer comes this playset. It includes Darth Vader’s meditation chamber (where we see him from the back with his helmet off), a command bridge where his subordinates are down in the trenches flipping switches and where he can talk to the bounty hunters, a laser cannon (presumably one of many on a Star Destroyer), a round dais where Vader can stand (well, the figure can’t kneel now, can he?) and talk to the Emperor on a pink translucent “holographic” screen that can be lowered. The chamber has a light that makes the interior glow, and you can, inexplicably, hang figures by their feet from the ceiling. I don’t know if this is Vader’s alternative to Force-choking or what. The backside also has a decal showing some gripping arms, I assume to latch onto ships. It only came out in an ESB box.

Why should you get this playset? Five reasons:

1. Holding out hope for that Vader with removable helmet (that never materialized in the original line).

2. Hang figures from the ceiling? What is this, a wampa cave? That’s so ridiculous you’ve got to get it.

3. This can fit right into that full-scale Super Star Destroyer replica you made. You know, the reason your parents have to park in the driveway?

4. Have Vader communicate with the Emperor! What did you say? The Emperor figure isn’t coming out until the next movie? Screw this.

5. You can shoot at the Millennium Falcon, if it ever comes in range of your gun (and that frickin' George from Accounting doesn't get it with his tractor beam).

Backstory:

In The Empire Strikes Back, we are introduced to Vader’s command ship, the Super Star Destroyer, the Executor. The Executor was 19 kilometers long, and sported over 5,000 turbolasers and ion cannons, 250 concussion missile tubes, and 40 tractor beam projectors. It was crewed by 279,144 Imperials, and contained a meditation chamber where Vader could breath without his mask. The ship was built in secret in Kuat Drive Yards and Fondor Shipyards, along with its sister ship, the Lusankya. Building was completed shortly after the Battle of Yavin.

Want more? Wookiepedia article on the Executor

40th in alphabetical order

Darth Vader TIE Fighter (SW)

While it was cool to get another Imperial vehicle to fight against your X-Wing and Millennium Falcon, the Vader TIE (in my opinion) was kind of a cheap attempt to do this. Mainly, the only difference between it and the original TIE Fighter was the angled wings. In the movie, the Vader TIE was “filled out” so to speak, not just attached to the wings by the pylons like the other TIEs. Yet this is how the toy looks, and creates an unbalanced ship because of the wings. The only improvement over the original TIE was the coloration – Vader’s is much more accurate than the white ones. This will all be corrected when the 1990's+ line comes out.

Vader’s TIE had a sound effect like the original TIE did, and only came in a SW box (and an SW box with a “Collector Series” splash). The original box says “Darth Vader TIE Fighter,” and the re-issue says “Darth Vader TIE Fighter Vehicle.” of course, it would have nicer sounding if it was "Darth Vader's," but that was not meant to be.

Why should you own this ship? Five reasons:

1. It makes Vader one bad ass mo - shut your mouth!

2. Practice your Death-Star-just-blew-up-and-I’m-in-an-out-of-control-spin maneuver.

3. Make your friends sick to death of hearing the phrase “I’ve got you now!”

4. The only TIE fighter that can jump to hyperspace. So long suckers!

5. The man in black needs his ride. Oooooh, yeeeaah.

Backstory:

Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced x1 (as it is truly called) was developed by Santhe/Sienar Technologies specifically for Vader. It had a larger cockpit than a normal TIE, a hyperdrive, and could carry other weapons like missiles, as opposed to the lasers-only of regular TIE fighters.

Want more? Wookieepedia article on this vehicle

39th in alphabetical order

Darth Vader Collector's Case (ESB)

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH...Dart Vader's head.

What can I say? A figure carrying case in the likeness of Darth Vader. holds *about* 31 figures. I use "about" loosely because if you have the short guys (Wicket, R2, Ugnaught) you're obviously getting more in. Other, like the Rancor Keeper - forget about it. There was also a little compartment for accessories. Of course, whenever you open it up, everything will go all over the place. Each row had a bar to hold the figures in place, as well as stickers to label them. next wave comes, however, and they're hopelessly out of date. my favorite is the paper insert giving you a guideline about where to put which figures. Give me some credit!

Why should you own this case? Five reasons:

1. The cheapest way to get a huge bust of Darth Vader over your mantel.

2. Less tacky than a velvet Elvis as a wall decoration.

3. Carry your figures man!

4. Quickest way to get pulled out of line by airport security.

5. Better than a grocery bag.

Want more? Darth Vader's Wookieepedia article

38th in alphabetical order

Darth Vader (SW 1978-79)

We will now dip back into the original twelve with Darth Vader. Like Chewbacca, the Vader figure had a relatively taller stature, in keeping with the movies. Also like Chewbacca, Vader was another figure with no changes (other than the card back) during the entire original Kenner run. Darth Vader came on the original Star Wars card, ESB, ROTJ, POTF, and another ROTJ card that had a close-up picture of his helmet.

Because of manufacturing limitations, and the desire to be cheap, Vader came with a vinyl cape instead of cloth or molded plastic like the figures today. The figure is very much in keeping with the character's appearance, and the only accessory is a built-in telescoping red lightsaber. Some rare Vaders exist where the lightsaber telescoped to almost twice its original length. This proved handy in duels and Sith pornography.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. He's Darth freakin' Vader! The man in black. The Lord who won't leave you bored.

2. Come on, who didn't need Vader for the only lightsaber duels from the original trilogy? You had to at least have him fight Obi-Wan.

3. Despite the lack of accessories, he had the Force. Let your imagination run wild moving other Star Wars toys and choking other figures.

4. He had his own dedicated vehicle, and being an anal-retentive young man, I needed only the Vader figure to fly it.

5. Again, Darth Vader. Enough said.

Backstory:

If you don't know the backstory by now, get a freaking clue. Darth Vader was Anakin Skywalker, the seemingly immaculately conceived whiny child born to Schmi Skywalker. He trained in the Jedi order and forbiddenly fell in love with Senator Amidala. He freaked out over possibly losing her, and the Emperor (then Senator Palpatine) turned him to the Dark Side. Shortly afterwards he was wounded in a lightsaber duel with Obi-Wan and was forced to wear his black cybernetic suit. During this same time Amidala gave birth to their twins, Luke and Leia. Vader ruled the Empire as second-in-charge, while Luke and Leia grew up and joined the Rebel Alliance. Vader killed Obi-Wan. Luke eventually dueled his father, and brought him back to the light, but not before mortally wounding him (or that was the Emperor's Sith lightning - up for debate). Anakin joined the ghosts of Obi-Wan and Yoda.

About the only important part most people haven't heard is that there is debate over whether Palpatine is actually Anakin's father. Maybe he or his mentor Darth Plagueis used those life-giving powers to conceive Anakin without actually doing the dirty deed. This is mostly fan speculation, and nothing from LucasFilm has been proposed to support this.

After Han and Leia have kids in the later novels, they name their third child Anakin.

Full story (and it's a long one)? Wookieepedia article

37th in alphabetical order

Dagobah Action Playset (ESB)

“Well he lived in a swamp down in Dagobah, where it bubbles all the time like a carbonated soda. S-O-D-A , soda. “ (sing to the tune of Lola).

Relive the exciting, muck-filled location where not a single shot was ever fired! Yes, Dagobah! Despite the apparent lack of action on that planet, the playset still has some interesting play abilities, including:

- Spongy “swamp,” that can swallow a figure (R2-D2) up

- Use a lever disguised as a rock and “levitate” some cargo containers (on top of some thin reeds)

- A lever through the tree house can “levitate” R2

- Use the moving pedestals to have a fight between Luke and dark side mirage Vader.

Later releases of this playset also included a backpack that Luke could wear and Yoda could sit in. This set only came in an ESB box. Owners of this set have now come to realize that touching the spongy material this late in its life causes it to disintegrate into a sticky substance that clings to anything. For pete’s sake, don’t touch it!

Why should you own this set? Five reasons:

1. Really, the only time you can demonstrate the Force in the original line.

2. It’s Yoda’s home. Have a home don’t you?

3. Recreate that first interesting month Yoda settles down on the planet after Revenge of the Sith – “What the f--- is there to do around here?”

4. Probably the most play you’ll get out of your R2 figure.

5. Keep it around until about 25 years later when they finally make a darkside-Darth/Luke-apparition figure.

History:

There were several instances of people happening upon, or surveying Dagobah, but most met with tragedy and failure due to various circumstances. Hundreds of years before the Clone Wars, a Sith was defeated by a Jedi, and his dark energies dispersed into the planet. This may have given the tree from ESB its dark side aura.

Yoda chose it as his exile planet after being defeated by Palpatine because it was missing (along with Kamino) from the Jedi Archives. It was also teeming with native life, and had a dark side spot, all which helped mask his presence from Palpatine and the Empire.

After the downfall of the Empire, Dagobah was used a few times by various students training to be Jedi to meditate, or stay in seclusion.

Full story? The Wookieepedia article

36th in alphabetical order

Creature Cantina Action Playset (SW)

Back from when parents didn’t think twice about giving you any “toy” comes this monument to alcoholism. Yes, you get to play with a bar. Oh, did I forget to mention there are people smoking there too?

While this one didn’t come with any figures, you have plenty of cantina aliens to choose from to populate it with. The playset came with a molded plastic base with foot pegs and rotating stands to re-enact scenes like shooting Greedo first, and the showdown between Obi-Wan and Walrus Man. The base also had the “bar” and the table where Han and Chewbacca sat. A slot running along the back of the base let you insert the paper background into it, and the plastic hinged doors at the entrance. This only came in a Star Wars box, which is no surprise since it couldn't have been very popular for long.

Why should you get this playset? Five reasons:

1. It’s a playset of a bar. A..bar. What were your parents thinking getting you that?

2. That Walrus Man you have with the arm that fell off? Now you have a place for him.

3. Re-create the exciting price negotiations for passage to Alderaan!

4. Something to proudly display your shot glass collection on.

5. See those pictures of the Cantina Band on the background? This is the closest you'll get to having figures of those in the original line.

Backstory:

Chalmun’s Cantina was run by the Wookiee Chalmun. The day bartender was Wuher (seen in the movie) and the night shift bartender was Ackmena (played by Bea Arthur in the Holiday Special). The bar was originally constructed by a Tatooine pioneer as protection against Sandpeople. It was later used as an armory, flophouse, monastery, and spice den before becoming a bar. It was still in use at least 20 years after the destruction of Death Star II.

Full story? Wookieepedia article

35th in alphabetical order

Cloud City Playset (ESB)

Cloud City was another one of the Sears exclusives (see Rebel Command Adventure Set, Cantina Adventure Set, and The Jabba the Hutt Dungeon) and, like the other playsets, a very cheap toy. Cheap as in quality. The playset was nothing more than a 3-D backdrop with depictions of Han’s torture chair, a Cloud City-scape, and the Carbonite chamber. It came with four figures, Bespin Han, Dengar, Ugnaught, and Lobot. By the way, Dengar was never shown in Cloud City. There were also plastic pegs to insert into the set so figures could be held in place.

Why should you get this set? Five reasons:

1. God knows you need more cardboard crap.

2. The only time you’ll get your Carbonite chamber. Take that, cocky Han Solo!

3. Finally, something for your Ugnaughts to do.

4. Another four figures in one shot!

5. Spring-load the base of the Carbonite chamber so you can make Bespin Luke shoot out. Yeah, that’s not a big waste of your time or anything.

Backstory:

Cloud City was built by the Incom Corporation about 2,000 years before the first SW movie took place. It was primarily built for the refining of Tibanna gas which was in abundance on Bespin, and was used in hyperdrive engines.

Cloud City has 392 levels, with factories, luxury casinos and hotels, the refineries, housing, local government offices, and the many repulsorlifts that keep the City aloft. The City has passed hands many, many times, during the Clone Wars, during a Sabacc game (where Lando won it), during the time of the Empire and later on.

Want more? Wookieepedia article

34th in alphabetical order

Cloud Car Pilot (ESB 1980-82)

Let’s face it, if you didn’t have a Twin-Pod Cloud Car (notice - it will be much farther down the alphabet), you probably didn’t have a lot of use for this figure. If you did have a Car, you wanted two of this figure (frickin’ Twin!). The figure is based on the pilot shown in the cockpit of the model used for the movie. A pilot was never actually shown in Cloud City. Go ahead and watch it again – I’ll wait here.

The Pilot came with the same blaster pistol as the TIE Pilot, so they must have the same wholesaler. He also came with…catch your breath…a commlink! Often mentioned but never accessorized until now! Whew! The figure came out on both ESB and ROTJ cards, and, as you'll notice from the pciture, an offer for a mail-away Ackbar.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Gave you hope that you would own a Cloud Car some day.

2. Gave you hope that you would get another one just like it – “But Dad, the Car needs two Pilots!”

3. Only commlink ever made – at least in the vintage line.

4. Official Star Wars figure of the Tour de France.

5. Official Star Wars figure of accountants (the commlink looks just like a calculator – get it?).

Backstory:

There is no real backstory on the Car pilots, but since the Car was produced on Bespin for Bespin atmospheric use, it is presumable that the pilots were hired/recruited in Cloud City, trained, and sent out to patrol the City. For more info, check out the Twin-Pod Cloud Car entry.

Want more? Wookieepedia article

33 in alphabetical order

Chief Chirpa (ROTJ 1983-84)

Hey, we had to get to the Ewoks sometime. After all, there were eight figures - yes eight figures - in the original line, as well as a playset and at least 3 vehicle/accessories dedicated to them (4 if you include a speeder bike). Chirpa came on a ROTJ card only. Side note: on early ROTJ figures, the Ewoks were often blacked out to conceal the "surprise" until the movie came out.

Chief Chirpa is just one of fuzzy little Stormtrooper-killing machines. Yes, they had clubs and crude spears, yet somehow they took out trained soldiers with blasters and battle armor. Maybe one of them watched Imperial manuevers secretly and trained from that, kind of like Splinter from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They obviously knew enough to take down a few AT-STs, including one from a deleted scene.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. He's the chief. Do you get She's the Sheriff figures and not get Suzanne Somers?

2. In all seriousness, the figure is molded pretty accurately to what the character was, from the hood to the command staff (shout-out to Admiral Ackbar!).

3. There is a whole frickin' Ewok playset - someone has to be in charge.

4. Those dark, dark eyes that you can just lose yourself in.

5. "Yub nub!" Those two words strike fear in the heart of any stormtroo, no, ha-ha, tee-hee, I just can't say it.

Backstory:

Much of the Ewoks cartoons can, and often are, taken as canon, but we know that the Chief had a wife (Ra-Lee) and two daughters, Kneesaa and Asha. The two Ewok Adventure movies are often considered canon as well, since they could have happened before the events in ROTJ - just pretend that the evil witch is using the Force to create illusions instead of "magic."

Chirpa's reign saw the arrival of the Imperials, and the Ewoks alliance with the Rebels. Not much has been said about the Ewoks post-ROTJ, but presumably they settled into a more peaceful existence, and some of their tribe have been known to travel the stars in the novels.

Want more? His Wookieepedia article

32nd in alphabetical order

Chewbacca Bandolier Strap (ROTJ)

What do you want for Christmas?! You're such a geek, you want to wear your Star Wars heart on your sleeve. Well, how about your chest? Yes, you've got it, the Chewbacca Bandolier Strap, which conveniently carries your figures where any bully or two-bit thief can rip them right off your person!

The Strap is a loving sort-of, kind-of, re-creation of Chewbacca's bandolier, but made to carry your action figures. Even Chewbacca's two compartments that say "Return of the Jedi" for your weapons and accessories are on here. Oh, wait, Chewbacca's real bandolier probably didn't say that. Chewbacca probably wouldn't have approved of some grinning 5 year-old wearing it either.

Why should you get the strap? Five reasons:

1. Using your hands to carry your figures is just so damn inconvenient, and using your mouth just leaves a plasticky taste.

2. The foam holding your figures in won't wear out for at least, um, right about now.

3. Two compartments for your guns, command batons, and loose limbs!

4. That blonde kid on the box will be sent back to the orphanage if not enough are sold.

5. Does it really matter which figure holder you get? None of them seem to fit those fat guys, Rancor Keeper and Gamorrean Guard, anyway.

Backstory:

Yes, there's a backstory. Okay, there's really not a backstory. In the movie Chewbacca's bandolier was a belt of power cells for his bowcaster, and possibly other blaster weapons.


Full story? Wookieepedia article on Chewbacca

31st in alphabetical order

Chewbacca (SW 1978-79)

Alas, poor Chewbacca. He's the only major figure that never got another outfit or any changes to his figure during the entire original run. It wasn't until the 1990's that Hasbro started making "Chewbacca as Boushh's Prisoner," "Chewbacca on Hoth," or "Chewbacca with Farrah Fawcett-like hair." Nope, in the original run we just get Chewbacca with the slicked-back fur, and a bowcaster gun that doesn't even have a crossbar.

Chewie came on the original 12-figure Star Wars back, where the figures were drawings instead of pictures of the actual toys. Even the TIE fighter and X-Wing pictured seem a little distorted due to the concept drawings and not photos. Look closely at the descriptions for those two vehicles - did "Laser Light" really need to be trademarked? Oh, and don't forget to send away for the exciting figure stand!

Chewie also came on an ESB card, 2 ROTJ cards (one with original picture and one with a picture from Endor), and a Power of the Force card with coin.

Why should you own him? Five reasons:

1. One of the tallest figures in the original line - crush those scrawny Stormtroopers.

2. Who else is going to sit in the co-pilot's seat in your Millennium Falcon? Luke? This ain't like dusting crops boy!

3. Relive the exciting conclusion to Empire Strikes Back where Chewie desperately tries to ignore the fact that Lando is wearing Han's clothes.

4. Lord your ownership of this figure over your wimpy Ewok-owning friends.

5. You owe it to Chewie since the medal-snub at the end of Star Wars.

Backstory:

Chewbacca was a Wookiee from the planet Kashyyyk (that's no typo - it really is 3 Y's). His father was Attichitcuk, his son Lumpawaroo, and his wife Mallatobuck. Between his adventures with Han he got to see his family, but he was devoted to Han because of his Life Debt to him. Chewie incurred this life debt after Han (an Imperial Lieutenant at the time) saved him from being killed by Han's superior officer. The two escaped together, living the life of smugglers and eventually hooking up with the Rebel Alliance.

Chewbacca's home life was explored a little more deeply in the atrocious Star Wars Holiday Special that ran once on CBS November 17, 1978. In it, Han tries to get Chewie home for the Wookiee "Life Day," while we mostly see Chewie's family doing stuff at home. It was only shown once, and was later denounced by Lucas, but many of the factual elements were kept for Chewbacca's biography in the official novels and comics. There are usually bootlegs sold on Ebay, and downloadable video on the web if you look.

Unfortunately, around 25 years after the Battle of Yavin (the first Star Wars movie) Chewbacca was killed by a falling moon while saving the inhabitants of Sernpidal and Han and Leia's son Anakin. Han blamed Anakin for Chewie's death, but later came to the conclusion that nothing could have been done. Poor Chewie - first no medal and then he has a moon fall on him.

More? His Wookieepedia article

30th in alphabetical order

CAP-2 Captivator (ESB)

The CAP-2 "captivator" was another mini-rig not found in the movies, but put out to give kids a cheap one-figure vehicle to play with, extending the original line. The CAP-2 was another unique design (they weren't all that way). Suction-cup legs for climbing on...windows? A pivoting front blaster; a bubble-cockpit; two front pincer arms; and a rear capturing device that could hold a captured figure. This was operated by a little knob on top.

Like many mini-rigs, if you didn't have the box, or didn't hear about it previously, there is probably no way you'd know this was a Star Wars vehicle. It does have some Imperial-type design reminiscent of maybe a probe droid, but nothing that strikes it as definitely Star Wars-ish. For a long time as a child, I thought it was used for window washing around Cloud City.

Why should you get this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. Unique. Suction-cups: what the f--- is up with that?

2. That shade of gun-metal grey. Cool.

3. The picture on the box is another example of Kenner ambiguity. So the Hoth rebel is captured on Cloud City by Bossk and turned over to the Empire? What?

4. I always assumed (having not had the box) that it was a maintenance vehicle for Cloud City. It always amused me that they would have made a mundane window washer vehicle.

5. Perfect for dentists - one of the pincer claws looks just like a tooth scraper.

Backstory:The CAP-2 is one of those rare mini-rigs that was not glimpsed in the movies, even in some other function, and does not have a larger, equivalent, vehicle. It is said that this ship was used by Bossk, but this is based only on the box picture. It could easily be a vehicle used in the Star Wars universe, but has not shown in any works considered canon.

29th in alphabetical order

Cantina Adventure Set (SW)

Remember when you actually got toys from Sears? Remember when they had the clout to make Sears exclusives? Now only Toys R Us and Target can command Star Wars exclusives (mostly) but back then Sears had a few exclusives (see Rebel Command Adventure Set, Cloud City Playset, and The Jabba the Hutt Dungeon) and the Cantina Adventure Set was one. Don’t get it confused with the Creature Cantina Action Playset, no - this one is much suckier. For one, it lacks any plastic action base – it is only a cardboard standup. It also is not technically in the Cantina, but right outside it. However, like the other Sears exclusives, this contained figures - four to be exact– Greedo, Hammerhead, Snaggletooth, and Walrusman. Snaggletooth, however, is especially infamous, because it is the rare tall blue Snaggletooth – exclusive to this set. The figure on card was corrected to be smaller and have a reddish jumpsuit. The rare Snaggletooth is the true value to this playset.

Why should you get this playset? Five reasons:

1. You can use it as an addition to the other Cantina set. Wow. More Cantina.

2. Get most of your Cantina creatures in one shot.

3. Oh man – blue jumpsuit and silver go-go boots on Snaggletooth. George Lucas must be rolling over in his grave. What? He's not dead?

4. Not only is the box recyclable, so is the playset!

5. Re-create the exciting waiting line to get into the Cantina. Velvet rope not included.

Backstory:

Full story? Wookieepedia article on Chalmun's Cantina

28th in alphabetical order

Bossk (ESB 1980-82)

Do you remember that scene at the beginning of "Starman" where the alien is growing his clone body, and while in the infant stage it looks rather...alien? It kind of looks like Bossk. Not orange like Lady Marmalade here, but rather similarly mongoloid.

Bossk is yet another in our long line of bounty hunters, but you know what they say - "If you ain't Boba Fett, you don't have no lines." Bossk's big turn in the movies was standing rather still on the deck of a Super Star Destroyer while Darth Vader tasked him (and others) to hunt down Solo and the gang. Wait - he did have a line - he kind of hissed.

Bossk's head is actually a repainted alien mask from the Cantina scene, in case you're wondering why it looks rather familiar. Throw on some scaly arms, a capri-pant flightsuit, and you've got yourself a bounty hunter! Bossk comes with a rifle that is held by the forward handle - a unique weapon for um, ah, a unique guy. The figure came in both ESB and ROTJ packaging.

Why should you own this figure? Five reasons:

1. Bounty hunter. 'Nuff said.

2. Anyone who actually hunts down Wookiees has some balls. Show him some love.

3. Tied with Jabba for ugliest mug in the Star Wars trilogy.

4. Stylish flight suit; elegant lines.

5. Looks a lot like Lord Voldemort minus the cloak.

Backstory:

Bossk is a Trandoshan, who when born, ate his hatchmates. Quite the beginning. He went on to hunt Wookiees for the Empire (and sport) become a bounty hunter, and lead the Bounty Hunter's Guild (while fractioning it). He clashed and worked with other bounty hunters from time to time, including Zuckuss and Boba Fett. His last appearance was in a jail on a space station being attacked by the Yuuzhan Vong (a later antagonizing race). No word on if he survived.


Want more? His Wookieepedia article

27th in alphabetical order