Jawa (1977) — Collector's Guide
An essential collector's guide to the 1977 Kenner Jawa, covering its launch history, accessories, notable variants, and its status as one of the most sought-after figures in the Star Wars toyline.
Hook
When Kenner first launched the Star Wars toyline in 1977, the Jawa (No. 38270) emerged as a standout character from the original batch. Today, this desert scavenger is celebrated by collectors not only as a piece of 1970s cinematic history but also as the subject of one of the most legendary rarity stories in the action figure hobby. Whether you are an entry-level enthusiast or a seasoned archivist, understanding the nuances of the Jawa is key to mastering the early Star Wars line.
The Figure
Released in 1977, the Jawa was a foundational member of the Star Wars (Kenner) toyline. While its faction remains unrecorded, its place in the Star Wars sub-group is iconic. Collectors tracking this figure look for specific production identifiers from the 1977 release, including the scale of the hood, the color of the robe stitching, and the size of the figure's eyes, which were produced in both large and small variations.
Accessories & Variants
Accessories
Each Jawa figure originally included a Jawa Ionization Blaster. The figure also features a signature robe, which saw material shifts early in the production cycle.
Variants
- Vinyl Cape Jawa (1978): A highly distinct variant featuring a tan vinyl cape instead of fabric. This is widely considered one of the rarest and most valuable Star Wars figures.
- Cloth Cape Jawa (1978): The standard version featuring a brown cloth robe, which is common and widely available.
- 1977 Production Variants: Initial releases included differences in eye size (large or small), robe stitch-color, and hood size, providing deep layers of detail for collectors.
Rarity & Value Note
The Jawa’s market presence is defined by the dichotomy between its variants. The Vinyl Cape Jawa (1978) remains one of the most valuable and rare items in the entire Kenner catalog due to its limited manufacturing window. In stark contrast, the standard cloth cape Jawa is a common staple of the vintage line. The value of any specific specimen is strictly dependent on its variant type and physical condition.
FAQ
Q: What year was the Jawa first released?
A: The Jawa was released in 1977 as part of the original Star Wars launch batch.
Q: Which accessories are included with the Jawa?
A: The figure comes with a Jawa Ionization Blaster and a robe (brown cloth or tan vinyl).
Q: What are the main variants for this figure?
A: Major variants include the 1978 Vinyl Cape (rare) and the 1978 Cloth Cape (common), alongside 1977 mold variations like eye size, hood size, and stitch-color.
Q: Is the vinyl cape version rare?
A: Yes, the 1978 Vinyl Cape Jawa is one of the rarest and most valuable figures in the Kenner Star Wars line.