star wars sold you plastic promises in 1977, then made you wait months for the actual toy.
means a toy company that turned movie licensing into an industry by mass-producing cheap, jointed plastic figures of film and cartoon characters.
from cincinnati toy company founded 1946 by the kenner brothers, but immortalized in 1977 when it won the star wars license, panicked at demand, and shipped an empty box with a mail-in coupon for figures that would arrive months later.
early bird certificate — 1977 mail-away coupon package, now worth thousands
boba fett figure — 1979 mail-in premium, most legendary variant ever made
strawberry shortcake line — kenner scent-branded toys, huge in early 1980s
star wars vintage line — 1977-1985 run, over 100 characters produced