Look, but don’t touch.
The POTF2, or Power of the Force 2, product line was a highly influential and nostalgic series of Star Wars action figures and merchandise released by Kenner (later Hasbro) in 1995. It marked the resurgence of Star Wars toys after a long hiatus since the original Kenner line in the 1980s. The POTF2 line capitalized on the renewed interest in Star Wars following the release of the Special Edition films in theaters.
The Power of the Force 2 line played a significant role in revitalizing interest in Star Wars merchandise and collecting, setting the stage for the continued success of Star Wars toys and collectibles in the years to come.
This site attempts to catalog the first series of products released to the market.
Star Wars POTF2 Focused Collection
Starting in 1995 Kenner Star Wars released a new line called Power of the Force 2. Whether you call them Red Card (saber color) or Orange Card (average color) this line would kick off a whole new generation of collectors. This line hit the world by storm! Many regions would receive their own printed packaging, while some countries opted for sticker additions to personalize it for their customers. In any case, fans of Star Wars had a whole new world of merchandise to explore.
I purchased whatever I could afford up through 1999. I realized with Hasbro taking over the reins this would not stop anytime soon. Since there is no way to afford it all under normal circumstances, I decided to focus on the line that rekindled the fire of Star Wars for me. POTF2, specifically Red/Orange Card.
You will find a few other things that I’ve loved along the way. The Hamilton Plate collections, a portfolio of the websites I’ve built over the years, and a Vintage Tri-logo Restoration Project I worked on many years ago. Enjoy your time here. I hope you can kindle some nostalgia or just gain some knowledge about areas that we share.
Progression of the POTF2 Line
The first launch was known as a red card. The Star Wars logo and the character frame were in chrome. A photo was used for the character panel.
The addition of Collection 1, marks a new direction in the line. A small change was made moving from chrome detailing to gold.
The next update was a color change from a red lightsaber to a green one. Still maintaining the original photo and also having the new gold border around it.
As the line developed this change only saw a holographic sticker added over the top of the photo. Kenner/Hasbro hopes to spur on the variant collectors.
The final update saw big changes. A 35mm slide was now in place of the photo location and Collection 1 changed to The Kenner Collection. Also, for the first time, a Stand Up Bubble (SUB) was used.
Understanding the Nominclature
Collectibles
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Earliest Datestamp
Darth Vader (9526)
Jun 25, 1995 - Jul 1, 1995
Latest Datestamp
Luke X-wing (82511)
September 10, 1998
Born in 1976, I grew up in a time of Star Wars. Watching endless hours on VHS and playing with Star Wars and G.I. Joe figures to pass the time. Fading away from the figures, like most, the turn of events that would occur as I go off to college would greatly affect my life for the next decades.