The blue Snaggletooth figure from the 2001 Power of the Force (POTF) card release stands as a fascinating chapter in the history of Star Wars action figure collecting. This particular variant combines the iconic short‑statured Snaggletooth design with a striking cobalt‑blue paint scheme, all presented on a cardback that pays homage to the original Power of the Force line while incorporating modern collector‑friendly details. For enthusiasts who chase both nostalgia and rarity, understanding the origins, production specifics, and market dynamics of this 2001 reissue is essential. The following guide explores the figure’s background, the nuances of its cardback, the reasons behind its enduring appeal, and practical advice for anyone looking to add this piece to their collection.
Origins of the Snaggletooth Figure
Snaggletooth first appeared in the 1978 Kenner Star Wars action figure line as part of the original 12‑figure assortment. Based on the brief cameo of the alien bounty hunter in Return of the Jedi, the figure was sculpted with a distinctive snout, bulky arms, and a relatively simple articulation scheme. Two primary variations emerged almost immediately:
- Tall Snaggletooth – a red‑painted version released on early Kenner cards, later discovered to be a prototype that never appeared in the film.
- Short Snaggletooth – the blue‑painted variant that matched the on‑screen character’s costume and became the standard retail version.
The short, blue version earned the nickname “Blue Snaggletooth” among collectors, while the tall, red version became known as “Red Snaggletooth” or “Jawa Snaggletooth” due to its mistaken association with the Jawas. Over the decades, both variants have been sought after, but the blue short figure remains the more recognizable and widely collected iteration Surprisingly effective..
The 2001 Power of the Force Reissue
In 2001, Hasbro (which had acquired Kenner’s Star Wars toy rights) launched a retrospective line titled Power of the Force 2001. The goal was to celebrate the original 1978‑1985 figure releases by reissuing select characters on cardbacks that mimicked the classic POTF design while incorporating updated safety standards and modern printing techniques. The blue Snaggletooth figure was chosen as one of the flagship reissues for several reasons:
- Iconic Status – As one of the original 12 figures, Snaggletooth represents the very beginning of the Star Wars toy phenomenon.
- Variant Appeal – The blue short version is instantly recognizable to longtime fans, making it a natural draw for both vintage collectors and newer fans discovering the franchise’s roots.
- Cardback Nostalgia – The 2001 POTF cardback recreated the layout of the original 1980s cards, complete with the iconic “Power of the Force” banner, character artwork, and a bubble that securely holds the figure.
Production Details
- Figure Sculpt – The 2001 release reused the original 1978 sculpt, preserving the same proportions, pose, and articulation points (head, shoulders, and waist). No new tooling was required, which helped keep costs low while maintaining authenticity.
- Paint Application – The figure received a uniform matte blue finish across the torso, limbs, and head, with black detailing for the eyes, mouth, and belt. The paint was applied using a tampo process that ensured consistent coverage, a slight improvement over the original hand‑sprayed applications that sometimes resulted in uneven shading.
- Accessories – Unlike the original release, which came with a small blaster rifle, the 2001 version was issued without any accessories. This decision mirrored the later vintage reissues that often omitted extras to focus on the figure itself.
- Cardback Specifications – The card measures approximately 9 inches tall by 6 inches wide, featuring a glossy front surface. The artwork depicts Snaggletooth in a dynamic pose against a starfield background, with the Power of the Force logo prominently displayed at the top. The rear of the card includes a brief character biography, the Hasbro copyright line, and a barcode for retail scanning.
