Few series or franchises have come close to the popularity of Star Wars. The underdog story about a group of rebels fighting an empire, quickly earned fans not just of science fiction but of adventure, drama, and even romance. When Star Wars (now titled A New Hope) was released in 1977, the movie mesmerized audiences with its unique blend of special effects, characters – both human and otherwise – and exotic settings. The movie’s impact was bolstered by a great marketing campaign that saw the movie adapted as a comic book and a novel, as well as an animated special, and a very popular toy line by Kenner.

The film story continued in The Empire Strikes Back, which was released 45 years ago on May 21, 1980. The second film in the trilogy followed Luke Skywalker to the planet Dagobah where he is trained by Jedi Master Yoda. Princess Leia and Han Solo flee the Imperial forces after an attack on their rebel base and end up in the Cloud City of Bespin with Han’s former friend Lando Calrissian, where Darth Vader has set a trap for young Luke. Despite warnings from Yoda and the now-ghostly Obi-Wan Kenobi to stay on Dagobah, Luke takes the bait and leaves to save his friends, while promising to return and finish his training. During a dramatic duel that cost Luke his hand, Darth Vader drops the ultimate movie bombshell, revealing to young Luke that he is his father, Anakin Skywalker. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the story was written by Star Wars creator George Lucas, with a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan.

Preparing for The Empire Strikes Back, Kenner did a mail-in promotion in which four proof of purchases could be redeemed for a rocket-firing Boba Fett action figure. But, the rocket-firing toy was pulled from the line, as it was deemed a safety hazard for children. Those who sent in their proof of purchases for the toy would receive the version without the rocket-firing ability and a letter apologizing for the change. Some action figure cards had already been produced so stickers were placed over the image of the rocket-firing mechanism on the back.

The prototype was on display at the 1979 Toy Fair in New York City, but since the figure never went into production, the prototypes in circulation now are almost all unpainted, blue figures. The original rocket-firing versions are known as L-slot or J-slot, referencing the shape of the firing mechanism on the figure’s back.

In conjunction with The Empire Strikes Back, Kenner produced over 30 more figures from 1980 to 1982. They included new versions of Leia, Han, and Luke in Hoth and Bespin outfits. R2-D2 was given a Sensorscope and C-3PO got removable limbs. Popular new characters like Yoda and Lando Calrissian were added to the line. Joining Boba Fett were other bounty hunters Bossk, IG-88, Dengar, 4-LOM, and Zuckuss. The addition of the giant AT-ATs warranted figures of the driver and the commander. They also added Rebel and Imperial soldiers in Hoth battle gear, commanders, Cloud City resident Lobot, and a few more droids.

Variations in the ESB line were similar to the first, specifically coloring differences. Once again Luke (Bespin Fatigues) came with different colored hair. Lando came with dark eyes and no smile while another version had brighter eyes and a smile. Leia (Bespin Gown) came with a crew neck or a rarer version with a turtleneck. Yoda had different skin colors, as well as his gimer stick and a snake that was either brown or orange.

Kenner created 16 three-pack special action figure sets with the Star Wars or ESB logo. The sets are predominately themed by character type, status, and geographic location, including packs of creatures, heroes, Rebels, Imperials, droids, villains, Hoth, and Bespin. The six-packs are much rarer, consisting of only two varieties, both featuring The Empire Strikes Back logo. Boxed rather than carded, each figure came sealed in an individual plastic bag. The very rare six-packs are often referred to by their yellow or red backgrounds on the box art.

Bringing more fun to the toy line, Kenner also released playsets and toy vehicles to accompany the action figures. The Imperial Attack Base set is a curious piece. It has a cool design, set on Hoth, atop icy cliffs with a collapsible bridge. But per the box art and set name, it suggests that the Empire is defending an attack from the Rebels – a stark contrast to Hoth scenes in the movie. The Imperial Troop Transporter was released in 1979 before it was seen on film. This toy gained popularity for its six side compartments to carry Stormtroopers, gun turret, and ability to make sounds from the movie. Slave I Boba Fett’s Spaceship was available in 1981, featuring a Han Solo in Carbonite figure. It had gravity operated wings, a clicking moveable cannon, a removable side panel, and opening rear ramp.