"We can't keep Star Wars items on the shelf.” Between 1978 and 1980, the marketing blitz of Star Wars toys and memorabilia was unlike anything previously experienced by both consumers and retailers. From Darth Vader figures, to TIE Fighters and X-Wings, to the massive Death Star Space Station, many of the exciting toys Kenner released during the holiday season sold out as quickly as they arrived. Longtime collector and writer Ron Salvatore reflected on Kenner’s impact on the holidays, in an article for the Star Wars Collectors Archive site, Join host David Quinn for a conversation with Ron about this must-read Christmas article. And hear accounts and news stories that offer a peek into the frenzied retail world during that time, in which Star Wars toys topped wishlists across the country and around the world. And hear Ron’s humorous and insightful reporting of this story, in his own words. This is the perfect way to kick off the holidays for Star Wars fans and collectors. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! *Photos courtesy of Ron Salvatore and The Star Wars Collectors Archive If you’d like to read Ron’s article and view some wonderful photos of Christmases past, click the link below: http://blog.theswca.com/2023/12/the-hottest-thing-agoin-is-star-wars.html To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

A once-in-a-lifetime Star Wars auction occurred at the beginning of December. And its results may shock you. After a year of record-breaking sales, did the iconic Rocket-Firing Boba Fett prototype finally return to Earth? Why did key pieces of original Kenner packaging art struggle to find bidders? Which international grail figure underperformed by a substantial margin? Which store display sale surprised collectors? And what types of valuable insight does this auction provide about the current collectors market? Join host David Quinn for an in-depth look at Heritage’s December Platinum Star Wars Signature Auction. Explore the history of the thirty-four items offered, and the disappointments, successes and new prices realized in a legendary Star Wars sale that will be discussed and referenced for years to come! This episode features the auction information you won’t find anywhere else. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production!

It’s been a very busy month in the world of Star Wars and collecting. And you may have missed some of the biggest news over the past thirty days! How did Star Wars collectibles perform at the Propstore and Hakes catalog auctions? Which iconic item from the 1977 film sold for more than $400,000? Why was Return of the Jedi recently reclassified? Which previously announced project did Lucasfilm remove from its release slate? And which legendary Star Wars artist passed away, leaving behind a legacy spanning decades? Join host David Quinn for a new series that explores Star Wars news from around the galaxy. From film and series updates to the collector-related reports, to news from the theme parks, the publishing world and more, this episode covers the stories you may have missed but need to know! This is the Galactic Newsdesk: November Edition. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

Can a Star Wars collectors club meetup really be a life-changing event? For the podcast’s milestone 200th episode, join host David Quinn for a look back at RonCon 2, an unforgettable 2017 meetup in the Hudson Valley area of New York. Hosted by Ron Salvatore, RonCon offered members of the Empire State Star Wars Collectors Club the opportunity to spend time with other Star Wars collectors and to tour one of the best vintage Star Wars collections in the galaxy. But why was this day so special? What does a collectors meetup offer that makes it the heart and soul of the hobby? And after listening, why will you want to attend a future local club event? This is a true celebration of Star Wars and the amazing community of fans and collectors. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production, episode 200! *If you’d like to read about the 2017 RonCon 2 meetup and see photos from the event, check out the article on The Star Wars Collectors Archive: http://blog.theswca.com/2024/11/a-galactic-mile-marker-attending-my.html To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

We’ve reached the end of another toy show season. In a year of fantastic trips and bountiful blessings, the Maryland Toy Expo stands out among the very best. And there’s no better way to close out the season than to return to Timonium for the November fall show. Join host David Quinn as he tours the Expo during Friday’s setup and Saturday’s main event, hunting for Kenner and Hasbro Star Wars treasures, and talking to collectors and dealers in the process. Which overlooked Star Wars video game has made an impact on the lore and storytelling within the franchise? What is the current state of the Star Wars collectors market? And what types of rare and iconic items showed up at this month’s toy show? This is your look at the incredible Maryland Toy Expo. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

Four of the best Star Wars collections are uniting to form the ultimate museum. And that’s just one of the stories in an exceptionally newsworthy and fascinating month. Which iconic helmet and uniform are appearing publicly for sale at auction for the very first time? Which exciting action figure announcements did Hasbro make at New York Comic Con? What newly uncovered documents give us a clearer understanding as to why The Acolyte was cancelled? Is Cal Kestis coming to live-action? Is Obi-Wan Kenobi returning? And what crucial issue with The Vintage Collection figures did collector John Miko recently bring to light? Join host David Quinn for a new series that explores Star Wars news from around the galaxy. From film and series updates to the collector-related reports, to news from the theme parks, the publishing world and more, this episode covers the stories you may have missed but need to know! This is the Galactic Newsdesk: October Edition. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

Continuing the momentum of a powerhouse franchise like Star Wars or Marvel is not easy. In October of 2023, Disney spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, acknowledging the issues the company faced with its Marvel films and series, and what it planned to do to correct them to get Marvel back on track. And while Star Wars fans have wished for something similar - more direct communication and a clearer road map of the future - Disney and Lucasfilm have been largely silent. Instead, The Hollywood Reporter’s James Hibberd has taken that audit into his own hands. This month, he wrote an article assessing the health of the franchise according to the performance of its films, series, merchandise and experiences. And his findings may surprise you. In it, Hibberd asks a key question that many want to know: Is Disney bad at Star Wars? Join host David Quinn for an in-depth look at Hibberd’s article, going beyond the author’s takes and providing the insight a longtime Star Wars fan and collector can offer. How did the films and series actually perform with audiences and at the box office? Has the company delivered on its initial plans and promises? Is Star Wars heading in the right direction? Is the fanbase losing hope? 
And what does all of this mean for fans and collectors? This is the analysis you need, about the franchise you love. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

A new era of Star Wars is coming. Lucasfilm is rumored to be cutting back on its Star Wars series output. The timeline for films and shows is starting to align. And a beloved character franchise is coming to a close. But that is just a taste of what has been one of the busiest months of the year for Star Wars news. After two record-breaking sales at auction, why did the latest Rocket-Firing Boba Fett prototype fail to sell at Goldin? What does a lawsuit over the appearance of Grand Moff Tarkin mean for the future of Star Wars storytelling? Which action figures and releases did Hasbro announce at the company’s annual Pulse Con event? And how did the contributions of James Earl Jones and John Cassady make a lasting impact on the Star Wars fandom? Join host David Quinn for a new series that explores Star Wars news from around the galaxy. From film and series updates to the collector-related reports, to news from the theme parks, the publishing world and more, this episode covers the stories you may have missed but need to know! This is the Galactic Newsdesk: September Edition. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 YOUTUBE MUSIC/PODCASTS: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7UruGWpd8qKrObL8-DSLekomB8GuB1VT SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

Is Retro Con the best toy show on the east coast? A number of toy fans certainly think so, and with good reason. The Pennsylvania event offers so much for collectors and attendees of all ages. Across more than 67,000 square feet of toy show space, it contains more than 300 booths filled with vintage and modern toys, with a number of the dealers saving their best items for Retro Con. And over the past decade, collectors have had some incredible Star Wars finds at the show. Will that wonderful streak continue this year? Join host David Quinn as he travels to Oaks, Pennsylvania for a return to Retro Con. Hear from collectors about what the show is like, what they picked up, and why you need to be there next year. If you’re looking for carded and loose Kenner figures, sealed mailers, a plethora of Tri-logo items, graded Black Series and Vintage Collection pieces and all of the ephemera from the past three Star Wars trilogies, you’ll find them at Retro Con. This is why toy trip weekends are special. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

A Boba Fett figure shockingly skyrocketed past the million-dollar mark for the first time at auction in August. And with a controversial series cancellation, major updates to Lucasfilm’s movie and series slates and a theme park attraction overhaul, Star Wars fans now have a clearer view of the franchise’s future. But where is Star Wars truly heading? What was announced at Disney’s D23 expo and in its latest earnings report that may excite some fans and frustrate others? And which longtime Lucasfilm legends were honored for their work within the galaxy far, far away? Join host David Quinn for a new series that explores Star Wars news from around the galaxy. From film and series updates to the collector-related reports, to news from the theme parks, the publishing world and more, this episode covers the stories you may have missed but need to know! This is the Galactic Newsdesk: August Edition. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460

An $1800 holy grail figure for….12 dollars??? This year’s Toys For The Ages Expo in Carlisle, Pennsylvania may have been the best one yet. The sheer amount of amazing finds and pickups of Star Wars items and ones from a vast number of other toy lines makes this show a must-attend event each year. Join host David Quinn for part two of a weekend at the Toys For The Ages Expo. Explore the Saturday show, and hear from collectors who scored some incredible collectibles at the show. This is why you need to visit Carlisle in 2025. And this is Star Wars: Prototypes and Production! To Listen to the Episode on the Prototype Archives Site: https://www.prototypearchives.com/podcast Links to the Episode on Various Podcast Platforms: APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/744L0XQhmpXn2AZeaxUhOZ CASTBOX: https://castbox.fm/channel/Star-Wars%3A-Prototypes-and-Production-id1904296?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Star%20Wars%3A%20Prototypes%20and%20Production-CastBox_FM STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1054209 PANDORA: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/PC:1001054209 PODBEAN: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/u4ywr-80960/ AMAZON MUSIC: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c98fb265-c233-43d9-ae3b-1102bfb03e45/star-wars-prototypes-and-production PLAYERFM: https://player.fm/series/2473540 SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/david-quinn-908355451/tracks PODVINE: https://podvine.com/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production iHEART: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-star-wars-prototypes-and-p-31050806/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-prototypes-and-production/id1448205460