WOLF Feature Article. 25th June 2025
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight from the perspective of a WOLF Architect.
A collection that features almost one example of every boxed toy.
Introduction
When Star Wars exploded onto cinema screens in 1977, it sparked more than just a cinematic revolution, it gave birth to a merchandising empire that would shape childhoods, toy aisles and collector markets for decades to come. At the heart of that empire was Kenner’s legendary toy line and while the iconic 3.75″ action figures often steal the spotlight, there exists a literally and figuratively larger galaxy of boxed ships, vehicles and playsets that deserve their own place in the collector’s canon.
From 1977 to 1986, these toys brought the cinematic world of Star Wars into bedrooms, backyards and basements. Ranging in size from something as small as the compact Speeder Bike to the hulking AT-AT Walker, which could rival a medium-sized dog in volume, these boxed items were the crown jewels of the toy line. They were the stuff of holiday dreams, usually residing in the “big gift” category due to their price and size. Ironically, decades later, they remain undervalued in comparison to their smaller action figure counterparts.
Small Boxes, Big Values
It is a curious twist of fate that the much smaller carded figures, originally the more affordable and widely available items now often command higher prices and more prestige than their boxed brethren. Figures sold in the millions, making them far more common than boxed items and yet they dominate the vintage toy market. Their appeal lies partly in their simplicity: they take up less space, are easier to display and offer character specificity with instant visual impact.
This popularity does not quite track with logic when considering a figure that sold for $2.99 in 1982 fetching hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars today if still sealed on its original card. Meanwhile, a boxed vehicle that cost ten times more back in the day might struggle to keep pace in value, even if it is in similarly pristine condition.
Big Boxes, Bigger Magic
For those of us who favour the larger end of the galaxy, the appeal of the boxed toys is as much emotional as it is aesthetic. The real magic lies in their artwork. While action figures featured photo stills of movie characters, the boxes for vehicles and playsets flipped the script and proudly showcased the toys themselves. These glossy, cinematic compositions usually depicted the toy in action, surrounded by dozens of action figures, all of which, to the dismay of young buyers, weren’t included.
This imagery was not just advertising, it was aspirational storytelling. Each box became a portal to the Star Wars universe, filled with potential scenes waiting to be reenacted on the living room carpet. For collectors today, that artwork is part of the nostalgic charm and value proposition
Condition: A Fragile Equation
Unlike blister-packed action figures which are susceptible to yellowing, cracking and crushing, boxed toys faced different environmental enemies. Made of cardboard, their preservation depended on dry storage, pest control and a good dose of luck. A box left in an attic or garage could easily become a haven for mildew or mice. Moisture damage, sun fading, corner crushing and missing flaps are all common ailments.
Even so, cardboard has a resilience that plastic does not. A clean, well-kept box can still look stunning after 40 years, whereas few carded figures escape the ravages of time unscathed.
There are two main categories in box collecting: sealed and opened. The holy grail is a mint, sealed box that is untouched, unopened, as if it had just left the shelves of the toy store. That rarity comes with a strange drawback: you never get to see the toy inside. You might own a mint-condition Snowspeeder, but you may also have a lingering doubt about everything really being inside and is it as perfect as you hope? After all, you’re not going to open it and that uncertainty can feel a little unsettling when you’ve paid thousands of dollars for a box you can’t look inside. In some cases, collectors begin to wonder whether owning the sealed box is truly more satisfying than having a beautifully preserved opened example that can be fully enjoyed and appreciated.
Opened boxes come in two flavours. First, there are those that were opened but never played with: the toy remains pristine, with unused sticker sheets, untouched catalogue inserts and perfect inserts. These are highly desirable for collectors who want the satisfaction of ownership and the ability to admire the toy itself.
The second category covers toys that were played with to varying degrees. From battle-worn X-Wings with missing S-foils to incomplete playsets missing essential pieces or inserts, these are the foot soldiers of the collector world. Some are valuable for parts; others become labour-of-love restoration projects.
Collectors always have the challenge if displaying while ensuring adequate protection.
Variations, Foreign Issues and the Grails
Just as with the figures, there’s a rabbit hole of box variations with alternate graphics, regional releases, logo changes and multi-language packaging. These can significantly alter value. Canadian, European and Japanese versions sometimes feature artwork never seen in the U.S. The remote-controlled Jawa Sandcrawler, for instance, had a uniquely designed Empire Strikes Back-branded box exclusive to Canada and it remains one of the most expensive boxed Star Wars items in existence with clean, sealed examples fetching over $5,000 USD.
Curiously not all rare toys are equally loved despite being very rare. While the Desert Skiff, A-Wing and Sandcrawler are legendary, others like the Rebel Command Center or Droid Factory, despite their scarcity, fail to ignite the same enthusiasm. Their appeal tends to be limited to completists who must “catch ’em all,” and only if they have the space.
Playsets like the creature cantina were relatively affordable but always less desirable than an X-Wing
of Tie-Fighter
Palitoy had the license in the UK and many of the toys under this brand had big packaging differences and even some differences in the actual toys themselves.
Nostalgia, Space and Legacy
That, of course, brings us to the issue of space. Unlike action figures that can be stored in drawers or mounted neatly on walls, boxed toys are… big. A full set takes up considerable real estate and if you are storing them with boxes upright, away from light, humidity and heat, the challenge only grows, yet for many of us, they are worth it. The boxed ships and playsets were the heart of the Star Wars experience for millions of kids as they were the backbone of the battles, the centrepieces of the saga recreated at home. Owning them today is like holding a piece of that magic in your hands, a tangible chunk of movie history and childhood joy.
It has been more than four decades since Star Wars first hit screens and while the figures may lead the charge in terms of market value and fame, those of us who love the big boxes know where the real soul of the toy line lives.
After all, what is a hero without their ship?
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.