Argentinian Top Toys Stormtrooper: Argentina saw the release of some of the most interesting of all vintage figures, through the Top Toys company. The figures released there were, unlike those released by most foreign licensees, not identical to those issued by Kenner in the States. They were, in fact, made from molds which were themselves made from actual Kenner figures, much as were several lines of vintage bootleg figures. For this reason, they are of quite a low quality, are considerably smaller than their Kenner counterparts, and are totally lacking the small holes present under the feet of most licensed figures. In the case of this stormtrooper, the gun is different as well, it being a simplified version of the standard stormtrooper blaster issued throughout the course of the vintage line.

While the fronts of these cards are fairly tame, the backs are pretty neat, as they feature an attractive goldish background with a representation of the well-known artwork that was featured on American 12-back figures.

The Stormtrooper and Darth Vader are, by far, the most common of the Top Toys figures. I haven't seen many other characters, though I have run across a few Lograys in the past.

Description: Ron Salvatore
Photo: Ron Salvatore
From the collection of Ron Salvatore