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LUKE SKYWALKER (Bespin Fatigues)

Source:
(The Empire Strikes Back)

Date Stamp: 1980

Carded Availability:
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Tri-Logo

Assortment No. : 39780

Retail: $2.49

Weapons and Accessories:

Yellow Lightsaber

Smuggler Blaster

Point of Interest:
The image has changed three times for this figure's card back. The first image was switched out for the second on The Empire Strikes Back 32 back card and was later switched again on the Tri-logo card back.

This figure fist appeared on The Empire Strikes Back 31 back card.

Comments: Here is a figure that marked a new age of sculpted detail awareness. When Kenner released new figures on The Empire Strikes Back 31 back cards, they offered better, more accurate sculpts, and in the case of the Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) figure a new much improved –though still incorrectly coloured- Lightsaber. Gone was the eternally-classic, however ill-conceived, telescoping blade with the little tip that seemed to be designed strictly to break off and annoy. This figure, and the assortment in which it was released, is the real reason there are still Star Wars action figures on the shelf. To the casual observer these figures may seem lackluster, but to the original Star Wars Generation they were the best example of hyper-detailing.

Major Variations: Though all vintage figures have minor variations, the Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) figure has a couple of notable variations. The figure is available with different hair colors. Basically it shipped with either yellow or brown hair. Beyond the generalized description, there are a few minor variations in the shades of yellow and brown. Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues) was also manufactured using slightly different sculpts, but nothing drastically different from one to another. To spot the sculpt variations, pay close attention to the details on Lightsaber molded onto the figure's left leg.

One variation worth mentioning though is the Tri-logo variations, which can be spotted by the excessively dark brown spray opts on the boots. This variation is tough to find, and only a small handful have been documented to exist. At this point it is hard to say how scarce this variation truly is.

Lightsaber:
There are three known Lightsaber sculpts. Two of them were released domestically, but the third has only shown up with Lili Ledy figures.

It is extremely important to keep in mind the vast quantities of reproduction Lightsabers. In the photo comparison of the authentic and repro Lightsabers, examine the portion where the hilt meets the blade. Kenner has never produced this style of Lightsaber (in any colour) with this portion rounded as found in almost all known reproductions.

Text & Photography by D. Martin Myatt.

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