Does anyone think the 41b and 41c were issued at thhe same time?

[Joshua_A]

Hi guys.
Just curious here. I can't seem to find a Dengar on the 41b or d cards. I have a theory as to why and just want to run it by you all. Sorry if this has already been discussed, I haven't looked to see yet.
Anyway it goes like this. After the 41a card was released they issued the 41b and c at the same time. Some of the characters on the b card and the rest on the c card. I believe they did this to show more product available on the back of the cards at the point of sale and if someone bought a few figures there was a chance to advertise more product once the items left the stores.
Same goes for when they did the 41d and e.
Is there anyone out there with a focus who has there character on ALL of the 41backs, a through to e I mean? Or are most of you like me and are only able to get either the 41a, b and d, or the 41a, c and e. Depending on your character of course. Dengar on 41a, c and e, is all I have found so far. I don't think I will ever get him on the other two.
Again, sorry if this is old news. Just wondering how many other releases were possibly done like this. Or if this is in fact the case at all?
It is just weird because I can get Dengar on 4 different 48 backs with a possible 5th version but can't seem to find a 41b or d anywhere.

[knothead615]

you might be on to something because i can only find boba fett on the 41 a, b, and d. i wonder that since the previous card was a 32 back that the first 32 are on the a, b, and d and the next 9 are on the a, c, and e. but that must be wrong because luke can be found on an e card. there goes that theory.

[Joshua_A]

*Okay after re-reading your post. I get it :p

I am pretty sure this is what happened with the 41 back releases. There was only 3 waves. The second two waves that came out contained two different backs. I am almost positive this would of been done to promote the product as much as possible.

[Ian_C]

I seem to recall having figures as a kid that would have different backs at seemingly the same time (birthdays, Christmas, etc.), BUT, that was 30 years ago, and I may be combining different birthdays, etc., together in my head.

However, there is a good example in the modern line. At least for our Canadian releases, so I assume the States is similar, when a wave of figures has more than 5 figures, the back of the package only shows 3-4 other figures from that wave, and the figures shown rotates depending on which figure you're holding. Almost like what is being suggested here, that it allows good advertising of other available product without cluttering the package, and different figures give the opportunity to showcase something different on 2-3 different cardbacks. The only glitch for the vintage line involves mail-in promotions, and differences in dates, etc.

Ian

[Joshua_A]

But the sticker mail ins can be explained by wanting to move old stock.
I believe all figures came out on a card that has a printed offer on it, as long as it is within the time frame of it's existence of course.
We know the stickers were sent to stores to place on old stock as a way for owners to not have to buy more of the same figure from the new wave of cards but still be ale to keep the cards looking as if they are from the new wave.
It's also possibly why orders on cards like a 48c Dengar with the printed Ackbar offer were low, and hence not many are available nowadays as compared to a 48b, which is just a 48a with the Ackbar sticker added. Funny thing is though now you don't see many Dengar 48a moc either because of it.

Quite interesting when you think about it all.

[Adam_L]

Quite interesting when you think about it all.

Definitely! Thinking about the evolution of the ESB line (21-48 backs) is quite intense. From different offers to the change of backing design style (individual figure photos 21-41c) to the full group photo shot of all figures offered at the time (41D through 48C). Good thing Star Wars did well enough at the theatres so that Lucas could reinvest into Kenner toys for the ESB , ROTJ, POTF lines!

[Loop]

When I collected ESB carded figures I started making lists of the different cards each character could be found on.
It looks like none of the figures can be found on all four cards.

SW

Luke Skywalker C-E
Princess Leia C-E
R2-D2 B-D
Chewbacca C-E
C-3PO C-E
Darth Vader B-D
Stormtrooper B-D
Ben Kenobi B-D
Han Solo B-D
Jawa C-E
Tusken Raider C-E
Star Destroyer Commander C-E

Greedo C-E
Hammerhead B-D
Snaggletooth C-E
Walrus Man C-E
Luke X-Wing B-D
R5-D4 D (the other one should be B but has not been found yet)
Death Star Droid Offerless 41-back does not exist?
Power Droid E (the other one should be C but has not been found yet)
Boba Fett B-D

ESB

Leia Bespin B-D
FX-7 B-D
Snowtrooper C-E
Rebel Soldier B-D
Bossk B-D
IG-88 C-E
Luke Bespin B-D
Han Solo Hoth C-E
Lando Calrissian B-D
White Bespin Guard C-E
Yoda B-D

Ugnaught C-E
Dengar C-E
Han Solo Bespin B-D
Lobot B-D
Leia Hoth B-D
Rebel Commander C-E
AT-AT Driver C-E
Imperial Commander C-E
2-1B B-D

[Joshua_A]

Thanks for the list Loop. Looks like I could be right then.

[Dax]

I just completed a quick review of all my cardbacks and can confirm that my small set matches the data that Loop put together. Nice work by the way!

In addition I can also confirm two of the three cardbacks that were in doubt. Hope this helps add to the knowledge base.

R5-D4 confirmed on a 41 D
Power Droid confirmed on a 41 E

[Joshua_A]

Thanks for the input Dax. I was hoping a few more cardback collectors would join in also here. So cheers.