Vintage Star Wars figures and retro options capture collectors' attention while new lines and kaiju releases gather steam.
This week’s toy reviews were heavily steeped in nostalgia, particularly around the Star Wars franchise, though a few new releases have also made waves. Collector interest has been piqued by both official and third-party offerings catering to those with a penchant for the classic Kenner aesthetic.
Star Wars Collectibles: Resale and Retro-Style
The vintage Star Wars scene saw heightened interest, largely driven by posts from Super Duper Toy Box detailing the discovery of a Kenner POTF Landspeeder. The 1995 re-release, found unopened for a mere twenty dollars, tugs at the heartstrings of collectors who have fond memories of the original 1978 model. Despite its age, the updated distressed deco and functional suspension make it a desirable piece. However, it highlights an amusing issue: the bulkier 1995 figures and even the current Retro Collection reissues can be a snug fit inside the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the same blog also covered an ingenious mix of vintage and custom elements with the use of Cardboard Galaxy backdrops to enhance a Kenner Land of the Jawas playset. These backdrops offer a practical solution for those seeking to display figures without the cost or space demands of original, larger pieces. This project successfully pairs eBay finds with third-party elements, exemplifying the creative solutions collectors employ to build their Star Wars displays.
Complementing these vintage Kenner tales, the blog also explored the expanding world of 3-D printed Star Wars figures. A recent highlight includes a Jawa collection featuring pieces from Rad Vintage Toys and Stan Solo. These figures, with their vinyl capes and distinct texture, fill gaps for collectors keen on completing their gentle giant lines.
New Toys: Kaiju and Cyberpunk Arrivals
On the modern front, the S.H. Figuarts Hyper Zetton [Imago] from Bandai Tamashii Nations promises to satisfy Ultraman fans. Released in April 2026, this figure brings a classic alien adversary to life, standing as testament to Bandai’s commitment to exploring the depth of the Ultraman franchise, beyond the main characters.
The cyberpunk realm is also getting attention with the release of BUZZmod Lucy. As the market for Cyberpunk Edgerunners figures is finally maturing, Aniplex’s offering stands out. It fills a niche by providing a mid-range price point between Jada Toys’ budget options and ThreeZero’s premium figures. Lucy is set to lead this line, with high expectations for her successor figures Rebecca and David coming later this year.
This week shows a fascinating spread of old and new, where collectors of classic lines find unexpected joy in retro revivals and custom solutions, while fans of contemporary franchises are treated to increasingly nuanced offerings.
