WOLF retro REVIEW. 27th November 2024
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight from the perspective of a Wolfs mind and eyes.
The smallest Star Wars collection ever?
A Final hope
When the original trilogy concluded with the Return of the Jedi in 1983, Lucasfilm had few if any plans to extend their highly lucrative franchise. While the Kenner action figure line continued to sell on toy shelves, their popularity naturally declined and within a few years Star Wars was suddenly uninteresting. In 1985 an effort to revive things came in the form of two animated cartoon shows – Droids and Ewoks with Droids lasting only a single season and Ewoks making it to a second. Ultimately both were not considered to be highly successful which in turn limited their toys.
Who are these guys?
The Toys
The new cartoon series was an opportunity for more merchandise and Kenner were quick to release a series of toys. Relevant to the Ewoks TV show, were six figures and this review focuses on the action figures without packaging which have generally remained unknown and in the shadows of toys from the first three films.
Duloks were enemies of the Ewoks
Only two Ewoks made it to production- Wicket & Logray
Only six?
Although the Ewoks series was arguably more successful than the Droids series because it lasted for two seasons, it curiously had only half the number of action figures. Of these there were four Duloks and only two Ewoks. Unlike the Droids series, nothing was recycled, so all figures and accessories were cast from new molds.
King Gorneesh & Lady Urgah
Dulok Scouts accessory can hang on his wrist.
All new accessories.
Each figure came with a collectible coin and they had a copper colour.
A complete collection
With only 6 figures to this series it has to be one of the smallest if not the smallest set of Star Wars toys in existence. None of the figures are particularly rare though Wicket has always been highly sought after being a relatively cute figurine worth having, even for non-Star Wars fans. Having said that these are still vintage Star Wars toys and like anything from that era they have value. They are at the more affordable end but a full set in good order can still set you back Aust$1000+.
A full set
The one eyed King.
The cutest Star Wars figure ever made?
Availability and desirability.
This is a relatively obscure set and with on 6 figures to collect they have never been highly sought after. For most Star Wars toy enthusiast this set is the last to be considered after already completing collections from the original trilogy and the Droids animated series. Lady Urgah and Wicket command the highest prices but even they can be found for a bargain from time to time.
Dulok Sharman had a Bone necklace that could only come away if you can remove his head.
Different shades of green
Collecting.
As with most Vintage Star Wars figures, condition and originality is important. This was not a popular series so most figures were rarely played with and that means that there are not as many beaters as you might find with figures from the original trilogy. At the time of this review these figures still remained relatively obscure so reproductions are not known to exist though you can never be too careful.
1985 marked the end of a golden era in a galaxy far far away
Word of the Wolf.
The Ewoks Animated series is indeed an obscure set of figures and often are the very last lot of vintage figures to a collection. The cartoon series itself is actually quite entertaining and those of a specific age will have fond memories of the TV show. Had the timing of the series been closer or withing the time frame of the original movies we may very well have seen more figures released.
Disclaimer
The information in this review is intended for informational or educational purposes to provide readers an understanding of how something may be seen from a certain design perspective. In this case it is from the view point of WOLF DESIGNS. As design is subjective this review should only be considered as an independent opinion. Information further to being of an opinion is provided to the best of our knowledge based on our own research at the time of doing the review. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies and reserve the right to change or update any content as appropriate.
The final responsibility of the design resides with the original manufacturer.