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In episode 2 of Plastic Galaxy, we explore the birth of Star Wars merchandising, tracing how George Lucas went from a visionary filmmaker to the mastermind behind one of the most successful toy franchises ever. Discover how Lucas negotiated merchandising rights, why most toy companies initially passed on Star Wars, and how Kenner took a gamble that paid off.

We dive into the creation of the Early Bird Certificate—a clever marketing solution that allowed kids to secure their figures while waiting for the toys to be produced. Learn how Kenner designed the Early Bird Package to stoke excitement and solidify Star Wars as a brand, and how this unique move became one of the most iconic pieces of Star Wars memorabilia.

Plus, in today’s Collector’s Spotlight, we highlight the legendary Rocket-Firing Boba Fett—a figure that was never officially released due to safety concerns, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Star Wars toys ever. This episode explores how production decisions led to a figure that would become a holy grail for collectors, fetching tens of thousands of dollars today.

Tune in to hear about the early days of Star Wars merchandising and how it shaped the toy industry as we know it. Whether you're a longtime collector or a fan of the Star Wars universe, this episode offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of Star Wars action figures and collectibles.