Editor's note: Today begins a new semi-regular column by author Gus Lopez on a somewhat obscure area of Star Wars collecting: toy prototypes. We recently unearthed a treasure trove of early toy prototype imagery from Lucasfilm's Licensing Archives that has never been published, and have been fortunate enough to enlist the help of prototype collector Gus Lopez to share some expert insights into this vastly unexplored area of the hobby.
Prototype: 1978 Star Wars Action Figure Display Stand
Frequently when introducing new toy concepts, toy manufacturers will use cardboard cutouts to represent soon-to-be-released action figures in packaging, vehicles, and playset settings. This first image shows a Kenner product concept that never made it to market. It consists of three small display stands with different movie scene backdrops. The stands are designed for particular characters such as Luke, R2-D2, and C-3PO on Tatooine with the names of the characters on the front of the stand. The playsets also have a cool action feature: levers to rotate the figures in place for some 1970's disco action. This feature also popped up on the later-produced Kenner 12-figure display stand.
The cut out characters are based on sketches used by Kenner at the time to represent the figures before the production run was complete. For instance, the Luke sketch is similar to the one used on the packaging concepts seen here for the 12-back action figures. The Darth Vader cut out looks like the Dark Lord had sent his suit out to be dry-cleaned and substituted a spray-painted stormtrooper costume and Nien Nunb mask, hoping no one would notice.
On the next image, the second series Kenner figures are shown on the 12-figure display stand. These Star Wars action figures were introduced and featured on the 20-back action figure cards: Hammerhead, Walrusman, Death Star Droid, Power Droid, R5-D4, Greedo, Luke X-Wing, and Snaggletooth. The display stand was available as the first Kenner Star Wars mail away offer, but this stand also has an alternate base that was used to showcase the figures from the upcoming line.
Make sure to check out Gus and Duncan's Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Collectibles, available exclusively online.
