In the vast galaxy of cinematic history, the Star Wars Movie Series stands as an iconic testament to the boundless imagination of George Lucas. Launched in 1977 with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” the saga swiftly catapulted audiences into a realm of interstellar battles, mystical forces, and unforgettable characters. With groundbreaking special […]
Wheeljack’s Lab – Vintage Toy Blog
Follow this blog for the new, the unusual, the rare and cool Generation 1 G1 Transformers toys. Reviews, news, toy resources, galleries, unboxing, opinions and personal reflections on vintage toys.
When Were the Original Star Wars Action Figures Made?
The history of Kenner’s original Star Wars action figures, one of the most iconic collections in the world, reads almost like a Star Wars movie itself. These beloved toys, which captured the imagination of millions, were nearly not created, having their genesis in a tale of missed opportunities, last-minute deals, and ingenious marketing strategies. Lucas […]
The Ten Most Expensive LEGO Toys and Collectibles
For over 90 years, LEGO has manufactured quality toys that entertain both children and adults. While they initially crafted typical wooden toys, their business exploded after they introduced the LEGO building brick. The company designed these plastic bricks to link together so that they could build nearly everything securely. The ambitions of the builds expanded […]
When Were the First Droids Action Figures Made?
Introduction The Star Wars franchise is widely known and loved by people of all ages and all cultures. The renowned Kenner Star Wars action figure line has cemented its place in toy industry history. One of the things that people love so much about Star Wars is the wit and charm of the droids. Thankfully, […]
When Were the First Ewoks Action Figures Made?
The Star Wars Ewoks The Star Wars franchise has captivated audiences worldwide for decades, producing memorable characters and storylines and a vast array of collectibles that continue to thrill fans and collectors alike. Among the most iconic Star Wars toys ever created, the Ewok action figures stand out with a charm of their own. The […]
The Ten Most Expensive Star Wars Collectibles
Since the start of time, people have stared at the stars and made tales about what was out there. In the beginning, they dreamed up awe-inspiring gods who looked down on them. However, by the 19th century, dreamers began to consider extraterrestrials and other aspects of the science fiction genre. These wars of the worlds […]
The Most Expensive Star Wars Toy That You Never Owned
As Star Wars was hitting theaters in 1977, Kenner was preparing to launch one of the largest toy lines to ever hit the market. Since they were only given months to prepare toys before the movie’s debut, they could not immediately offer action figures. However, they managed to avoid catastrophe by offering one of the […]
The Ten Most Expensive Star Wars Toys
The world changed in 1977 when Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon that broke records and remolded multiple industries. While the entertainment industry would spend years chasing after the success of George Lucas’s space epic, the foundations of the toy industry were uprooted by Kenner’s success. Few movies had become commercially viable for merchandise, especially […]
Moments in Toy History: The Story Behind Kenner Star Wars
For most who grew up in the 1970s, there was one major event that defined the decade: the release of Star Wars and the launch of Kenner’s toy line. While George Lucas did not create the first movie to be labeled a blockbuster, his science fiction epic became a phenomenon of its own. By utilizing […]
The Influence of Dune on the Star Wars Franchise
After the release of David Lynch’s Dune in 1984, audiences left the theaters confused and downtrodden. One of the best chances to see the epic of Dune on the big screen had ended in a panned flop. Despite a valiant effort, the film crammed the novel into a film shorter than two and a half […]