Amazon.com Review: 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: Insert a snapshot into the frame in the back of these colorful, die-cut picturebooks and your child will be blasting off in a rocket ship or roaring like a lion. With a personal photo, suddenly these books of familiar vehicles and animals, featuring a very special face, become an adorable keepsake and a ton of fun!
super ^ the best catalog on action figures star wars I've ever seen! fantastic, action figures, ships. darth vader, leia, r2d2, boba fett and more! excellent! I recommend to everyone gostão of star wars as much reading as a guide for collectors.
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!
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
