Star Wars Toys: A Super Collector’s Wish Book Hardcover Book Review
“Star Wars Toys: A Super Collector’s Wish Book” is the holy grail for “Star Wars” toy collectors.
When “Star Wars” toys first hit the shelves, they changed the toy industry (and film merchandising) forever. Even in 2014, “Star Wars” toys remain a hot commodity as they continue to be snatched up by fans of multiple generations. As you can probably imagine, there have been an overwhelming amount of SW toys released over the past few decades from companies such as Galoob, Kenner, Sideshow, Lego, and Hasbro. With all of the toys that exist, one would think there would be a handy price guide that catalogues all of the licensed material. Thankfully, that book now exists with “Star Wars Toys: A Super Collector’s Wish Book.”
Throughout the glossy pages of Geoffrey T. Carlton’s book, “Star Wars” fans will find listings for vintage and new toys from different countries from 1977 to 2012. Among the items found here are 12 inch dolls, vehicles, action figures, accessories, playsets, creatures, multi-packs, comic packs, exclusives, Disney, Micro Machines(!), diecasts, Legos, bobble heads, coins, storage cases, candy, board, RPG and card games, mini figures, models, plushies, puzzles, weapons (lightsabers and blasters galore!), voice changers, fast food toys, unlicensed toys, and odds and ends for the six ‘Star Wars” films as well as TV series like “Droids” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Accompanying the products are hundreds upon hundreds of color photographs of the various products. Of course, it should be noted that this book is not a comprehensive listing of all SW products, but I’m willing to bet you are going to find what you are looking for here.
While the book may seem overwhelming at first, you’ll quickly get into the groove of the layout. Navigating the pages to search for a particular item is easier than you’d think so whether you are looking up a price, browsing, taking a trip down memory lane, or perhaps searching for the droid that you are looking for (sorry, I couldn’t resist), you should have no trouble doing so.
As far as the price guide goes, it should come as no surprise that vintage toys are worth the most. So, if you happen to have an in package ESB Boba Fett (value $1,100) or a Regal Chewbacca hand puppet (value $850), you might have some valuable goods on hand. If you only have more recent items, they are certainly not worth as much. There are, of course, exceptions like a black vest Darth Maul Jedi Duel with double-bladed lightsaber which can fetch up to $200. I should also note that these prices are not exact amounts as they are constantly in flux. Some dealers or sellers may charge more and people may even offer more. All the prices listed here are merely legitimate estimates.
Overall Thoughts: Whether you want to look up the price of some old toys in your closet or are looking to gaze at the chronological history of “Star Wars” toy releases, “Star Wars Toys: A Super Collector’s Wish Book” has something to appeal to a wide array of ‘Star Wars” fans. While it’s true an updated version could be on the horizon (especially with ‘Star Wars: Rebels” and Episode 7 nearing release), this book is still your best bet for the time being. It should be noted that there is also a “Star Wars: Super Collector’s Wishbook” which covers comics, cards, books, clothing, lunch boxes, and non-toy merchandise (although some of the material listed can be classified as toys like pogs).
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