In 1978, all of America, if not the world, was in a Star Wars frenzy and kids everywhere were begging mom and dad for more and more Star Wars action figures. Up until that point, action figures had been more closely related to dolls, in a large-size format, usually with removable clothing as seen in such vintage figures as the 12" G.I. Joe or the Mego line of World's Greatest Superheroes. Outside of a few examples, such as the Fisher Price Adventure People line, the small format figure had yet to truly catch on. But a movie about a galaxy far, far away was about to change all that.
Star Wars action figures were released in a small 3 3/4" format which set the standard for action figures well into the 1990s. Toys this size could be sold cheaper and their low prices, coupled with a wide and varied selection, inspired kids to collect as many action figures as they could get their hands on. Kids went from having one or two large G.I. Joes, to having dozens of different Star Wars figures.
This sudden surge in collecting gave birth to a necessity in action figure accessories; the carrying case.
The Birth of the Carrying Case
Although carrying cases were not unheard of at this time, they were usually reserved for toys such as die-cast cars, another inexpensive and varied collectible. With the introduction of the Star Wars action figures there was a sudden need for kids to keep their cherished figures organized and portable, perhaps for those weekend trips to Grandma's.
Carry cases usually consisted of a vinyl-covered cardboard case which opened to reveal two trays stacked one upon the other, each with around 10-12 smaller compartments that were just the right size for a 3 3/4" action figures. This allowed kids to carry along up to 24 figures, usually with an additional compartment for weapons and gear, accessories that could be easily lost without their own special place.
The Star Wars Case
As the Star Wars figures began to hit the stores, it wasn't long before Kenner designers saw the need for a case to contain them all. Thus was born the first Star Wars carrying case. This case was very similar in design to the die-cast car cases, although slightly bigger to accommodate figures of slightly varying sizes.
One aspect to the Star Wars carrying case is that it was emblazoned with dynamic photo stills from the movie which served the dual purpose of letting other kids in one's neighborhood that you were dead serious about your Star Wars figure collection, while simultaneously enforcing brand recognition for Kenner and the Star Wars franchise.
An added bonus to the Star Wars case was the inclusion of a cardboard inset that showed the current figures available safely snug within their compartments, thus working as a sort of visual checklist for the eager collector. Another nice touch was the sheet of "nameplate" stickers that came with the case that one could stick on a specific compartment, designating this compartment for, say, Luke Skywalker, and no one else.
Carrying Cases Take Off
Kenner took the idea and ran with it making more elaborate carrying cases as the Star Wars action figure line grew in popularity. Old school collectors will remember with fondness the classic Darth Vader carrying case molded in the shape of the Sith Lord's head and shoulders which opened up to reveal a multitude of compartments. A similar case was released based on C3PO as well as a "Chewbacca Bandoleer" version, for those collectors who like to sling their figures over their shoulders, and a now-hard-to-find "blaster rifle" case.
Other companies were quick to pick up on a hot thing and as more and more 3 3/4" action figures were released. Soon, carrying cases became a must-have for any action figure line. Hasbro immediately released a G.I. Joe carrying case for their revamped line of figures in 1982, and companies wasted no time in making carrying cases for everything from Masters of the Universe to Thundercats.
Cases for Today's Collector
Today, it's not difficult to find vintage carrying cases in antique stores or online auction sites and can really put a nice touch to anyone's action figure collection. Vintage cases usually tend to be in good shape due to the fact that they were primarily used for storage as opposed to having to deal with the wear and tear of daily play.
So if you've got a collection you're proud of and want a nice way to keep them safe, organized and portable, a vintage carrying case could be next on your list of must-haves!
Photos courtesy of Fran Moff Tarkenton.
