The Empire Strikes Back: 5 unique collectibles

These five collectibles will enhance your love for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

In the entire Star Wars franchise of movies – from the originals to the prequels, from the spin-offs to the saga completion — there is one movie that stands out above all others:

The Empire Strikes Back.

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Originally released on May 17, 1980, the universally celebrated film just celebrated its 40th anniversary. With the re-issue of the film several years ago, the worldwide box-office for The Empire Strikes Back is over $400 million — not counting VHS, DVD or streaming sales. I was 7 years old when it released and one of the few childhood memories I still have was seeing it in a drive-in theater on Long Island, New York that summer of 1980.

Like many of us who read Dork Side of the Force, we have collections, action figures, props, and other memorabilia related to all things Star Wars.

BUT – do you have memorabilia that is specific only tied to The Empire Strikes Back movie and its brand?

If you want to truly diversify your collection while at the same time have a specific focus around this movie, here are five unique collectibles tied only to this film.

“The Making of The Empire Strikes Back” by J.W. Rinzler. Yes, this is a book, but this is 361 pages of all things related to the movie with stories, photos and behind the scenes narration. There is even a forward by Ridley Scott. I know many do e-books today, but this is one book you do not want an electronic copy of. Average cost of the book is approximately $45.

1981 Kenner Wampa Figure. There have been duplications of the toy since it first came out in 1981, but the original still holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. If you can get the character with the box, it is an even better addition to the collection. A good find on the secondary market will cost you between $100-$150 (with the box).

2018 Lobot Mystery Mini Figure. Lobot, the half-man half robot that was an aide to Lando in Cloud City was also a character that only appeared in The Empire Strikes Back and has had a limited-run of action figures. But recently, Disney released a series of ‘blind bag’ boxes of figures and Lobot was one of them. He is extremely rare to find and a good secondary market price will cost about $50.

1980 MPC Snowspeeder Model Kit. Labeled with The Empire Strikes Back branding, this 1980 model was sold at the height of when kids actually did models. Again, the Hoth Snowspeeder only appeared in The Empire Strikes Back and it is hard to find these kits that were never opened. The secondary market has a few of them available in the range of $30-$60.

1981 Ben Cooper C-3PO Halloween Costume. Also labeled with the specific movie branding, these were the costumes all the kids wore back in the 1980s. In the box, a plastic mask and shirt and pants combo were contained. Many of these costumes did not survive the night, much less 40 years. If you can find one still with the box, grab it. The secondary market will yield you a cost of $40-$60.

How many of these do you have on your list? (full disclosure: I have three of the five in my collection). Send us your thoughts on what should be added to this list.