STAR WARS | Unreleased 1986 Toy Line from Kenner

[@J-T-A]

"Mongo Beefhead" sounds like a totally tubular 80s playground insult.

[@coreyander286]

I can easily picture Jake Lloyd calling Sebulba a mongo beefhead.

[@O.G.Trashboat]

@J-T-A It sounds kind of racist "Mongo-Beefhead"

[@markwolfking258]

I was thinking it sounded like a British punk band...

[@stevephlyer]

There were two problems in keeping collecting STAR WARS toys in the mid 80s; number one was that it was entirely dependent on your parents’ willingness and budget not matter how much fuzz you made about it, and second, two awesome and fresh line of toys had been introduced with more earthly appeal, GI JOE and TRANSFORMERS.

[@newsbender]

Not to mention MOTU.

[@leestewart72]

@@newsbender Yep, I got pretty much all of the MOTU collection for Christmas of 82.

[@jonacheson]

A third problem is that the kids who were the core Star Wars toy buyers in 1977 were going off to college in 1986. Sure, there were younger kids that came along to take their place, but there just weren't as many of them.

[@crazyralph6386]

GI Joe pretty much took over the entire action figure industry by 85-86. What’s funny is that no matter the detail and coolness of those GI Joe 3.75” figures, they never had the durability and longevity of a SW figure?

[@jnnx]

@@jonachesonI was pretty much getting over toys by 1986, and my interests were starting to shift. . .

[@DT0me7624]

Their vision of a shuttle that could dock with the Falcon was essentially brought to life by the Ghost and Phantom spacecraft in Rebels.

[@jeebus2313]

Funnily enough I seem to recall Peter Cushing saying one of his biggest regrets with Tarkin was that they killed him off in the first movie so he couldn't be in any of the sequels, so in a way including him in this line (even if it never came to be) was sort of fitting.

[@curseoffenrir]

As awesome as they would have been, G.I. Joe and even Transformers pulled me out of all other lines. Great show, Tony.

[@madmike8v72]

If only...so many cool opportunities missed. That expanded play universe is what I always thought Star Wars was supposed to be, to take the characters on new adventures and stories. Great video Tony and a nice trip down memory lane!

[@TroyPacelli]

This is totally my thing. I am a big "What almost was, and should have been" type collector. Stan Solo really fills that niche in a lot of ways, as do some other crafters. I've been buying, kit-bashing and customizing my own line of Holiday Special figures and playsets for some time.

[@emilflognoid1532]

Nice! You got qn Instagram showing them off?

[@bernisweltredsun1245]

Stan Solo LMAO

[@TroyPacelli]

@@bernisweltredsun1245 Yeah; Stan Solo is pretty awesome.

[@StarWarsMoments]

Creating knockoffs and pretending that they're real, great.

[@TroyPacelli]

@@StarWarsMoments Not sure if you are referring to me or Stan Solo, but either way, your slack jawed opinion is irrelevant to me.

[@gspendlove]

I was a big fan of the books -- Splinter of the Mind's Eye, the original Han Solo trilogy, the Lando Calrissian trilogy, and of course the comics -- and I wish they'd have thought to make action figures and vehicles based on those stories. If they would have made immediate plans to expand their line back in 1984, a year after ROTJ came out, I know I would've been hot to collect those figures, vehicles and playsets. It's a shame.

[@scottgrimes1287]

Splinter of the Mind's Eye was intended as a cheap back up sequel had the Studio not picked up TESB

[@kidcollectable4043]

This was such a good idea for a video. Really awesome to see what Kenner had planned for their 1986 line. Which it really happened. Great video Tony!

[@disseminationnetwork]

The desert airspeeder is really cool! Wish that had been produced...the imperial outpost as well! Very cool! Well done!

[@sethallison5682]

Lego made one a few years back, called a sandspeeder- seems closely based on this prototype toy.

[@EnigmaticPenguin]

I saw there prototypes in ToyFare magazine around 2002. They had a pretty big feature article on it and I was convinced it was some sort of elaborate customization prank given how many custom figures they comissioned and their irreverent writing style. They are a very cool piece of history.

[@jnnx]

Their.

[@sg7335]

Great video Tony! By 1985 I had already moved on from Star Wars toys and was focused mainly on GI Joe and Super Powers.I remember seeing the POTF line at Toys R Us and being asked by my dad if I wanted any.I said no..ugh! If I had still been buying Star Wars I definitely would have loved the line to be continued.There are some cool ideas Kenner came up with.

[@ravenwytch6615]

Although I have never collected Star Wars, I still was aware of most of the toys from the 70's and 80's. Just learning of these at 50 years old just gives me another reason that I'm glad I have been a long time subscriber of your Tony. Amazing video!

[@graphosxp]

when the toys first came out i used "found" objects as Star Wars add-on toys. I turned underarm deodorant plastic dispensers into a flying one-man transport because it fit Storm trooper figures perfectly. A brand of ladies stockings use to come in an egg shaped plastic container which was great as an escape pod. I would take large wooden matches and use them to burn scorch marks left by Imperial forces, the trick being to push the lit match at an angle into the plastic and making sure to leave ash streaks suggestive of the angle of fire. fun was had!

[@paulmatts2015]

I once turned a rotisserie chicken tray and tp rolls into a landspeeder 😅

[@graphosxp]

​@@paulmatts2015 back-in-the-day we would have been great friends...unless you were one of those weirdo kids that put toys in your mouth as chew toys. I lost my Planet of the Apes assault rifle to one of these crazy kids😩

[@paulmatts2015]

@@graphosxp Unfortunately I still remember the taste of Hotwheels...🤣

[@ryantv10]

Had some kitchen bowls that stuck together like a spaceship. Lost Yoda's cane at my friend's house in some hedges when he got whipped too recklessly riding inside it 😢

[@LogicBlaster]

Thanks for this video, Tony! I never knew that these concepts existed or were proposed to Lucasfilm. It's really interesting to contemplate the possibilities. I'm happy some of this did eventually see the light of day, like Luke's T-16 Skyhopper, one of my favorite vehicles from the 90's POTF line. Once again, amazing stuff, Tony, really appreciate it!👍

[@hambone1138]

Fascinating video! I had a couple of those mini-rigs shown at the beginning. I think Dave Filoni actually used one or two of the designs in one of his shows. I still can’t believe they never had a Governor Tarkin figure in the original line, especially since he was the main villain. And that AT-AT with the rear turbolaser thing would’ve been awesome.

[@LaserPants]

Great video Tony

[@jambogeordie]

Great episode Tony! Thoroughly researched as always-so cool to see what could have been. And yes, I'd have purchased a few of those items...even though I was moving on to GI Joe at that time

[@k-dawgbroadcasting5444]

Official congrats for hitting 100K, Tony! Great to see this video taking off and you getting some recognition!

[@Its.Chad.]

Awesome video! I remember reading all about this proposed continuation of the line in magazines back in the early 90s

[@georgeaitken2719]

Same here still have the magazine it was Star Wars insider

[@TheSilvercue]

Fascinating stuff. I adored my Star Wars toys in the 70s and 80s, but would never have wanted characters and vehicles that were not in the movie

[@Takwolf]

By 86 I had my learners permit. So I had long since aged out of my star wars days. I had never seen these before. Thanks for the video.

[@robertsinfiniterealms1308]

I have seen most of these consents and prototypes in various forms but always nice to revisit them. I’d have been all over this kind of it came out at the time. The only reason Joe took over for me is there was no Star Wars. Sure there was Droids and Ewoks very brief lines but they didn’t have the spirit of Star Wars like the OT. This is much more inline with the original trilogy.

[@a_world_made_of_cardboard]

By the mid 80's, I was into GI Joe and Transformers, but heavy into Doctor Who. So I would have looked at these as additional sources for more Doctor Who playtime.

[@invictus84]

Tony, great documentary here. Love your work. Sending warm regards from USA

[@jeremydoud4885]

Those toys would have jump started my love all over again. Because by 1986 Transformers and to a lesser extent GI JOE had superseded STAR WARS for my valuable play time, lol. But, the Rebel Blockade Runner , a 2 seater X-wing, a tow truck for broken down speeders, a Falcon with a drop ship to be in 2 places at once!!!! Damnit Kenner those were and still are FANTASTIC IDEA’s!!!! Come on Hasbro get to making these cool toys that should have been!

[@antoniovistcoatis1541]

some really cool concepts in there I think. Thanks for covering this Tony. Good stuff!

[@LEPERCOLONY1]

Thanks Tony! Was a kid then and I loved all that stuff, even made cardboard AT-AT and rebel bases. Would have LOVED to own an X-Wing and that 'tandem' model is brilliant - Kenner should do a retro line, like an alternate timeline, and release these models, especially the blockade runner (had to use a Space:1999 Eagle as a substitute as a kid) Kenner would make bank.

[@jnnx]

Kenner stopped existing in 2000. They merged into Hasbro.

[@JettBlast]

I really enjoy your commentary on these memories from our past. You passion for collecting is shown in how you research all the history of these great gems. You attention to detail is so awesome and really fills my curiosity about many collectibles we both enjoy. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more content. Best Regards buddy...

[@horrorfan1455]

Awesome video Tony I honestly think that we needed the blockcade runner more than the rebel transport in the Kenner line 😎

[@genesanford9412]

Would have been nice if these came out back then. I saw a few of these before on JunkMans channel , & always love to see toys we never got. Thanks Tony! ... saw you on Toy Fed. ep. ! ... right on!

[@happiaxxident]

Nice one, Analog! I would’ve asked for a couple villains, Luke, and Luke’s Speeder for my Birthday… Probably.

[@JonathanMedd]

Great, thanks for this. That Blockade Runner looks amazing!

[@jesseperry9602]

Its so cool to see how many of these ideas and concepts managed to trickle back into the line over time. No good idea goes unused. I did notice that the pilot droid was reused as Lando's droid girlfriend in the Solo movie

[@grizzlehorn7387]

This was awesome, thank you.

[@jasondwilliams972]

Another amazing video. Professor Roberts kickin’ AP history level knowledge, y’all…

[@optimisticgambler3616]

0:19 The vehicle being crewed by Han Quatro.

[@invictus84]

Great video!!! Well researched, this kind of documentary content is your best stuff, love it.

[@Chronically0nline]

I live in a reality where we got REVENGE of the Jedi, and these concepts came out. Some of these are REALLY cool and I would have loved to see that Han and Luke in final production as well.

[@Robd07]

Would be a Crazy pitch for a new series where Luke joined Vader and over threw the Emperor! Kinda like Star Treks Mirror Mirror universe!

[@billpaulk1058]

Such a great video man! I love them now but I had stopped collecting by ‘83 and was in high school by ‘86. Was focused on music and girls by then.

[@bear11charlie41]

This was a great video never seen any of these concepts would have loved to play with these as a kid.

[@michaellocke3327]

nicely done. I have the kenner concept book that was put out many years showing these items and more (12" line stuff) I like seeing that others maybe yearn for all of those missed opportunities.

[@skabcat242]

Wow...These are some cool designs. Such a shame these never got made.

[@edbbasher3277]

Wow. I learned a lot in this video! When you put together videos like this they are really top notch!

[@michaelabney3486]

What coulda been 😢,thanks for bringing all the info together.

[@clobberonline6812]

Well put together as always !!

[@fn-pug5447]

I think it would be neat if some of these got released under the Vintage Collection.

[@guygill7827]

I love buying the figures back in the eighties in supermarkets and the vechicles they were the best.

[@trekkiejunk]

In 1985, i was still another 2 years or so from no longer being interested in the Star Wars toys. Consequently, i have almost all of the rare figures and vehicles that came out in 84-85. In fact, i was starting to become a collector already, and my mom let me go to Kay Bee alone. So, i snatched up quite a number of those POTF items. If there was a 1986 line, i know for 100% i would have still been collecting at that point. And yes, i still have everything!

[@michaeldebidart]

That's dope, I had the complete first edition Voltron set that came out immediately once the show took off. It ended up getting lost in a move and I still wish I had it to this day

[@KELTIKGETORIX]

Thanks for explaining Mini-Rigs, i remember these as a kid, as bargain bucket vehicles in Tescos or down the market, being sold cheap. And wondering that werent in the films! Also we used to get the Spanish and italian versions cheap down the market. East street market in SE London in particular, back in the day. Like all wish i had bought a ton when they couldnt even give em away, and then put in a garage for a while, when all us anoraky 50yr+ bloke "collectors" wanted to grab back their childhood. I flooged all my SW and actionman collection when i hit 16, to fund going out, raving and clubbin, regret this a little a i sold a future fortune for a PP pitance to fund crap. Specially miss my Panzer Captain action man who would be prize collector piece now along wi my Sherpa toys Afrika Korps jeep and Sd.Kfz. 251.

[@RoleKeeper]

Great Video Tony. The 12year old me in 86 probably would have loved this stuff, the almost 50year old me today wonders if some of those Kenner guys where smoking something. "The Mongo Beef Head Tribesmen"

[@madcaptoys]

Would have loved some of these playsets-vehicles when I was a kid.

[@thomasmeyers2565]

Interesting, thanks for finding and shareing this , as for your answer yes i would have and was so glad when star wars toys came back in 95 , just wished they wouldn't have flooded the market over the year's

[@jacksprofessionalproductio9403]

The effort by Kenner trying to invent a new sequel series/prequel characters is impressive, no denying. Although I think if Kenner really wanted to rekindle kids’ interest in the line, it would’ve been smarter to start the POTF line in 1985 with 21 figures (7 from each film), a vehicle or two from each film, 2 playsets and a creature. Since ROTJ was rereleased in theaters in 1985, it also would’ve been a great way to get sales back up and remind fans of the 8 years of Star Wars fever. I imagine the reimagined Potf line something like this; (yes I am using vintage and Stan solo toys) “The Next 21” Figures: 1. Stormtrooper Luke - Imperial blaster 2. Stormtrooper Han - Imperial blaster 3. Wedge Antilles - Smuggler blaster 4. Rebel Fleet Trooper - Bespin blaster 5. Ceremony C-3PO 6. Grand Moff Tarkin - Imperial blaster 7. Snoot Spy - communicator 8. Pre-Carbonite Han w/ Carbonite block - Nikto staff and Jabba’s palace blaster 9. Dak - Smuggler blaster 10. ESB Boba Fett w/ removable jet pack - E3 rifle 11. R5-M2 12. R3-Y2 13. K-3PO 14. R-3PO 15. Endor Luke w/ removable helmet - Green stick lightsaber 16. Slave Leia - Nikto staff 17. General Lando - Jabba’s palace blaster 18. A-Wing pilot - Endor blaster 19. Darth Vader w/ removable helmet - Red stick lightsaber 20. EV-99 21. Amanaman - skull tree branch Vehicles: 1. A-Wing fighter 2. Tie Bomber 3. Star Destroyer 4. Tatooine Skiff Playsets: 1. Bespin/Cloud City 2. Jabba’s Palace Creatures: 1. Bantha

[@MichaelJShaffer]

Kenner's what could have been. There were so many cool ideas planned. I wonder what the prices for these vehicles and figures would be today had they been made. Especially onsidering what the POTF Sand Skiff, 3 mini-rigs, and Droids A-Wing are going for. I had stopped actively collecting Star Wars by '86 & '87, but it would have been great to see "The Epic Continue(s)."

[@SaturnCanuck]

Oh Michael I'm still waiting for my apology. Then I'll resubscribe

[@MichaelJShaffer]

​@SaturnCanuck I have no idea what you're referring to.

[@SaturnCanuck]

@MichaelJShaffer OH. Sorry. It was months back on your channel and I made a comment about something you had said. It was Manchild news. Yet despite me agreeing with you, you were still sarcastic and rude. I asked for apology but never got one.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

@@SaturnCanuck I'm not Michael French of RetroBlasting. I don't produce Manchild News. I apologize for nothing.

[@SaturnCanuck]

@@MichaelJShaffer I will apologize. I got you mixed up. Have a great day.

[@nike80nl]

Love your voice. Perfect for reviews 👌.

[@Mvargo97]

Fascinating. I had no idea about some of these. On a side note I like that Desert Eclipse that you added to your desert squad--looks good.

[@myronaustin]

DEFINITELY would have gone after those vehicles!! Awesome deep dive! 👍🏾👍🏾💯🔥

[@joelkurowski7129]

1:38 second from left, was re-used as a Byss Imperial Guard in the Dark Horse comic, 'Dark Empire'. It's neat to see that not all of these designs stayed out of production. And it's interesting that it seems the Dark Horse artists we're allowed to peruse the old Kenner files. I wonder how that conversation happened.

[@Jon_FM]

As an 8 year old in 1977 I collected all the first gen action figures, the Falcon, and tie fighter. By 1980-81 I got a lot of the Empire generation stuff. But by ROTJ I was 14 and had given away all my toys (much to my lament now). I was one of those kids who had aged out of Star Wars toys and really did not collect them again until I was in my 30s when my own young kids were going through the Prequels and I could "buy it for them".

[@jonniehotdog]

Great work, Tony!

[@michaelpantano6351]

These toys are amazing! It’s the “what should have been” collection.

[@andrewthielmann5342]

The concept/story alone is amazing. They toys would have been so good.

[@seanohalloran384]

They should Haslab that blockade runner. Make it twice the size or bigger. That double cockpit X-Wing too. Great video!

[@IdiotLord123456]

Imperial shuttle mini rig was the best! I’m kind glad we didn’t get upside down squidhead head guy.

[@richardlee2120]

I probably would have tried to keep collecting in 1986 with this new line, but not a fan of Expanded Universe items. The Tantive IV is a huge omission, but this prototype was too small. It needs to be large enough to accommodate a play area for figures, such as a scaled down hallway and side rooms.

[@Bauglir100]

For anyone that’s interested, SkyeWalkers: A Clone Wars Story (which is a Legends novel despite it being released in 2015 after the EU was decanonized) actually revives a number of these concepts and even features Atha Prime in it, albeit renamed Zeta Magnus. It’s not an adaptation of The Epic Continues but more like a prequel to it since it takes place during the Clone Wars. It also ends on a cliffhanger that seemingly leads into the events of The Epic Continues.

[@angusblack967]

Great video. Being an avid SW fan, and a collector who actually played with these things, I don't think I would have been too interested in the new line. I wanted toys I saw on the screen. I did collect the mini rigs because I would always get a figure from my mom if I did well at the dentist. C'mon, I didn't want to go home with nothing! The blockade runner would have been a very cool addition though.

[@CollectingStarWars]

Wonderful Video! I didn’t know about half of this stuff. Thanks for doing excellent research and teaching this long time Star Wars toy fan something new. Great Job, Tony 🤓👍👍

[@jerryziegner]

AMAZING new video. I love this channel

[@rockyprivratsky5692]

Man. This video got my creative juices running. What if we could 3D print and rebel blockade runner? Maybe we could send this 3D printed concept to Chris Smith at San Solo. 🙂

[@nodarkthings]

Great video, I hadn't seen all of these. Tantalising!! I wouldn't have bought them though. I was 16 by that point and they wouldn't have interested me. I didn't even know about the final 17 until years later. It was about 1994 and I was walking home from a nightclub when I saw a Han Solo in Stormtrooper uniform in the window of a second hand shop! My mind was blown! I just thought, damn, I would have LOVED that as a kid!!

[@PelinalDidNothingWrong]

The AT-AT with the Ion cannon on it's back looks so cool! It kinda gives me Warhammer 40k vibes honestly with it esentially being a giant walking gun

[@Legomastercole583]

great video did not know they had these planned!

[@markwolfking258]

As a teenager with a job and no real bills to speak of in '86, some of these would have absolutely found their way into my collection.

[@stephens4175]

I did know about the Tantive IV being in development and the figures being designed and that one coming out as a different character, but I didn't know all the other details, like it being further continuing storyline, great video though as always Tony.....Kudo's!!!

[@hereigoagain04]

I absolutely would have kept collecting! Back in the 80’s, I scrounged for anything left on the shelves and in the bargain stores including the mini-vehicles. As a kid I dreamt up my own adventures just like those books on cassette had at the local library.

[@neterwan]

I didn't know about these, but I still have some things from 1980s, including the small shuttle, which was never shown in Star Wars.

[@privatename5788]

In 1986, we had Transformers and GI Joe in their primes. Kenner's Star Wars figures could not compete.

[@RedHeadKevin]

1:00 That Mini-Rig with R2 and 3PO was reused as Yaddle's ship on the Tales of the Jedi.

[@martinnaylor]

70's kid here,the amount of Star Wars toys i had as a kid was unreal but with moving country it all got left behind. 😢😢

[@TimHayes]

I probably would've collected Star Wars The Epic Continues line if it had happened! Great video! It's nice to know one of the villains from that line did get recycled into Hasbro's Star Wars Expanded Universe line of action figures!

[@50stuff]

Some great ideas there. Very similar to the characters and vehicles we'd later see in SOLO and Rogue One.

[@tHeWasTeDYouTh]

I always loved that red star wars font

[@Godzillaborg21]

Good work! I’ve struggled to find anything on the planned Sarlacc Pit playset.

[@rlpittsjr]

In 1986 my family was moving from Papua New Guinea to California. I was still definitely collecting Star Wars my brother. Portmoresby we could find the carded figures with the silver coins. I definitely would have continued if this epic collection had come out.

[@dderossett]

only regret not getting the t 16

[@bb-gc2tx]

kids had moved on from star wars in 1986. 1978-83 was the peak of kenner star wars toys

[@jurgendenederlandse2449]

Absolutely awesome this CONCEPT who never was developed in 1986... Ata Prime, Tarkin etc... amazing. I can only feel like a tremendous loose of action figures for all those who consider collectors. STAR-WARS VETERAN COLLECTOR SINCE 1981. JOURNALIST AND WRITER.

[@celiciarandall5427]

In the summer of '85 I stumbled upon an endcap of Power of the Force figures at my Toys R Us, I bought 3, intending to come back again and buy some more. But like so many fans I knew, this was the summer where we started growing up, and first jobs and girlfriends took priority. By the time I remembered the figures in September they were long gone. As great as this line looks, it would have suffered the same fate. If they had waited a few years, like during the drought of the late 80's/early 90's it might have been a different story.

[@akoww1000]

My best friend in the 80s had just about every Star Wars toy made. His dad worked as a toy buyer for a few stores. I know he worked for K-mart in the late 70s to early 80s. He went to every toy show to see new toys coming out and He was able to get a few toys that were never released to market. My friend had a few figures and ships for Star Wars that weren't released. His dad was able to get a few items with Revenge Of The Jedi before they changed it. just things like flyers, posters, etc that were shown at a Toy Fair

[@travisjohnson622]

If you asked 9 year old me That was probably the coolest kid, luckiest kid that ever lived. LOL

[@ChroniqueVintage]

As I was a teenage in the mid 80's I will probably carry one getting Star Wars toys but without playing with it, just display on my bed room shelves like a model kit. The second part of the 80's were more dedicated to Terminator, Back to the Futur, Indiana Jones so may be people will not follow Kenner's idea to carry on making Star Wars toys specially with no new trilogy on the big screen. you see that the Droid & Ewoks animated series had minor success compare to Mattel Master of the Univers who was definitely the lead toy line between 85 - 87. I think today it will really cool if Hasbro will made a blockade Runner, I have the feeling it will be very popular among the fans of every age. BTW, an other great video Tony!

[@StigmaNYC]

I’ve only ever heard rumors of the ATIC and that it was wooden. Besides the minirigs everything else you’ve shown I’ve never laid eyes on before. Kenner should have released these bigger playsets. Great video. Thanks.

[@hgc7000]

That Imperial Walker with Ion Cannon in the back and the base would have been "Must Haves" for me, especially since I was at the prime kid age when the line would have tentatively come out. Even with my primary attention being directed to GI Joe and Transformers, that AT-AT would have been a "can't miss" for me. All the yardwork would have been completed for that one.

[@orcatwar9810]

good video as always even tho i wasn't alive then (was born in the 90s) when i saw the concepts and prototypes in the late 00s and early 2010s i was like' these are so cool i kinda wish they came out or someone make customs of them'

[@half-assedcraftswithbigmik4301]

Filoni and Faverau need to make all these designs canon!

[@marklechman2225]

Many of those sketches were taken from the Return of the Jedi sketchbook. "Atha Prime" was an early design for the Imperial red guard and I believe the Clone Warrior sketch was an early Scout Trooper idea.

[@AveryChristy]

1:37 one of those made its way into the Dark Empire comic

[@ScrapKing73]

But, I’m confused, would the Mongo Beefhead Head Tribesmen have been in the Epic Continues?

[@SmartFabian007]

nice info i never heard off before.