The original Kenner's Star Wars toy line was immensely successful. In fact there was so much demand for the first line of toys that Kenner (the manufacturer of the toy line) sold an "Early Bird Certificate" in which purchasers could be used to obtain the R2-D2, Luke, Leia, and Chewy action figures when they were available. More than 40 million figures were sold.

With the release of the 1980 release of The Empire Strikes Back a new line of toys was introduced with manufacturing ramped up to meet the anticipated demand. This was one of the first times that a multipart launch occurred. Coinciding with the launch of the movie was the line of toys as well as TV spots advertising the toy. Something that is commonplace now.

Lando Calrissian and Yoda (complete with orange plastic snake) make their first appearance as action figures with this series. Some new versions of Leia, Luke, Han, and the Stormtroopers are launched this year to match the outfits in the film.

These toys have acquired a huge collectability. A mint Yoda in it's original packaging can go for hundreds of dollars now!