Amazon.com: Look no further for the ultimate Star Wars toy guide. Consummate collector Stephen J. Sansweet's Action Figure Archive is a completist's bible, with full-color photos and rich details about all the Hasbro/Kenner toys released from 1978 through 1997. Even if you can't afford (or find) all the action figures, vehicles, and playsets themselves, this book is a joy to browse, with big, well-laid-out pages that are jam-packed with film stills, toy detail shots, and information on the movies and their marketing machinery. It's all here: every version of popular characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, along with more obscure, hard-to-find figures, card variants, international editions, accessory descriptions, and product mistakes. This is a crucial reference for serious collectors--and an unbelievably fun book for every Star Wars fan. --Therese Littleton
Product Description: Imagine the Star Wars universe—Princess Leia, Han Solo, Yoda, and all the other characters—reproduced on a miniature scale. These are the immensely popular and eminently collectible action figures that Kenner Toys has produced for the past 20 years. Until now, there has never been a comprehensive book for the legions who collect these fantastic figures. Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive is the visual compendium they've been waiting for. This definitive reference covers the older Kenner action figures as well as the new Hasbro/Kenner line. Every full-color page features shots of the action figures, many with movie stills on which the figure was based, and showcases accessories and the original packaging. Captions enumerate different versions of the figures, providing the exhaustive information required by the serious collector. With over 2,000 color photos, this is the definitive tour of the Star Wars action figure galaxy.?
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If only he'd update it... This is the best Star Wars action figure guide ever published, period. I have been collecting STar Wars figures since 1977 and like this book so much that I have bought multiple copies so that I could take one apart and use with my binder in which I track my collection. Beautiful graphics and well organized. Do not buy this if you expecting a price guide though. My only wish is that Stephen Sansweet would create a second volume, continuing where he left off.
Star Wars Action Figure Archive This book is a super resource for it has a lot of glossy pics which are highly detailed of the Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Returo of the Jedi and Power of the Force Action Figures as well as Star Wars Action Playsets and Spaceships. It is well worth the money and is easily divided into many sections.
I use it all the time to find Vintage Star Wars items for gifts for Star Wars collectors. I strongly recommend it if you collect Star Wars or are going to in the future. I bought my book from Amazon and also, it is a great gift for any one who loves Star Wars.
Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive Book Review by darthoz I first purchased this book on another site in California. The book is on one island in Hawaii and I am on another island in Hawaii. So, I bought another one through Amazon. It is a wonderful source of information. I did however notice that there are some items of significant value and/or rarity that are not included. One such item is the Special Action Display that recently sold online for close to one thousand dollars. Perhaps the author of the book did not have the informamtion available at the time of publication.
The first Star Wars Vintage Mailaway Display 1979
The Star Wars Action Display Stand was first offered through a coupon redemption included with the first four (4) Early Bird Kit Action Figures:
Luke Skywalker with Yellow Telescoping Lightsaber (very rare)
Princess Leia Organa with White Vinyl Cape & Laser Pistol
Chewbacca with Green Crossbow
R2-D2
The second time that it was offered on the back of Star Wars Action Figure Cardbacks. The offer stated:
Star Wars Action Collectors Stand
Display all 12 figures on this colorful galaxy stand. Sturdy plastic with action levers to move figures back and forth. Figures easily removeable for individual play. Send your name, address, zip code and proof-of-purchase seal (shown at right) from 2 Star Wars Action Figure packages alone with $2.00 to: Star Wars Action Collector Stand, P.O. Box 1313, One Industrial Drive, Maple Plain, MINN, 55348. Collectors Action Stand FREE with proof-or purchase from 12 STAR WARS Action Figures. Allow 8 - 10 weeks for delivery. Offer expires May, 1, 1979. Void where prohibited, taxed or otherwise regulated The third time it was offered boxed in toy departments and stores. The Stand came in a attractive box which showed all of the twelve (12) Action Figures that could be placed on it. The box that was shipped to individuals was just a plain white mailer.
The Grey Display Stand came with a slot in the back of it for the cardboard backdrop which depicted the Death Star and a Space Battle between X-Wing Fighters & Tie Fighters. A thin adhesive strip was included for the front of the stand which instructed kids where to place their first twelve (12) figures:
Stormtrooper
Jawa
Death Squad Commander
See Threepio
Darth Vader
Ben Kenobi
Sandpeople
Luke Skywalker
Chewbacca
Han Solo
Princess Leia
Artoo Deetoo
As for the promised action, each of the three (3) black levers in front turned the bases of the four (4) figures giving them at least limited movement. Each base had two (2) foot pegs to hold the Action Figures in place. I had a lot of fun putting my Stand together along with my older brother. The parts included in the box reminded us of Legos. Be sure to check out my other Reviews in regards to rare Vintage Star Wars action figures. One can still find this item either loose or still in the original box.
The Special Action Display is the one rare item which is not covered in the book much to my amazement. The Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Special Action Display had the same thin black strip that one could place on the front with the exception that there were only the names of six characters on it which were:
Luke Skywalker
Princess Leia Organa
Lando Calrissian
Boosk the Bounty Hunter
Stormtrooper
FX-7 Medical Droid
This item is very rare indeed and ranges in the $1,000.00 + range.
I have studied the book intensively and find it useful. I am a collector of Star Wars items and find the Action Figures a wonderful way of reliving my youthful days and memories of Star Wars when they first appeared in the late 1970's. I cannot post my web address here but if you do a search on darthoz, one can find me on the internet. I do believe in sharing information. Amazon is a excellent resource to find items.
darthoz november 2005
The Force was with them... John Ling and Steve Sansweet have outdone themselves. Being a fan and collector of the films and memorabilia of Star Wars for over 26 years, I was impressed by the attention to detail that was paid in this book. Or, as Darth Vader would say, "Impressive...most impressive." My area of collecting lies mainly with carded figures and this book has it all. I was also wowed by the many never before seen deleted scene images from the films that are showcased throughout this book. Too bad this book isn't in print anymore, but good for me I was able to get a copy!
Great book! The best part is that this is a REFERENCE BOOK, not a price guide. Thus, it contains tons of TIMELESS information, but no bogus or outdated prices. I recently ordered and read seven price guides and reference books dealing with vintage Star Wars figures (and numerous other collectible figures), and this is by far the best of the bunch. It shows a picture of every vintage figure from numerous angles, it shows numerous figure variations, it shows EVERY card variations for EVERY figure, and it identifies the weapons and accessories that originally came with each figure. It also shows all vintage play sets and mail in promotions (though unfortunately it does not provide quite as much information about these). It also does a nice job covering early POTF figures, and more recent figures from the mid to late 90s. And, EVERYTHING IS IN FULL COLOR ON HIGH QUALITY PAPER! If you're looking for a price guide, this is not the book for you. But, if you are looking for an outstanding reference book dealing with vintage Star Wars action figures, you will not be disappointed with this book. In fact, I actually ordered a second copy for myself in case my first one gets damaged with use!
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