Yoda (1980) — Collector's Guide
An in‑depth guide to Kenner’s 1980 Yoda figure, covering its launch batch history, original accessories, production variants, rarity considerations, and collector FAQs.
Hook
When *The Empire Strikes Back* hit theaters, fans scrambled for the new Kenner action figures. Among them, a tiny green Jedi Master emerged—a 2‑inch Yoda that captured the wisdom and charm of the galaxy’s oldest sage. Today, Yoda remains a beloved piece of the Star Wars launch batch, a must‑have for any serious collector.
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The Figure
- Name: Yoda
- Toyline: Star Wars (Kenner)
- Year: 1980
- Manufacturer: Kenner
- Sub‑group: Empire Strikes Back
- Catalog No.: 38310
Introduced as part of the Empire Strikes Back launch batch, this figure broke the mold of the larger, heavily armored 1977 figures. Its pose reflects Yoda’s classic crouch, and the sculpt conveys his tranquil expression.
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Accessories & Variants
*Accessories*
- Gimer Stick (cane): A separate green‑painted staff.
- Snake: A small orange‑and‑brown reptile; two color versions exist, with the orange variant noted as slightly rarer.
- Belt: Fits around the figure’s waist.
- Robe (cream cloth): A cloth garment that drapes the figure.
*Variants* (all from the 1980 production run)
- Paint Shade: Minor differences in the green tint of Yoda’s skin.
- Torso Sculpt: Small tooling variations affecting the torso shape.
- Eye Color: Variations in the hue of Yoda’s eyes.
These accessories were packaged with the figure, and each component was produced as a separate piece, so completeness of the set is an important collector consideration.
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Rarity & Value Note
Kenner’s Yoda is not a “monster rarity,” but it does carry modest scarcity. The orange‑snake accessory is described as slightly rarer than the brown‑snake version, reflecting lower production numbers. Beyond that, the paint‑shade, torso‑sculpt, and eye‑color variants represent subtle production nuances rather than major rarity drivers. Collectors should assess condition, presence of the original accessories (especially the orange snake), and the documented variant details when evaluating a piece.
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FAQ
Q: What is the catalog number for this figure?
A: 38310.
Q: Which sub‑group does Yoda belong to?
A: Empire Strikes Back launch batch.
Q: What accessories come with the figure?
A: A gimer stick (cane), a snake (orange or brown), a belt, and a cream‑colored cloth robe.
Q: Which snake variant is rarer?
A: The orange snake version is slightly rarer.
Q: Are there known variants of the figure?
A: Yes—paint shade, torso sculpt, and eye‑color variations were all produced in 1980.
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In the world of vintage Star Wars collectibles, Kenner’s 1980 Yoda offers a blend of character charm and historical context. Its modest size, the tiny snake accessory, and subtle production nuances make it a rewarding acquisition for collectors who value authenticity and completeness.
*Happy hunting, and may the Force be with your collection!*