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The Power of the Force 2: A Retro Revival of Star Wars Action Figures

Writer: Ken MiyamotoKen Miyamoto
Aug 20, 2024


In the world of toy collecting, few lines are as iconic and nostalgia-inducing as Kenner's original Star Wars action figures. Two years after George Lucas had wrapped up the original trilogy in 1983, the toy line stopped production.  



In 1991, Hasbro acquired Kenner. By that time, the Expanded Universe of Star Wars was growing with novels, comics, and videogames. After Lucas saw the special effects of his friend Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster hit Jurassic Park, he felt that computer graphics had evolved enough for him to do two things:

  1. Accomplish what he could not during the making of the original trilogy, as far as special effects that fell short of his vision. 

  2. Write a new trilogy (the eventual prequel trilogy) of Star Wars films. 


His first move was to create Special Editions of the original Star Wars trilogy, which would be released in 1997, the twentieth anniversary of the first film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. 



Before that, he wanted to rebuild interest in the Star Wars galaxy by introducing a new toy line geared towards adult fans of the original films, as well as a new generation of children. 


The new toy line was released in 1995 with huge fanfare. The line was named after the original line’s 1983-1985 series The Power of the Force.


The new toys quickly became a phenomenon when they were introduced to the market, filling the void left behind after the original Star Wars toy line ceased production in 1985.


The Power of the Force line, often called Power of the Force 2 (POTF2) by collectors (to distinguish it from the original POTF series), was not just a continuation of where Kenner had left off — it was a revival that had to engage a whole new generation of fans and collectors, while at the same time building on the deep roots of the original series.


Here we take a look back at this second generation of Star Wars toys!


Bigger, Buffer, and Bolder Star Wars Figures

One of the most noticeable differences between the original 1977-1985 Kenner figures and the 1995 POTF2 Hasbro/Kenner line was the sheer physicality of the toys. 


The original Star Wars figures were modestly sculpted with basic, almost understated designs. 


But the POTF2 figures were more exaggerated — larger, bulkier, and buff to the extreme. 


Characters like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo now had more superhero-like proportions. Their bulging biceps and chiseled torsos felt more akin to an Arnold Schwarzenegger action figure than the more reserved physiques of the original characters.



Hasbro/Kenner's choice to go with this more "muscular" look was likely a sign of the times.


Since the original line was introduced, the toy industry had seen a rise in popularity of more muscular action figures such as those in the He-Man and G.I. Joe franchises. 


When the POTF2 line was released, some fans and collectors felt that these exaggerated proportions were out of place for the Star Wars universe, where the characters were more grounded and relatable. 


It didn’t matter. The figures were a hit with the market, and this "superheroic" phase of Star Wars figures remains a quirky and memorable aspect of this underrated line.


A Leap Forward in Sculpting and Accessories

While the exaggerated proportions were a point of debate, the detailing and sculpting of the POTF2 figures were far, far more advanced than their 1970s and 1980s predecessors. 


Improved technology and new production techniques allowed for greater intricacy in the likenesses of characters. 


Facial features were more defined, clothing textures were detailed, and accessories became more character-specific.


This was where the POTF2 line truly excelled. Each figure typically came with at least one weapon or accessory, specific to their cinematic versions. 


The attention to detail on the accessories gave the figures an additional layer of authenticity, making them feel like true miniaturized versions of the characters seen on screen.


Bigger and Better Vehicles and Playsets

The new POTF2 line featured a broad range of vehicles and playsets. Many of the vehicles were revamps of classic designs from the original line, while others were entirely new additions to the Star Wars toy line universe.


One of the most popular vehicles from the POTF2 line was the Millennium Falcon. It featured improved detailing, electronic lights and sounds, and more interactive elements.



Other vehicles like the X-Wing, TIE Fighter, and Slave I were somewhat larger and more intricate than their original versions.



Playsets were also a key component of the POTF2 line, with sets like the Death Star Escape and the Hoth Ice Planet Adventure allowing for creative storytelling and immersive play. 


The "Freeze Frame" Era and Expanded Universe

As the POTF2 line continued into the late '90s, Hasbro/Kenner introduced special sub-lines that pushed the boundaries of what a Star Wars figure could be. 


Collections like the "Freeze Frame" series came packaged with a tiny slide of a scene from the movies. This gimmick allowed fans to view their favorite movie moments through a miniature projector, adding a unique multimedia element to the toy collecting experience.



The line also introduced figures, vehicles, and playsets from the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU). These figures were based on characters from novels, comics, and other media that existed outside the original movie trilogy. 


Characters like Prince Xizor and Dash Rendar made their action figure debuts in the POTF2 line, expanding the toy universe beyond the films and drawing in hardcore fans who had followed the EU for years. 


This was a significant development for Star Wars toys, as it was the first time the action figure line had ventured outside of the on-screen Star Wars stories.


A New Star Wars Collecting Legacy Was Born

By the time POTF2 line began to wind down in the late '90s, it had succeeded in revitalizing Star Wars toys for both a new generation, and collectors.  


These toys are still highly collectible, with certain figures and vehicles commanding respectable prices on the secondary market. However, there was a catch.


When the toys came out, collectors clamored to buy as many as they could. This practice drove the collecting value down because, unlike the original 1970s and 1980s line, the toys weren’t considered rare. The secondary market didn’t really exist until after the original line. Most kids opened and played with the Star Wars toys during that era. Most people didn’t really know they’d be as highly collectible as they are now.  


But as we approach the thirty year anniversary of the POTF2 line, their value is increasing. Loose figures of the line aren’t as desirable as loose figures of the original line, but figures new on their card and especially vehicles/playsets in their original packaging can command higher prices. There are also errors and subtle variances of certain figures that drive the value up significantly. 


But the POTF2 line also offers collectors a chance to build a collection more easily. Most POTF2 carded figures average from $15 to $25. This is a very affordable way to build a collection, as opposed to a carded figure from the original line that usually goes for anywhere in the hundreds or more each. 


Personally, I love POTF2 even more than the original line. Sure, there’s more value to the original Star Wars line. And there’s also more nostalgia attached to it because it was the first. However, I love the figure designs even more for POTF2 (yes, even with the added muscles). There was more attention to detail. And the vehicles are far, far superior to the original line’s. 


So if you’re looking to start your POTF2 collection, here is a breakdown of every figure, vehicles, playset, and collection of the Power of the Force 2 line (1995-2000). We will also link you to each one that The Toys of Our Lives has in stock in our online store (and our store in Verona, WI). Hurry up and “grab” them while they’re here because POTF2 collecting is on the rise. 


STAR WARS FIGURES

Basic Figures

Exclusives

  • Kabe and Muftak (online)

  • Luke Skywalker: Jedi Knight (Theater Edition)

  • Oola and Salacious Crumb (Fan Club)

Mail-Away through Hasbro

  • B'omarr Monk

  • Han Solo in Imperial Guard Disguise

  • Spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Deluxe Figures

Cantina Band Members Mail-Away through Hasbro

  • Doikk Na'ts

  • Figrin D'an

  • Ickabel G'ont

  • Lirin Car'n

  • Nalan Cheel

  • Sun'il Ei'de

  • Tech Mo'r

  • Tedn Dahai

CommTech

These figures included a CommTech chip that, when used with a special reader, played character-specific dialogue and sound effects from the films.

Exclusive through Fan Club

Electronic Power F/X

These figures and vehicles featured built-in electronics, allowing them to light up or emit sounds, bringing an extra layer of interactivity to playtime.

  • Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi

  • Darth Vader

  • Emperor Palpatine

  • Luke Skywalker

  • R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo)

Episode I Sneak Preview

  • Mace Windu

Expanded Universe

  • Dark Trooper from Dark Forces Video Game

  • Clone Emperor Palpatine from Dark Empire Comics

  • Grand Admiral Thrawn from Heir to the Empire Novel as Portrayed in Comics

  • Imperial Sentinel from Dark Empire Comics

  • Kyle Katarn from Dark Forces Video Game

  • Luke Skywalker from Dark Empire Comics

  • Mara Jade from Heir to the Empire Novel as Portrayed in Comics

  • Princess Leia from Dark Empire Comics

  • Spacetrooper from Heir to the Empire Novel as Portrayed in Comics

Flashback Photo

Each figure came with a two-sided image card that flipped to reveal the character as seen in the original trilogy and then in the prequel trilogy or other earlier life stages.

Freeze Frame Collection 1

Each Freeze Frame figure came packaged with a miniature film slide featuring a memorable scene from the Star Wars movies that could be viewed through a projector.

Freeze Frame Collection 2

Freeze Frame Collection 3

  • AT-ST Driver with Blaster Rifle and Pistol Version 2

  • Boba Fett with Sawed-Off Blaster Rifle and Jet Pack

  • Captain Piett with Blaster Rifle and Pistol

  • Darth Vader with Lightsaber and Removable Cape Version 2

  • Darth Vader with Removable Helmet and Lightsaber

  • Death Star Trooper with Blaster Rifle

  • Emperor Palpatine with Walking Stick Version 2

  • Emperor's Royal Guard with Force Pike

  • Garindan with Hold-Out Pistol

  • Grand Moff Tarkin with Imperial Blaster Rifle and Pistol

  • Ishi Tib with Blaster Rifle

  • Ree-Yees with Blaster Pistols

  • Sandtrooper with Concussion Grenade Cannon

  • Snowtrooper with Imperial Blaster Rifle

  • Stormtrooper with Blaster Rifle and Heavy Infantry Cannon

  • TIE Fighter Pilot with Imperial Blaster Pistol and Rifle

  • Weequay Skiff Guard with Force Pike and Blaster Rifle

  • Zuckuss with Heavy Assault Blaster Rifle

Exclusive Freeze Frame "Fan-Club Four"

Millennium Minted Coins Series

  • C-3PO

  • Chewbacca

  • Emperor Palpatine

  • Bespin Han Solo

  • Luke Skywalker in Endor Gear

  • Princess Leia in Endor Gear

  • Snowtrooper

Shadows of the Empire

Basic Figure Multipacks

  • Classic Edition 4-Pack

  • Collector 3-Packs

Cinema Scenes

Multi-figure sets designed to recreate iconic scenes from the Star Wars films, complete with specific accessories and detailed dioramas.

Exclusive Cinema Scenes

Comic Packs

These sets featured two action figures and a comic book that depicted expanded universe stories, often bringing fan-favorite comic characters to life as toys for the first time.

Max Rebo Band Pairs Exclusives from WalMart

  • Barquin D'an / Droopy McCool

  • Joh Yowza / Sy Snootles

  • Max Rebo / Doda Bodonawieedo

Princess Leia Collection

  • Princess Leia and Han Solo

  • Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker

  • Princess Leia and R2-D2

  • Princess Leia and Wicket the Ewok

Star Wars Vehicles

Basic Vehicles

Exclusives from Target

Collector Fleet

  • Electronic Rebel Blockade Runner

  • Electronic Star Destroyer

  • Electronic Super Star Destroyer

Electronic Power F/X

  • Luke Skywalker's Red Five X-Wing Fighter

Episode I Sneak Preview

  • STAP and Battle Droid

Expanded Universe Vehicles

  • Airspeeder

  • Cloud Car

  • Cruisemissile Trooper

  • Speeder Bike

Shadows of the Empire

Star Wars Creature Figure Sets

Basic Creature Sets

Exclusive from Toys 'Я' Us

Star Wars Playsets

Basic Playsets

  • Death Star Escape

  • Detention Block Rescue

  • Endor Attack

  • Hoth Battle

  • Millennium Falcon CD-ROM Playset

3-D Display Dioramas

  • Cantina at Mos Eisley

  • Jabba's Palace

Mail-Away through Hasbro

  • Mos Eisley Cantina

Complete Galaxy Playsets

  • Dagobah with Yoda

  • Death Star with Darth Vader

  • Endor with Ewok

  • Tatooine with Luke Skywalker

Gunner Station Sets

Star Wars Cases/Display Stands

Basic Cases and Stands

  • Official Collector Case

  • Electronic Talking C-3PO Carry Case

  • Millennium Falcon Carry Case


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