Black Series
Star Wars: The Black Series (TBS) is a highly regarded toy line produced by Hasbro, featuring action figures, vehicles, Force FX lightsabers, and collectible items. This line is notable for its detailed representations of characters from the Star Wars universe, encompassing movies, shows, books, comics, and video games from both the Expanded Universe and canon.
History and Development
The Black Series was first announced by Hasbro in January 2013, with the news breaking in an article in USA Today. This announcement confirmed months of speculation about the new line. The 6-inch Black Series officially debuted on August 1, 2013, alongside the basic The Black Series 3 3/4-inch figures. Despite a higher price point of approximately $19.99—almost twice as much as a 3 3/4″ Star Wars action figure at the time—the new scale was well-received by fans.
Key Features and Releases
The Black Series is distinguished by its 6-inch scale figures, which marked a significant shift from the traditional 3¾-inch figures that had been a staple of Star Wars collectibles for decades. This change was part of Hasbro’s strategy to appeal to both long-time collectors seeking a new way to enjoy their favorite characters and new fans looking for a starting point in collecting.
One of the first waves of 6-inch figures included iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul, R2-D2, and a Sandtrooper. The line has since expanded to include a wide range of characters from across the Star Wars saga, including those from the original trilogy, prequel trilogy, sequel trilogy, standalone films, and animated series.
Special Editions and Packaging
Hasbro has also released special editions and variations within The Black Series, such as the Legacy Editions, which mirror the original Kenner toy releases with throwback packaging. Additionally, the Black Series Archive sub-line reissues previous figures rather than updated models, catering to fans who may have missed out on earlier releases.
Collector and Fan Reception
The Black Series has been a hit with collectors due to its attention to detail, sculpting, and packaging changes over the years. The line has successfully stood the test of time, continuing to bring joy and excitement to Star Wars fans worldwide.
In summary, Star Wars: The Black Series by Hasbro represents a significant evolution in the collectible action figure market, offering high-quality, detailed figures that appeal to a broad audience of Star Wars fans and collectors. Its ongoing success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise and the demand for collectibles that capture the essence of its rich universe.
