SHOW 147: THOSE OLD FOSSILS: EPISODE 25: THE BOUNTY HUNTER CAPTURE LOG PART 2 IG-88
A comprehensive discussion of IG-88 from Star Wars collecting, covering the vintage action figure released in 1980, its variations, multipack releases, and related merchandise. The hosts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with plans for the 2027 Los Angeles Celebration.
Summary
This episode of 'Those Old Fossils' focuses on IG-88, the mechanical bounty hunter from The Empire Strikes Back, and all related vintage Star Wars collecting items from 1978-1985. The show begins with the hosts discussing Star Wars Celebration 2027, which will be held in Los Angeles from April 1-4, coinciding with the franchise's 50th anniversary. All hosts express excitement about attending and potentially sharing accommodations.
The episode provides extensive background on IG-88's character, explaining how he was built as an assassin droid who gained sentience and turned on his creators. In Legends continuity, four IG-88 units existed, and one appeared in The Empire Strikes Back bounty hunter scene. The character's design came from spare parts, with his head being a repurposed drinks dispenser from the cantina set.
The main focus covers the 1980 Kenner action figure release, which was notable for including two weapons - an Imperial blaster and a unique rifle. The figure appeared on various card backs from the 31-back through Return of the Jedi series. Guest expert Ron Salvatore details the figure's production history, including its availability in three-packs, six-packs, and special sets. He also covers the rare 12-inch figure, which was the last in the large-size line and suffered from vinyl migration issues with its rubber bandolier.
Variant expert Mark from Variant Villains explains the different factory variations, including Smile Factory's metallic plastic version, Kada's mid-range finish, and Unitoy's dull finish. He highlights the rare PBP 'double scar' COO variants as genuinely difficult to find pieces. The episode concludes with brief coverage of non-toy merchandise, which was notably limited compared to other characters, including only items like Burger King glasses and stickers.
Key Insights
- Star Wars Celebration 2027 will be held in Los Angeles April 1-4, marking the franchise's 50th anniversary, with the LA Convention Center chosen over traditional Anaheim location
- IG-88's action figure head was created from a repurposed drinks dispenser from the Mos Eisley cantina set, with the rigid pose due to the costume being completely immobile
- The 12-inch IG-88 figure was the last released in the large-size line in spring 1980 and remains the rarest in that series due to poor sales causing line cancellation
- Both the 3¾-inch and 12-inch IG-88 figures were created from the same original sculpt, with the smaller figure scaled down using a pantograph while retaining essential proportions
- The original 12-inch IG-88 sculpt was carved entirely in acetate plastic by Bill Lemon, who had to work like 'Michelangelo carved marble' due to the unforgiving nature of the material
- IG-88 figures suffer from vinyl migration where plasticizers from the rubber bandolier leach out and disfigure the surrounding hard plastic, requiring separation of components for preservation
- The Smile Factory produced IG-88 figures with distinctive metallic sparkle plastic and pin inset eyes, while Unitoy versions had a notably dull finish more commonly found in the US market
- PBP's scarred COO IG-88 variants are genuinely rare because they used crumbling filler material over existing COOs that fell apart during production, creating multiple micro-variations
- A Palitoy 30A carded IG-88 is extremely rare with only two known examples in existence, with recent sales reaching approximately 14,000 pounds according to expert John Alvey
- An unreleased Power of the Force IG-88 proof card sold for $215,000 at Hakes auction in March, representing one of only a couple known examples of this unproduced cardback
- The Imperial Forces three-pack containing IG-88, Bossk, and Hoth Stormtrooper had rare 1980 ESB versions due to Empire Strikes Back's mid-year release affecting distribution timing
- IG-88 had minimal representation in non-toy merchandise compared to other bounty hunters, appearing mainly in basic items like Burger King glasses and Frito Lay stickers from Puerto Rico
Topics
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