POTF2 30 Years Later

 In August of 1995, Star Wars made a triumphant return to toy aisles everywhere, as the Power Of The Force 2 line, or simply put, POTF2 hit stores. Not since 1986 had there been plenty of Star Wars figures to choose from, as that year the POTF figures, and any leftover ROTJ hit clearance aisles, along with Droids and Ewoks figures. I refuse to talk about, or even acknowledge the Bend Ems line of figures. Sure, they scratched an itch, but weren't true toys. In the past, toylines were made if there was a cartoon, movie or live action show. With Star Wars, there was only a VHS release of the Original Trilogy, with remastered sound. So Kenner, who back then had just come into the Hasbro family, was taking a big gamble: putting out toys without a weekly TV program, or movie in theaters. Would it succeed? Would it bring the brand down? Well, it didn't flop, and they sold quite well. 

I've mentioned it before, but the Timothy Zahn novel Heir To The Empire brought Star Wars back into the mainstream. Dark Horse Comics had success with Dark Empire, and there were new books and comics coming out frequently. The success, helped convince George Lucas to start writing the Prequels, as advancement in film technology (Jurassic Park & Forrest Gump in particular) also convinced him the time was right for new Star Wars movies. So in an issue of Topps Star Wars Galaxy magazine, I found out about the new toyline. No photos, but the excitement I had was building. At the time, the Playmates Star Trek line was going strong, and was my preferred toy line. The POTF2 line managed to do in 3 years what Kenner couldn't: making way more than 96 figures. But also, first time figures, some of which haven't been updated. So, I'm taking a look back at the POTF2 line, the basics, the vehicles, playsets, and how the success has paved the way for other Star Wars lines. While The Phantom Menace toys were technically POTF2, I won't cover them in this post. And any photos are not mine, but I might add a few of mine in. So, let's take a trip on the good ship Nostalgia, and look into the line that started 30 years ago! 

ONE LAST TIME

Before the POTF2 hit stores, Kenner released a 4 pack of older figures as a salute to the original Kenner days, but in the packaging style that the new figures coming soon would have. I saw this particular set in a used toy store near me. I didn't purchase it, but wanted to share my photo, since seeing this inspired me to write this post. 

THE BASIC FIGURES

For the new line, Kenner upped the articulation points from 5 to 6. A waist that could turn added more play value. And needless to say the figures themselves were....jacked. I mean, He-Man wished he had the build that Luke Skywalker had! But it was clear the new figures were inspired by this movie poster: 

And speaking of He-Man, I mean, Luke Skywalker: 

Darth Vader became the face of the POTF2 for the entire run. But as you can see, Luke hit the weight room every day. And notice the lightsaber. For the early figures (you can see them on the back of the card), the ones with lightsabers came with them about as tall as the figures themselves, as this Luke I recently purchased has the long saber. It wasn't until the next year in 1996 that Kenner shortened the lightsaber by a full inch, and they are still at that length today. The back of the early figure's cards had a bio, and showed other figures and vehicles in the line. The cards fluctuated over time from orange, to green, and to different collection numbers. Figures would also come in future waves with slides, and before The Phantom Menace a need lenticular slide display that showed either TPM versions of their character, or a character from TPM they would have a similar role to. The last figures came with the same Commtech chips that TPM figures had. The first couple years, figures came with 2 weapons. But over time, they would come with only 1. 

So what were the first POTF2 figures I bought? I only found Han, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and Ben Kenobi. Those were my first. I then found Vader and Threepio, with Luke and Leia being the last 2 of the main cast I found. I found a Stormtrooper, but back then I never troop built. I mean, I only had 1 Cobra Viper, 1 Cobra Trooper, and a Cobra Officer to boss them around, and Cobra Commander, Destro and the Baroness. I wouldn't start troop building until I had a job, and bought a couple more Stormtroopers to round out the Imperials. I mean, it was just Vader and the Stormtroopers back then. Of course, that would change soon. 

NEW FIGURES, OLD CHARACTERS

Kenner/Hasbro would produce updated versions of the classic heroes. But they would do something the Kenner line didn't do, and that is make first time figures. Some characters would get different outfits made, while some figures were brand new characters that hadn't been made into action figures. But the first "new" figure was Dagobah Training Luke Skywalker. 

This figure, which pegwarmed in my area, at least until the short saber version came out started a literal storming of toy aisles. Dagobah Luke crawled, so that Mon Mothma could walk, and Grand Moff Tarkin could run. But the best thing about Dagobah Luke, is that he opened the floodgates on what, and who, could possibly be made. And boy did Kenner/Hasbro make a LOT of figures! In 3 years, Kenner/Hasbro made more figures than Kenner did in the original run. Here are just a few of the first time figures that were made. Old characters, new figures: Garindan, Kabe, Oola, Captain Piett, Rebel Fleet Trooper, Stormtrooper Han, Ishi Tib, Figran D'an, Dr Evazan, and even Aunt Beru! 

DELUXE AND 3 PACKS

One thing that still gets made today are deluxe figures, and 3 packs. Back then, the 3 packs were a way of getting some never before made characters, or a way to "refresh" some previously released figure. For an example of a "refresh" there's the Cantina Showdown 3 pack of Ben Kenobi, Dr Evazan, and Ponda Baba in poses that would likely give them all arthritis. But for an example of a never made before characters: 

This was how we got our first Uncle Owen figure. He sure liked to point! Some Cantina patrons like Nabrun Leids, got a figure debut in a 3 pack. 

Deluxe POTF2 figures were crazy to say the least. They often came with oversized accessories, and I personally chose not to buy any. But I guess kids liked them because they rarely pegwarmed, except for Han Solo's Deluxe figure. Here are a couple examples: 

I was hoping to find an image of the Deluxe Boba Fett with Photon Torpedoes, but I didn't find one good enough to share. The Desert Skiff that came with Luke reminded me of the Jet Sled from Masters of the Universe, which in my opinion was a perfect fit for He-Man Luke. At least back then, the deluxe tag made sense. You should know by reading my blog how I feel about modern deluxe figures, the ones back then weren't a rip off. 

PLAYSETS

Playsets are loosely used here. Like the Kenner days they were mostly cardboard. But a couple "diorama" style sets were issued. Here are some examples of both: 

The Endor Bunker got an upgraded a couple years ago. So far we haven't gotten an update on the Death Star Escape, or the Detention Block (not pictured). Jabba's Palace was a cardboard set up. Again, these weren't exactly true playsets, but more like fancy dioramas. Similar to how today's mainline playsets are, with the exception of Jabba's/Boba Fett's Palace and the Cantina HasLab. 

SPECIAL EDITIONS 

1997 saw Star Wars back in theaters for the 20th anniversary, with new scenes being added into all 3 original movies. We finally see the deleted Jabba The Hutt scene from Star Wars, plus see Luke and Biggs reconnect before the Battle Of Yavin. And Kenner/Hasbro made certain that they had new figures ready to go! Here's a look at a few of what was new: 

 The Han that came with the Jabba quickly replaced my original Han Solo as my go to Han, but my favorite POTF2 Han was Bespin Han. This one was a close second. The Max Rebo Bamd hasn't been made available since 1997, and they are here with their SE counterparts. The Jabba's Dancers 3 pack was a masterpiece, for the time. If any figures deserve Vintage Collection treatment, it's these 3 figures. The Jawa and Ronto sold well, but over ordered as it sat for a long while, at least where I lived.

VEHICLES

The vehicles were basically the same Kenner molds, with some of the electronics removed. But the first 4 were among the best selling in the line:

And of course, we would get an update of Darth Vader's TIE, but this time it was the 1st newly tooled vehicle of the era: 

I managed to snag one back in 2019. Now, a new version is coming out, finally! Another Kenner Era favorite was the Speeder Bike: 

The Biker Scout had knees that could bend so he could better fit. Both Endor Luke and Leia came with Speeder Bikes, but had non removable helmets. But in looking for an image, I found a version of the Speeder Bike I didn't know had existed: 

I know nothing about it. But it looks like it would have been fun to play with! Some other vehicles were made too, including a variation of the Mini Rigs with some concepts like the McQuarrie Snowspeeder, Cloud Car, and Rebel Endor Speeder Bike (not pictured). For me, the Cruisemissile Trooper was interesting. I'll let you judge for yourself: 

The figure couldn't be removed, but I had so many questions. Was he a Pilot on a Self Deletion mission? Atmosphere or outer space ship? Is this what happened to people who failed Vader?! He was interesting, but I personally skipped it, despite my love of all things EU. 

SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE 

In 1996, Lucasfilm Publishing brought out the novel Shadows Of The Empire, and gave it a movie style release. There was the novel, comic adaptation, CD soundtrack, video game, and of course toys! It was the dress rehearsal for the Special Editions. This line dominated the Fall of 1996. Here's a look at some figures and vehicles:

The Outrider was all new, and would get a standard POTF2 box release. The Slave I was repacked in a SOTE box. The cards still had biographies on the back, but over time the bios shrank and were ultimately removed. There were comic packs of Boba Fett vs IG-88 and Vader vs Xizor. In the end, Xizor was overproduced and peg warmed, while Dash Rendar was under produced and couldn't be found. The line overall did well, but Hasbro banked on the wrong character being successful. 

EXPANDED UNIVERSE WAVE

If it weren't for the publishing materials that inspired this hard to find wave, Star Wars wouldn't have been where it was in the mid 90's. Dispute that all you want, but it's true. I found all but the Sentinel, Kyle, Darktrooper and Spacetrooper figures in stores, but only saw then once. I managed to find an extra DE Luke to head swap some custom dark Jedi for Clone Palpy to boss around. I've spoken enough about the wave, so I'll just let it rest here. For now. 

PRINCESS LEIA COLLECTION

A series of 3 2 packs were made featuring Princess Leia with cloth outfits. Plastic had been used for capes and coats up until this point. There was Bespin Leia and Han, Yavin Ceremony Leia and Luke, and Ewok Village Leia with Wicket. 

It was a different way to get Leia out there, as the initial release of Leia was not only hard to find at first, but heavily criticized for having a poor facial sculpt. Kenner/Hasbro listened to collectors and made some big changes to the line. 

UPDATED FIGURE SCULPTS

The original Leia, with the updated Leia. Yavin Ceremony Luke got a new head sculpt, which would be the standard for Luke going forward, with Bespin Luke being IMO the best Luke of the POTF2 line. This showed a shift, Playmates around the same time began doing more realistic sculpts for some of their Star Trek figures, especially for the movie First Contact. 

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE POTF2 FIGURES

There is no ranking, but I have a few POTF2 figures you should get, and actually can for reasonable prices. A couple still hold up well to 2025 standards as far as sculpt and paint apps.

Oola & Salacious Crumb

Originally available through the Fan Club, I managed to find this in a comic book store, for about $15. Oola is beautifully sculpted, and has cloth leggings on her knees down to her ankles. The fishnet outfit is sculpted onto the figure, and the detail is simply amazing! Her paint apps, and body sculpt make you forget this is a 6 POA figure. It's the first, and best Oola in this scale. 

Aunt Beru

If Beru was released like this today, she would have been a deluxe figure. Her flashback photo I believe is Shmi Skywalker, if you were curious. She's simply articulated, but even now would still be considered a decent sculpt, and an excellent paint job. Without an updated ANH Beru, if you have this figure there's a good chance you're still using it with your VC figures. 

Admiral Ackbar

Honestly, I couldn't WAIT to open this figure when I purchased it. I went to my car and immediately opened him, and despite his cool looking wrist blaster, I had fun! He's got an incredible sculpt, and the paint apps on his head hold up well by today's standard. The Mon Cal Officer from Power Of The Jedi used Ackbar's buck. Sometimes, I swap out my VC Ackbar for this one. And I'm not ashamed to say so. Currently, this Ackbar is with my Prequel figures. 

Anakin Skywalker 

Anakin technically should be a Force Ghost. There was a 3 pack of Force Ghosts, but they all were statues: 0 POA. Here, Anakin has the standard 6 POA, and makes for a decent Alternate Universe Anakin. If only Obi-Wan had gotten similar treatment...but Anakin has Obi-Wan's lightsaber. Why? Who knows?! 

Lak Sivrak

IDGAF if he was a dude in a cheap wolf man mask, and was replaced in the 1997 Special Editions. This figure is EXCELLENT! I recently got another one to put in my Cantina. He's incredibly detailed, and while simply articulated he gets the job done. 

Garindan

Is there a better version out there? Yes. But Garindan was needed to fill out scenes. The OTC version is better, but here's his debut. It's a good figure to have. Photo from BanthaSkull 

Slave Leia

This toy broke the Fandom wide open. Up until then, the POTF2 was a kids line. But collectors went insane when thus came out. I was included in that number. If there is a figure from this line that collectors keep on the card, it's this figure. Short packed at first, eventually she filled up toy aisles and I managed to get a couple extras for customs. 

Grand Moff Tarkin 

His debut figure. And worth the wait! The head sculpt, I argue, is better and more like Peter Cushing than the VC Tarkin, while highly sought after as a carded figure, just isn't good when opened. I bought an extra to make Thrawn, and another to make a Kirtan Loor since he was described as a younger looking Tarkin. 

Special Edition Luke Skywalker 

This Luke figure is Jedi Luke, repacked on a new card. He was handed out to the first 50-100 waiting to see ROTJ at participating theaters. I managed to find one at a used toy store for $12. Not many mint versions exist, and this one has a bent card, and lots of tape on the bubble. But he's a figure I spent a while looking for. For a while, a mint version of this was the most expensive POTF2 figure. If you want this, be cautious about sellers claiming to have a mint version. Personally, I'm happy I got this, as I never expected to find one. The back image of the card is below. 

Ewok Village Leia 

Another debut figure, this in my humble opinion is the sexiest Leia outfit.  She's simply sculpted, well painted, and comes with a blaster. Aside from a 2 pack with Wicket that had a cloth skirt, the only modern Ewok Village Leia is a Sixer, which doesn't look bad. But I should point out her blaster is not from the correct movie, it should be the smaller pistol from ROTJ, as she comes with her ANH targeting pistol. And as far as sexy Leia, judge for yourself: 

Those legs....

Darth Vader with Removable Helmet 

If there was a most requested Kenner figure, it was this one. But 1990's sculpting technology finally made it possible. The helmet isn't too much out of scale and is a decent fit. Plus it's the 1983 Sebastian Shaw eyebrows, which were removed in the 2004 DVD, and I don't have a VCR that works, as the 1997 Special Edition ROTJ still had the eyebrows. Vader has 8 POA, the lower legs are hindered by the rear plastic skirt, but he has a swivel right elbow and a swivel right hand that is removable. This is the must have, definitive POTF2 Vader. And I had a chance to get another one a few months ago but unwisely passed. 

CARRYING CASES

There was a repack of the Kenner C-3PO case, without the gold vac-metal paint and a more subdued gold paint job. Electronics were added with some of Threepio's movie lines. Sadly, you couldn't fit many POTF2 in it, since most of the figures had action style poses which were too large for the boxes inside to hold the figures. But Hasbro came out with a different option, that could hold POTF2 figures. 

A Millennium Falcon collectors case was released with the 1st ever Wedge Antilles action figure, and another one with an Imperial Scanning Crew Officer. I wasn't aware of the one with the Scanning Crew Officer, but saw several ones with Wedge. The catch was it could only hold 12 figures. So, you had to buy several if you had a large collection. It was around this time that I used plastic storage bins over ship model boxes to store my loose figures. Nowadays we don't really get collectors cases anymore, so if you're a fan of those, and want to collect this line, this is the best one out there. 

CONCLUSION 

Without this line, we wouldn't have the Vintage Collection, or Black Series if you like that line. Today's collectors owe a debt to this line, the line that launched hundreds of figures, plenty of vehicles, and surprisingly only 2 Ewoks. If there is any failing of POTF2 it's the lack of Ewoks. And, if you know any kids who want to collect Star Wars figures, most of these figures are relatively cheap. Only the EU Wave figures are pricey, with most figures you can get for $5-$20 a piece. If you want a 3.75 inch Millennium Falcon, the POTF2 is cheaper, even though the prices on the Legacy Millennium Falcon has come down a bit. These figures are durable, well balanced, and were fun for younger me to play around with. And with 2025 being the 15th Anniversary of the Vintage Collection, I'll do a look into it sometime next month. 

Thanks for reading! Photo credits to BanthaSkull, Dallas Vintage Toys, eBay, Amazon and 1 that was mine. If anyone recognized one of their pictures, I'll give you credit after I make an edit to give proper credit. Online image searches provided the images. A special thanks to Chris and Nomad at BanthaSkull for allowing me to post this link in the comments section! Please share this link on your social media accounts so I can get more readers!