When I was a kid and the first Star Wars movie came out, my family wasn’t able to afford all the goodies that were being released in toy stores. Keeping my requests modest, I begged my dad for just two Star Wars action figures for my birthday, going so far as showing him the ones I’d wanted at the toy store. I desperately wanted Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader so I could have them battle for ultimate supremacy of my meager toy collection. I had imagined the epic conflict that would take place in my bedroom, the daring lightsaber battles that Luke would have with the Dark Lord of the Sith along the railing of my bunk bed. THERE WOULD BE EPIC BATTLES I SAY!
The day of my birthday, with the sugar rush of birthday cake coursing through my veins, my dad gave me my very first Star Wars action figures: Darth Vader…
…and R2-D2! (Whaaaaaat?) Apparently the Vader and R2 figures were the only ones left at the store, the other figures having sold out.
"Let the wookie win."
Yeah, it was pretty difficult imagining confrontations where the plucky astromech droid could battle Vader. I mean, this was before it was revealed that R2 had rocket boosters or that little arm that could double as a cattle prod. How would they fight? I guess they could have played “holochess”, but it just wouldn’t be the same.
I wouldn’t get my coveted Luke Skywalker figure until The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters, but by then Luke and Darth throwing down became passe.’
With that childhood experience in mind, it pleases me to see that kids these days won’t ever have to go through what I did since retailers like Toys “R” Us not only have plenty of Star Wars figures in stock, but they also make them available for purchase on-line. In fact, there are a few items in their new “Episode One: The Phantom Menace” collection that are available exclusively on-line.
Here are the deets:
Action Figures, Role Play Accessories, Vehicles, Construction Sets and More Toys Than Can Fit Into a Smuggler’s Cargo Hold Land at Toys“R”Us Stores and Toysrus.com on January 30 in Anticipation of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 3D
Star Wars fans, action figure collectors and construction enthusiasts are feeling a ripple in the Force as the 3D version of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace approaches its theatrical release on February 10. To help Jedis and Padwans prepare to watch this classic installment in the Star Wars Saga in a whole new way, the broadest selection of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace toys are traveling at lightspeed to Toys“R”Us stores nationwide.
Customers will easily find the droids they’re looking for, as well as the newest Star Wars items, beginning Monday, January 30 when Toys“R”Us stores nationwide display the new line within a themed Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace boutique. Adorned with images of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul bordered by an epic space battle, shoppers will find all of the newest Star Wars toys, including several items available only at Toys“R”Us.
Online shoppers who can’t jump on the next transport ship to their nearest Toys“R”Us “galaxy” can also browse a matching boutique featured at Toysrus.com. Filled with the same astonishing visuals and Star Wars products as the in-store boutique, customers will feel like they’ve been transported back to 1999 when Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace first premiered.
As an added bonus, Toys“R”Us and Toysrus.com will also offer exclusive Star Wars items, including:
Star Wars TITANIUM SERIES DIE-CAST 3 Pack from Hasbro
This Toys“R”Us exclusive line of Star Wars TITANIUM SERIES pack of 3 vehicles lets kids and collectors take home incredibly detailed versions of ANAKIN SKYWALKER PODRACER™, SEBULBA PODRACER™ and TRADE FEDERATION BATTLESHIP™ vehicles to help bring Star Wars adventures to life. When the action is over for the day, the included display stands can be used to show off these titanium rides!
Star Wars PODRACER™ PILOTS from Hasbro
During one of the most action-packed scenes in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, young Anakin Skywalker competed in the Boonta Eve Classic Podrace, a dangerous event held annually on Tatooine. This set of action figures collects five of Anakin’s competitors, DUD BOLT™, CLEGG HOLDFAST™, GASGANO™, MARS GUO™ and TEEMTO PAGALIES™ complete with flags, flagpoles, 5 battle bases, 5 Galactic Battle Game cards, game dice and additional accessories.
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I tickles me to think that one of these items just might be some kid’s very first Star Wars toy.
What was yours?
