Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) (1980) — Collector's Guide
A collector-focused guide to Kenner’s 1980 Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) figure, covering its launch-batch history, known neck issues, essential accessories, and production variants.
The Princess of Cloud City: A Collector’s Guide
When Kenner expanded the Star Wars line for *The Empire Strikes Back* in 1980, they introduced one of the most iconic looks in the original trilogy: Leia Organa in her Bespin Gown. As a staple of the launch batch, this figure (Kenner #39720) remains a core piece for vintage enthusiasts.
The Figure
Released as part of the *Empire Strikes Back* sub-group, the Leia Organa (Bespin Gown) figure depicts the princess in her elegant Cloud City attire. While the sculpt captures the regal nature of her appearance, it is famously known for the “neck issue,” where the head joint is prone to separating from the torso. When hunting for high-grade specimens, the neck post is the most critical point of inspection, as this remains the most common point of failure for this specific mold.
Accessories and Variants
To ensure your figure is complete, you must verify both the blaster and the cape. The figure includes a small, blue Defender sporting blaster. The second critical component is the Bespin cape—a distinct piece of pink vinyl designed specifically to match this gown.
Beyond these standard components, collectors should be aware of several production variances that emerged during the 1980 run:
- Neck Style: Variations in the neck post assembly.
- Hair Shade: Differences in the color application on the hair sculpt.
- Face: Variations in the paint application and features.
- Sleeves: Slight differences in the molding and presentation of the gown's sleeves.
Rarity and Value Note
As a core member of the *Empire Strikes Back* launch batch, the Leia Bespin Gown is well-represented in the secondary market. However, high-grade specimens—particularly those with the original pink vinyl cape in pristine condition and a head joint that has not suffered from the common neck separation issue—remain highly sought after. Because condition varies due to the inherent design flaw of the neck post, market value fluctuates significantly based on the figure's structural integrity.
FAQ
Q: What is the most common condition issue for this figure?
A: The “neck issue.” The head joint is prone to separating from the torso, making specimens with an intact neck joint highly desirable.
Q: What accessories should be included?
A: The figure should include the small, blue Defender sporting blaster and the pink vinyl Bespin cape.
Q: How many variants are there?
A: There are four primary areas of variation noted in 1980: Neck Style, Hair Shade, Face, and Sleeves.