Vintage-inspired Kenner promotions and nostalgic art toys highlight this week's collectibles news.
This week in collectibles is dominated by a deep look into the marketing prowess of Kenner’s Star Wars merchandise strategies from the late 70s and early 80s, which continue to captivate collectors. Meanwhile, the art toy scene sees some intriguing developments, particularly in independent and crowdfunded ventures.
Kenner’s Star Wars Strategies Under the Microscope
Kenner’s clever marketing strategies during the Star Wars craze were highlighted in a pair of retrospective articles by The Star Wars Collectors Archive. The first piece focused on the use of shelf talkers from 1978-1984, which were not just a tool for customer engagement but also a form of branding for retail areas. These items have since become rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The second part, Kenner Mail-Order Magic (Part II), delved into how Kenner extended their Star Wars offerings with their mail-order promotions. These campaigns not only kept the franchise’s momentum alive between movie releases but also helped to clear out older stock. The strategic management of these promotions, started under Bernie Loomis and carried on by his successor Joe Mendelsohn, reveals the foresight and adaptability that defined Kenner’s success during the Star Wars boom.
Designer and Indie Toy Highlights
On the designer toy front, Spanky Stokes reports on the upcoming HOMEGROWN SOFUBI 2 show at Toy Art Gallery. This event, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, will spotlight the DIY culture of sofubi, bringing together independent makers who are fueling the creative, experimental spirit of the art toy industry.
Additionally, the designer vinyl scene sees a noteworthy entry with “COAL’s Broken Heart,” a new vinyl art figure currently funding on Kickstarter. As Spanky Stokes highlights, this slick, heart-broken figure combines contemporary design with an emotionally resonant aesthetic, making it a standout among recent offerings.
Finally, Emilio Garcia’s “Once Upon a Brain II” introduces a playful yet disturbing take on classic fairytales. As Spanky Stokes outlines, this art piece melds the iconic imagery of a poison apple with Garcia’s distinct anatomical art style, merging nostalgia with modern artistry.
Quick Hits
- The Masters of the Universe Uno cards featuring characters from the 2026 movie have hit the market. While predictably aligned with trends in themed card games, these appeal through familiar imagery distinct to the franchise.
- #TOYSREVILTOYNEWS announced the 22cm tall resin toys “Frorora,” set to premiere at the Taipei Toy Festival in October, igniting interest in the resin and indie toy communities. (TOYSREVIL blog).
