IG-88 Large Size Action Figure

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Box Front

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Box Back and Side (click to enlarge)


Catalog Entry
Catalog Description:

New IG-88 (15"), a rough and steely Bounty Hunter Doid, gets his prey with his LASER WEAPONS. DARTH VADER (15") carries his LIGHT SABER ready for attack, dressed in authentically detailed black armor and removable cape. BEN (OBI-WAN) KENOBI (12") carries a LIGHT SABER and has a removable cape. BOBA FETT (13 1/4") carries a LASER RIFLE and has a molded backpack. STORMTROOPER (12") carries a LASER RIFLE and wears a white and black space suit. CHEWBACCA (15") carries a crossbow LASER RIFLE. LUKE SKYWALKER (11 3/4") carries a LIGHT SABER and a grappling hook. C-3PO (12") is finished in bright metallic gold. R2-D2 (7 1/2") rolls on wheels from his stationary legs; his silver metallic head makes a "clicking" sound when turned, and a special button opens his secret compartment. JAWA (8 1/4") comes with a hooded cape and carries a LASER RIFLE. HAN SOLO (12") comes with his own LASER RIFLE and holster with Rebel Alliance Medal of Honor around his neck. PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA (11 1/2") has hair that can be combed into other styles or reshaped into the "Star Puffs" hairdo. All large action figures are fully articulated for action poses. Ages 5 and up.

Source: 1980 Kenner Toy Fair Catalog


Description:
You can debate whether the 15" IG-88 figure looked cool or like a kitchen appliance, but it's indisputable that it was the rarest of the Star Wars large size action figures. Released solely in 1980, the figure appeared only in an Empire Strikes Back box. It is the only large size figure to hold that distinction. By the time 1980 rolled around, Kenner's large size figure line was already on the skids and few retailers signed up to carry it. This translated into a limited release for the IG-88 figure, and today this translates into value: boxed or loose, IG-88 is the most expensive large figure.

Accessory wise, IG-88 came with two guns. One is a blown-up rendition of the gun that came packaged with 33/4" figures like the Stormtrooper. The other is a pretty nifty rifle with a super-long barrel. Unfortunately, poor IG-88, who has what have to be the most useless "claw" hands imaginable, is about as incapable of grasping his weapons as a lobster is of playing the piano. But no matter-- at least he's well-armed. The toy also came with a rubber bandolier, which included pockets for the four plastic orange "grenades" that also came with the figure. Collectors looking for loose examples should make certain that it has retained its two claws, as they often came loose and were lost.

Hasbro issued a very similar large-size version of IG-88 in 2000, but it featured several mold details that differentiate it from the vintage toy.

First Issued: 1980 (ESB packaging)
Re-issues: None

Parts List
1 long rifle
1 short rifle
1 brown rubber bandolier
4 orange plastic grenades


Description by: Ron Salvatore
Photo: Ron Salvatore
From the collection of: Ron Salvatore
Country:United States
Film:Empire Strikes Back
Licensee:Kenner
Year:1980
Category:Toys / Action Figure Related / Large Size Action Figures


  


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