The Empire Strikes Back


The Empire Strikes Back 1980 – 1982

The Empire Strikes Back series was released from 1980 to 1982, and broken up into three primary waves. Expectations were very high for the new Star Wars merchandise, and Kenner certainly did not disappoint. There were 29 new figures in total that were released during the Empire Strikes Back line. All of the original 21 (with Boba Fett) Star Wars figures were re-released on Empire Strikes Back cards as well. The figures were accompanied by multiple accessories, vehicles and playsets to re-create our favorite movie moments.

For more information about Kenner’s Empire Strikes Back line, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Wave 1

The first series of Empire Strikes Back figures contained 11 in total, which brought the total number of figures to 31. All 31 figures were displayed on these card backs.

Bossk

Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $35 – $50

Bossk
Accessories: Bossk Rifle
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Bossk was among the Bounty Hunters in the infamous scene that captured everyone’s imagination. Despite only a handful of seconds on screen, Bossk was forever immortalized in the super cool character category.

Bespin Security Guard

Market Value:
Carded $135 – $215
Loose $25 – $40

Bespin Security Guard I
Accessories: Bespin Blaster
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Who knew the Cloud City Security force dressed so fancy? If it wasn’t for the flower pot on his head, this would be a cool looking uniform to walk around in.

FX-7

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $300
Loose $25 – $40

FX-7
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was a pretty neat figure since you could use him for many other things other than medical stuff, such as Security, Trash Collector, Food Server, Nanny Droid, Etc.

Han Solo (Hoth)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $45 – $70

Han Solo (Hoth)
Accessories: Smuggler Blaster
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was a great new figure of our favorite smuggler in his Hoth outfit. Along with the Tauntaun and Hoth playsets, this figure was a great addition to the line.

IG-88

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $35 – $50

IG-88
Accessories: Blaster, Long Rifle
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Along with Bossk, IG-88 really captured the imagination as we were all dying to know more about these new Bounty Hunters. A lot of detail went into this figure, which really makes him standout from the crowd.

Imperial Stormtrooper
(Hoth)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $35 – $50

Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth)
Accessories: Stormtrooper Rifle, Vinyl Cape
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was really an incredible evolution of the already beloved Stormtrooper characters. Who wouldn’t want dozens of these guys for their Battle of Hoth re-creations.

Lando Calrissian

Market Value:
Carded $225 – $325
Loose $30 – $45

Lando Calrissian
Accessories: Bespin Blaster, Vinyl Cape
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Here he is, the man himself, the coolest cat in the entire galaxy……Lando Calrissian. And how could you possibly do a Lando figure figure without that million dollar smile.

Leia Organa
(Bespin Gown)

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $70 – $90

Leia Organa (Bespin Gown)
Accessories: Blaster, Vinyl Robe
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: We get a new sculpt of Princess Leia wearing her new gown she acquired on Cloud City. They really like their earth tones there since they’re so high up in the sky.

Luke Skywalker
(Bespin Fatigues)

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $75 – $100

Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues)
Accessories: Blaster, Yellow Lightsaber
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Kenner gave us a great new sculpt of Luke for this one, along with a new lightsaber for him to hold, as Kenner decided to ditch their arm extending lightsabers. This figure came in two versions, one with blonde hair, the other with brown hair.

Rebel Soldier (Hoth)

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $25 – $40

Rebel Soldier (Hoth)
Accessories: Rebel Rifle
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Hoth Rebel Soldier was an awesome troop building figure, especially for all the various Hoth playsets Kenner made for this line. It was simply made but very effective for what it was.

Yoda

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $75 – $100

Yoda
Accessories: Stick, Cloth Robe, Belt, Snake
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Despite the extremely limited articulation, this was a very cool figure. I mean, it’s Yoda for crying out loud. Two different snake variations were produced, with one being orange in color and the other was brown. This figure was never considered rare, but it will definitely not come cheap in the package.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Wave 2

The second series of figures contained 9 figures, which brought the total to 41 on the back of the cards. Side note on this wave; C-3PO (Removable Limbs) and R2-D2 (Sensorscope) were released during this wave but were not placed on the back of the cards due to Kenner not wanting to confuse collectors for whatever reason.

2-1B

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $300
Loose $25 – $40

2-1B
Accessories: Medical Staff
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This figure featured a pretty creative sculpt and everyone loved the clear mid-section. As far as medical droids go, 2-1B definitely has FX-7 beat by a mile.

AT-AT Driver

Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $30 – $45

AT-AT Driver
Accessories: AT-AT Rifle
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The AT-AT Driver was another example of the ever evolving Stormtrooper concepts. Kenner gave us another creative movie accurate look with this guy and a great looking figure.

Dengar

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $30 – $45

Dengar
Accessories: Long Rifle
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Dengar wasn’t as sexy looking as Bossk or IG-88 (he has a diaper on his head) but he was still a Bounty Hunter and his back story was really fleshed out through the years in the expanded universe.

Han Solo (Bespin Outfit)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $40 – $65

Han Solo (Bespin Outfit)
Accessories: Smuggler Blaster
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was the cool looking Han Solo figure that everyone wanted, not to mention a new head sculpt from that awful original line version. Han comes with his signature smuggler blaster.

Imperial Commander

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $25 – $40

Imperial Commander
Accessories: Stormtrooper Blaster
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This is definitely more of an army builder kind of a character than any one specific imperial commander, which worked very well. You could have multiples of this guy all over your Star Destroyer or Death Star Playset.

Leia (Hoth Outfit)

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $500
Loose $75 – $100

Leia (Hoth Outfit)
Accessories: Blaster Pistol
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Another great Princess Leia figure from this line and not a bad head sculpt either. Along with the other Hoth figures, it really allowed you to complete the Hoth scenes and battles.

Lobot

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $175
Loose $25 – $40

Lobot
Accessories: Bespin Blaster
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Many people believe Lobot was a bit of a boring character, and………..he kind of actually was, but not completely uninteresting. I mean he’s basically a cyborg, so that’s pretty cool, right?

Rebel Commander

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $25 – $40

Rebel Commander
Accessories: Hoth Rifle
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: you can’t have Hoth Rebel Soldiers without a Hoth Rebel Commander, so here he is. I always thought this guy looked like the Major Derlin character, who was famously played by John Ratzenberger (AKA, Cliff Clavin from Cheers).

Ugnaught

Market Value:
Carded $125 – $200
Loose $25 – $40

Ugnaught
Accessories: Tool Kit, Cloth Apron
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Who wouldn’t want a bunch of these guys for their Bespin adventures? The design is actually a pretty good movie likeness and can still be easily found on the secondary market.

The Empire Strikes Back (1981-1982): Wave 3

The third and final wave of Empire Strikes Back figures contained 9 in total, which brought the total number of figures to 50, but due to a strange decision by Kenner to include R2-D2 and C-3PO on the back of the cards, the most figures displayed on the back of the cards were 48.

4-Lom

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $30 – $45

4-Lom
Accessories: Rifle, Back Pack, Cloak
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Another great looking Bounty Hunter, 4-Lom has an interesting background. Somehow, Kenner mixed up this character and Zuckuss’ names, by switching them. This error was never corrected and 4-Lom and Zuckuss were forever linked. He was also offered as a mail-away figure.

Artoo Detoo (R2-D2)
w/ Sensorscope

Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $50 – $75

Artoo Detoo (R2-D2) w/ Sensorscope
Accessories: Sensorscope
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: R2 popped out his sensor a couple of times during The Empire Strikes Back, so it was only natural that one would be included on a new R2 figure. It was a small twist so Kenner could get another R2-D2 figure out there and more money into their pockets.

AT-AT Commander

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $20 – $35

AT-AT Commander
Accessories: Bespin Blaster
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The AT-AT Commander was also known as General Veers on the Canadian cards, which made sense because isn’t this actually General Veers? Either way, its a great addition for the AT-AT walker vehicle.

Bespin Security Guard II

Market Value:
Carded $110 – $160
Loose $30 – $45

Bespin Security Guard II
Accessories: Bespin Blaster
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The body was virtually identical to the first version with this one just having an African-American head sculpt and hands. This was great for army building too because it gave us a fantastic variation to this figure.

Cloud Car Pilot (Twin-Pod)

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $225
Loose $35 – $50

Cloud Car Pilot (Twin-Pod)
Accessories: Pilot Blaster, Commlink
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: What’s a Twin-Pod Cloud Car without a pilot, so this was a no-brainer. This guy was also another army building figure for our Bespin scenes, and Kenner knew you would need two of these guys to fly the Could Car.

Imperial Tie Fighter Pilot

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $300
Loose $30 – $45

Imperial Tie Fighter Pilot
Accessories: Pilot Baster
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Tie Fighter Pilot figure was much needed since they were absolutely necessary to fly the Tie Fighters. Prior to this, we were just sticking Stormtroopers in there and they just never could get the hang of flying.

Luke Skywalker (Hoth)

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $40- $60

Luke Skywalker (Hoth)
Accessories: Rebel Rifle
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: A great new Luke Skywalker figure to go along with Hoth Han and Hoth Leia, but where is the lightsaber? He certainly used one in the Wampa cave, but who are we to question Kenner toys. The detail on the figure is great with the molded pieces and realistic folds to his outfit.

See-Threepio (C-3PO)
w/ Removable Limbs

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $35 – $50

See-Threepio (C-3PO) w/ Removable Limbs
Accessories: Backpack, Removable Limbs
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: This was a pretty creative attempt by Kenner to give us C-3PO in parts to re-create the Bespin movie Scenes. Not to mention all the other times that C-3PO had lost limbs along the way.

Zuckuss

Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $30 – $45

Zuckuss
Accessories: Blaster Rifle
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Yet another awesome Bounty Hunter, and the other half of the 4-Lom/Zuckuss Kenner fiasco. Somehow, Kenner mixed up this character and 4-Lom’s names, and switched them. This error was never corrected and 4-Lom and Zuckuss were forever linked.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980-1982): Mail Order/Exclusives

Kenner began the Star Wars action figure line with a mail order offer, so they kept that tradition going for the new Empire Strikes Back movie by offering a new Display Arena Stand, a Survival Accessory Kit and two mail-order figures, 4-Lom and Bossk.

Display Arena Mail Away

W/ Packaging $325 – $400
Loose $150 – $200

Display Arena Directions

Display Arena Instructions

Display Arena Mail Away
Accessories: Plastic Bases x 4, Two-Sided Backdrops x 4
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Since Kenner had released the Action Collector’s Stand as as a mail order exclusive for Star Wars, it was only right that one from Empire Strikes Back would also be available. The Display Arena was basically four 8″ plastic bases that could interconnect any number of ways, along with a two-sided cardboard backdrop for each base. Each base stand could hold up to 12 figures on each. This was made available for 10 proof of purchase seals, along with the hefty price of $2.00.

Survival Kit (Mail Order)

W/ Packaging $125 – $200
Loose $30 – $50

Survival Kit (Mail Order)

Survival Kit Instructions

Survival Kit (Mail Order)
Accessories: Hoth Backpacks x 5, Gas Masks x 4, Grappling Hook
Years Released: 1981
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Kenner loved their mail order exclusives for Star Wars, and one of the most useful ones they offered was the Survival Kit. Since the figures came with so many different accessories, it was great way to replace all those lost weapons and still offer some new pieces for kids to use in their Empire Strikes Back playsets and vehicles. The price of this nifty set was only 5 Proofs of Purchase from Kenner Action Figures.

4-Lom (Mail-Order)

With Packaging $300 – $400
Loose $35 – $50

4-Lom (Mail-Order)
Accessories: Laser Rifle, Back Pack, Cloak
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The 4-Lom Mail-Order figure was the last one that was released for the Empire Strikes Back line in 1982, even though the carded version of this figure had already been released earlier in the year. Kenner probably did this to keep interest in the line and offer kids an incentive for buying more figures. 4-Lom was could be obtained for 5 proof of purchase seals.

Secret Action Figure (Bossk Mail Order)

With Packaging: $400 – $500
Loose $35 – $50

Secret Action Figure (Bossk Mail Order)
Accessories: Bossk Rifle
Years Released: 1980
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: To say that interest in the new Empire Strikes Back toys was high leading to its release would be a MASSIVE understatement. To stoke the interest even higher, Kenner offered a “secret” action figure for the price of any 4 proof of purchase seals. The figure would eventually turn out to be Bossk, which was revealed towards the end of the promotion in 1980.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980-1982): Accessories and Creatures

Kenner always released a ton of accessories for their Star Wars action figure lines, and Empire Strikes Back was no exception. We got 3 new small figure accessories, 2 new creatures and even 3 new collector’s cases to carry our figures.

Radar Laser Cannon

Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $100
Loose $15 – $25

Radar Laser Cannon
Accessories: Moveable Cannon, Blow-Apart Feature
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: Is it a radar or is it a cannon? The answer is, that it’s both. The laser cannon is moveable and makes clicking sounds when moved. The radar dish has a blow-apart feature so you can re-enact the rebels getting crushed at the Battle of Hoth.

Tri-Pod Laser Cannon

Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $100
Loose $15 – $25

Tri-Pod Laser Cannon
Accessories: Moveable Laser Cannon, Tri-Pod Stand
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Tri-Pod Laser Cannon was basically a similar Imperial cannon that was found with the Imperial Attack Base playset. The cannon would rotate around and make clicking noises when moved. It came with a tri-pod stand as well.

Vehicle Maintenance Energizer

Market Value:
Boxed $75 – $125
Loose $20 – $30

Vehicle Maintenance Energizer
Accessories: Movable Energizer Top, Tools x 8, Hoses x 2
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Vehicle Maintenance Energizer essentially acted as a big batter charger for vehicles. It came with a moveable top, along with all kinds of small tools and hoses. This was a fun piece by Kenner and allowed kids to use their imaginations to put this to use.

Tauntaun (Open Belly)

Market Value:
Boxed $140 – $210
Loose $50 – $75

Tauntaun (Closed Belly)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $35 – $50

Tauntaun (Open and Closed Belly)
Accessories: Harness, Bridle, Saddle
Years Released: Open Belly – 1980, Closed Belly – 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Open Belly – Tough to find; Closed Belly – Can still be found
Notes: Everyone knew Kenner would make a Tauntaun creature for the figures to ride, but nobody knew it would have a very unusual feature that allowed kids to place their figures INSIDE the dead Tauntaun’s body to keep warm! This obviously caused a stir when released, so Kenner pulled it from the shelves soon after release, which makes this version somewhat rare and more valuable. A “corrected” version of the Tauntaun with no open belly replaced it. This was definitely a head scratcher by Kenner, but it’s still a great piece for the line.

Wampa

Market Value:
Boxed $110 – $175
Loose $35 – $50

Wampa
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Wampa was a cool creature to add to our Hoth playsets and finally gave us a chance to have that infamous unfinished Empire Strikes Back scene of the Wampa’s attacking Echo Base during the Battle of Hoth. The size definitely seemed a bit off, compared to the action figures, but still very cool. What I remember the most about the Wampa was the 80’s toy commercial with the kid in the commercial doing his Wampa imitation? If not, you should Google it and You’re welcome.

Darth Vader
Collector’s Case

Market Value:
With Packaging $200 – $300
Loose $40 – $60

Darth Vader Collector’s Case
Accessories: Plastic Dividers, Cardboard Separator, Accessory Compartment
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Darth Vader Collector’s Case was one of the most creative idea’s that Kenner had…and that’s saying a lot! It was a case to hold figures, but shaped like the bust of Darth Vader. How freakin cool is that! The case held up to 31 figures (odd number), and a compartment for their accessories and weapons. The case was also released in 1983, as part of the Return of the Jedi line.

Empire Strikes Back
Collector’s Case A

Market Value:
With Packaging $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $50

Empire Strikes Back Collector’s Case A
Accessories: Trays x 2, Cardboard Divider, Stickers
Years Released: 1981
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was basically the same case that was released for the original Star Wars line, but with new Empire Strikes Back graphics. It contained two plastic trays that could hold up to 24 figures, along with their accessories. The trays could be turned upside down to use as a display for the figures with pegs built into them. This was the first version of the Empire case with a slightly different picture.

Empire Strikes Back
Collector’s Case B

Market Value:
With Packaging $150 – $200
Loose $30 – $50

Empire Strikes Back Collector’s Case B
Accessories: Trays x 2, Cardboard Divider, Stickers
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: This was basically the same case that was released for the original Star Wars line, but with new Empire Strikes Back graphics. It contained two plastic trays that could hold up to 24 figures, along with their accessories. The trays could be turned upside down to use as a display for the figures with pegs built into them. This was the second version of the Empire case with a slightly different picture.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980-1982): Mini-Rigs

Kenner created the Mini-Rigs for their Empire Strikes Back line, and they turned out to be quite popular when they hit the retail aisles. This was Kenner’s attempt at introducing smaller vehicles for the consumer with a smaller price tag, and it definitely worked.

CAP-2 (Captivator)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $15 – $25

CAP-2 (Captivator)
Accessories: Opening Canopy, Suction Cups x 2
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The CAP-2 (Captivator) was basically a one person vehicle that could maneuver across tough terrain with its suction cup feet. It also had a set of pinchers on its back for captives. The CAP-2 was part of the second wave of Mini-Rigs in 1982, and was brought back for the Return of the Jedi line in 1983.

INT-4 (Interceptor)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $15 – $25

INT-4 (Interceptor)
Accessories: Opening Hatch, Laser Cannon, Side Wings
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The INT-4 (Interceptor) had a unique look. It was basically a one person hovercraft with a laser cannon attached to the front of it. Like the other Mini-Rigs, it had an opening cockpit/hatch. The INT-4 was part of the second wave of Mini-Rigs in 1982, and brought back for the Return of the Jedi line in 1983.

MLC-3 (Mobile Laser Cannon)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $15 – $25

MLC-3 (Mobile Laser Cannon)
Accessories: Opening Canopy, Laser Cannons x 2
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The MLC-3 (Mobile Laser Cannon) was a simple but effective vehicle. It was basically a one man rolling cannon. It had a great look to it, with a fun looking canopy and cockpit. How great would it be to watch dozens of these things taking on AT-AT’s during the Battle of Hoth. The MLC-3 was brought back for the Return of the Jedi line in 1983.

MTV-7 (Multi-Terrain Vehicle)

Market Value:
Boxed $60 – $90
Loose $10 – $20

MTV-7 (Multi-Terrain Vehicle)
Accessories: Moveable Laser Cannon, Spring Loaded Legs
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The MTV-7 (Multi-Terrain Vehicle) was a pretty nifty concept. It was a one person vehicle with big fat tires. You would push down on the vehicle and it would flatten out for some reason. The MTV-7 was brought back for the Return of the Jedi line in 1983.

PDT-8 (Personnel Deployment Transport)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $15 – $25

PDT-8 (Personnel Deployment Transport)
Accessories: Moveable Lasers x 2, Engines x 2, Landing Gear
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The PDT-8 (Personnel Deployment Transport) vehicles was basically a transport that could fit two figures. There were two engines on either side of it as well. The PDT-8 was only issued in 1981 and 1982, and did not make the cut for the Return of the Jedi line.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980-1982): Playsets

One of the biggest advantages in having smaller action figures is the amazing things you can do with playsets and vehicles, and Kenner most definitely took full advantage of this for their Empire Strikes Back line with 8 brand new fantastic playsets.

Cloud City
Playset

Market Value:
Boxed $1,000 – $1,500
Loose $175 – $275

Cloud City Playset
Accessories: Han (Bespin), Ugnaught, Lobot, Dengar
Years Released: 1980
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Cloud City Playset was a Sears Exclusive offered in the 1980 Christmas catalog, and it finally gave us a chance to freeze whatever character we wanted in Carbonite. This set was all cardboard and came with four figures, Han Solo (Bespin), Ugnaught, Lobot, and Dengar (for some reason).

Dagobah Action
Playset

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $200
Loose $50 – $75

Dagobah Action Playset
Accessories: Foam Swamp, Cargo Boxes, Hut, Levers
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was really one of Kenner’s best efforts when it came to playsets. It was lots of fun for kids and you could do so much with the Dagobah setting. There were levers that would “levitate” the cargo boxes for Luke’s training. There was even Yoda’s hut. Side note: the foam “swamp” is almost always deteriorated nowadays.

Hoth Ice Planet
Adventure Set

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $200
Loose $40 – $65

Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Set
Accessories: Radar Laser Cannon, Cardboard AT-AT
Years Released: 1980, 1981
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: If this playset looks a little familiar, it is. It’s a re-do of the Land of the Jawa’s Playset from the original line, with a Radar Cannon added. The cardboard Sandcrawler was replaced with an AT-AT scene, and the brown desert base was now a white snow landscape.

Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer

Market Value:
Boxed $225 – $300
Loose $50 – $75

Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer
Accessories: Meditation Chamber, Escape Hatch, Laser Cannon, Red Viewing Screen
Years Released: 1980, 1981
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: THIS was a really cool playset. I mean we now had a Star Destroyer to put our figures inside of, not to mention Vader’s meditation chamber and even a screen to talk to the Emperor. There was also a bridge area where the Bounty Hunters could gather and plot. This would’ve been way cooler if it was a little bigger with some more detail, but you won’t hear me complaining.

Imperial Attack Base

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $175
Loose $40 – $65

Imperial Attack Base
Accessories: Plastic Base, Laser Cannon, Exploding Command Post & Ice Bridge
Years Released: 1980, 1981
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was one of my absolute favorite playsets from this line as a kid because of the amazing playability. There were so many different things you could do with it and it was really loads of fun. It had an exploding command post, along with an exploding bridge (looks like this particular battle didn’t go well for the Imps). There was also a rotating laser cannon with clicking sounds.

Rebel Command Center

Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $500
Loose $85 – $115

Rebel Command Center
Accessories: Cardboard Background, Base, AT-AT Commander, R2-D2 Sensorscope, Luke (Hoth)
Years Released: 1981
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Once again, Kenner borrowed from the Land of the Jawa’s Playset to come up with this Sears Exclusive set, first offered in the Sears Wishbook of 1981. The cardboard backdrop was now changed to an Echo Base background and it came with three figures, Luke (Hoth), R2-D2 Sensorscope and AT-AT Commander.

Turret & Probot Playset

Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $185
Loose $50 – $75

Turret & Probot Playset
Accessories: Plastic Base, Rotating Turret, Laser Canons, Exploding Action Probot
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was another Hoth playset but not quite as fun as the Imperial Attack Base. It featured an exploding action Probot and a Rebel Turret that could rotate around. The turret had an access door and opening top hatch. When you put all these Hoth sets together, it made for a very cool Hoth world scene.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980-1982): Vehicles

Kenner quickly created an incredible tradition of releasing amazing and fun vehicles for their Star Wars action figures, and that tradition continued for the Empire Strikes Back line with the introduction of 8 brand new vehicles.

AT-AT

Market Value:
Boxed $325 – $450
Loose $110 – $160

AT-AT
Accessories: Canopy, Side Guns, Chin Guns, Side Door
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The conversation about vintage Star Wars vehicles begins and ends right here. The AT-AT is among the royalty class of the vintage vehicles, which is saying a lot because there were some great ones. If you were lucky enough to have one of these as a kid, then you were definitely loved. The rest of us had to wait until adulthood and pay astronomical prices on the secondary market for a boxed version in good shape.

Imperial Cruiser

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $60 – $85

Imperial Cruiser
Accessories: Immobilization Masks x 2, Opening Hatch
Years Released: 1981
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Kenner re-released the Imperial Troop Transport as a Sear Exclusive for the Empire Strikes Back line, except it was now called the “Imperial Cruiser”. Aside from the packaging, Nothing much was changed on this and it wasn’t one of the better selling Star Wars items at the time. Nowadays, it can still be found on the secondary market, but commands high prices due to a limited production.

Rebel Snowspeeder (Pink Box)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $175
Loose $40 – $60

Rebel Snowspeeder (Blue Box)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $225
Loose $40 – $60

Rebel Snowspeeder
Accessories: Laser Cannons, Opening Canopy, Harpoon Gun & Tow Cable
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Snowspeeder was a breakout vehicle from the Empire Strikes Back and that translated into big demand and toy sales. Kenner went big on the Hoth playsets, ships and accessories, so this goes very well with the entire ensemble. The Harpoon and Tow Cable on the back of the ship are easily lost, since they are just kind of stuck on the back grill of the vehicle. Kenner changed the color of the box to Blue on later releases, making this version the harder one to find on the secondary market.

Rebel Transport

Value: Blue Box $175 – $275
Yellow Box $225 – $325
Loose $60 – $80

Rebel Transport
Accessories: Removable Cockpit Hatch, Escape Hatch, Laser Cannon, Backpacks x 5, Gas Masks x 4
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Blue version can still be found, but Yellow version is tough to find
Notes: The Rebel Transport was kind of a hybrid vehicle/figure storage case. It holds 24 figures altogether and came with 4 asteroid gas masks and 5 Hoth backpacks. Overall, this was an interesting piece by Kenner and a creative alternative to the standard figure cases. Kenner released the yellow boxed version first, but it was quickly replaced with a more Hoth friendly blue box.

Scout Walker (AT-ST)

Market Value:
Boxed $175 – $250
Loose $45 – $65

Scout Walker (AT-ST)
Accessories: Top Hatch, Top Gun, Rotating Side Guns
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was another amazing addition to the vintage line. My favorite feature was its walking action, which was activated with a button that had the legs moving up and down. The Walker also came with swivel cannons and 2 access hatches for maximum playability, this thing had it all.

Slave 1

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $85 – $115

Slave 1
Accessories: Frozen Han Solo, Wings, Cockpit, Access Panel, Ramp, Rotating Weapons
Years Released: 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Slave 1 was the vehicle that every kid wanted to own after watching the Empire Strikes Back because it was so different but more importantly, it belonged to the baddest bounty hunter in the galaxy, Boba Fett. It also included a carbonite frozen Han Solo for Boba to sell to Jabba, so this was a nice touch. There was also a ramp, access panels and opening cockpit.

Twin-Pod Cloud Car

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $130
Loose $30 – $45

Twin-Pod Cloud Car
Accessories: Opening Canopies, Landing Gear
Years Released: 1980, 1981, 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: The Twin-Pod cloud car just didn’t seem like it made strategic sense. I mean, basically it gave enemy ships a chance to disable two ships with only one well placed shot but it definitely wins the award for creativity. Besides, what if you didn’t like your co-pilot? One would be forced to stare at them the whole time you were patrolling which made for a long shift. The Cloud Car is probably the easiest vehicle to find on the secondary market from this line.

X-Wing Fighter
(Battle Damaged)

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $275
Loose $80 – $110

X-Wing Fighter (Battle Damaged)
Accessories: Laser Cannons x 4, Cockpit Canopy, Expandable Wings
Years Released: 1982
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found, but it’s getting tougher each year
Notes: This was basically the same exact X-Wing Fighter from the original line, except it now had battle damaged stickers that made the X-Wing look like it had suffered some damage. It wasn’t a huge seller for Kenner because most kids already had their X-Wing, but it made for some cool space battles scenes. A Battle Damaged Tie Fighter would follow with the Return of the Jedi line.

Kenner quickly discovered they had a massive hit on their hands with the Star Wars franchise, so they were more than happy to produce figures for its sequel, The Empire Strikes Back. The series was broken up into three primary waves with a few other smaller waves mixed in. Expectations were very high for the new merchandise, and Kenner certainly did not disappoint. The line gave us pretty much everything we needed to stage a small scale version of the movie itself. Kenner decided to ditch their slide out lightsaber design from the previous line, and go with a more traditional freestanding weapon that you could actually place in the figure’s hands. All of the original 21 (with Boba Fett) Star Wars figures were re-released on Empire Strikes Back cards as well. There were 29 new figures in total that were released during the Empire Strikes Back line.

Like the previous Star Wars line, the figures were accompanied by multiple accessories, vehicles and playsets to really re-create some of our favorite movie moments. Also like before, Kenner created many different accessories and non-action figure items for the line. Kenner issued another batch of Die-Cast ships, Puzzles, Games, and Models, but they made the decision to discontinue their 12 inch figure line. That being said, one brand new figure was actually released in the 12 inch format, IG-88, along with a re-packaged Boba Fett in the Empire Strikes Back packaging. Apparently there were plans for additional 12 inch figures, but they never came to fruition.

The Empire Strikes Back action figure line was every bit the success of the first Star Wars line. Since Kenner was better prepared for the sales onslaught this time around, the figures were much easier to find at retail and fairly evenly distributed. This series, along with the ships and playsets remain incredibly popular for Star Wars and toy collectors. While these figures are somewhat easier to find in their carded forms, the main characters (Luke, Leia, Han, Bounty Hunters) remain in high demand and fetch top prices on the secondary market. The playsets and vehicles can also still be found on the secondary market, but they are becoming tougher to locate in their original packaging.