SilverWook said:

Action figures ready to go? Then why did Kenner have to sell me and every other kid a glorified I.O.U. that Christmas? ;)

yeah, that was a problem when you sell something that becomes

Although the original Star Wars film had been released in May 1977, Kenner were unprepared for the unprecedented response to the film and the high demand for toys. Unable to build sufficient stock in time for the lucrative Christmas market, they instead sold an "Early Bird Certificate Package" which included a certificate which could be mailed to Kenner and redeemed for four Star Wars action figures.^[2] The box also contained a diorama display stand, some stickers, and a Star Wars fan club membership card.^[3]

By the time the action figures were offered for direct sale in shops, the range had been augmented with a further eight figures, bringing the total number of figures in the initial release to twelve. These were supplemented later in 1978 with a number of vehicle and playset accessories, as well as the J.C. Penney exclusive Sonic controlled landspeeder and the Sears exculsive Cantina adventure playset which introduced four new figures.

The four figures that were first brought out in the Sears Cantina set were released for individual sale with a further four figures later in 1978, bringing the total number of figures to 20. Demand for the action figures and accessories was such that Kenner continued to have difficulty fulfilling demand. Shortages of the toys in the lead up to Christmas 1978 lead some to claim that Kenner were deliberately manipulating the market.^[4] Sales of Kenner's Star Wars range in 1978 reached 40 million units, accounting for a turnover of $100 million.^[5]

so even though they might have had plans.. they didn't plan

far enough ahead! oh well..

later

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