Although they are not Star Wars action figures (and definitely not vintage Star Wars action figures), I felt compelled to write about Lego Star Wars figures because I think they are the Star Wars collectable of the future.
The first Star Wars themed Lego sets were produced in 1999. They featured Star Wars scenes and vehicles from the original Star Wars trilogy, and their production coincided with the release of The Phantom Menace. Lots of other Lego Star Wars sets followed, and Lego has recently extended its agreement with Lucasfilm, allowing it to produce Lego Star Wars sets until 2011.
The Lego Star Wars vehicles were a great success, providing enthusiasts with specially designed bricks that allowed them to accurately create scenes from the Star Wars movies. However, it was the Lego Star Wars mini figures that really caught the eye of the Star Wars action figure collectors. Based on the standard Lego minfigs (yellow heads with dots for eyes), the Lego Star Wars minifigs had a kitsch, cartoon appeal. Seeing Darth Vader in the form of a Lego minifig is a great sight - he looks both menacing and comical at the same time.
Collectors started purchasing Lego Star Wars sets not for the vehicles and bricks, but for the Lego Star Wars figures. I think it is the quirky appeal of the Lego Star Wars mini figures that led to the production of the Lego Star Wars videogames. There is just something about those little Lego figures that makes people smile - just like the vintage Star Wars action figures.
With Lego Star Wars mini figures from all six movies to collect, plus more releases promised in the future, if you haven't started your collection of Lego Star Wars figures yet, you'd better get started.
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