World's Greatest Toys Magazine: Issues 9, 10, 11
4th Moon is proud to be an official distributor for World's Greatest Toys Magazine. If there's such a thing as vintage toy journalism, then WGT is it. I was really impressed by their Issue IX and wanted to bring these UK magazines to a North American audience.
This is for all 3 Star Wars issues at a special combo price!
If you are a passionate vintage Star Wars collector, especially those that collect beyond the toys, I can't recommend these issues enough. They are packed with super detailed articles with info I've never seen before.
We are offering issues IX, X, XI and all three together as pre-orders. We will then have a bulk order shipped over from the UK and then send them out. We expect shipping to you to take place around the end of June.
All three issues form a tryptic when lined up together. I especially love the vintage price tags!
From the publisher:
Issue IX: A NEW DIGEST
Every Star Wars kid knows about Kenner's infamous Early Bird Certificate Package. But there is so much more to the story, which has never been published… until now. This issue also introduces the 28 "Early Bird" companies licensed to manufacture Star Wars merchandise in 1977, with fascinating insights and never-before-published material from the first eight companies: Ballantine Books/Del Rey, Don Post Studios, Marvel Comics, George Fenmore Associates, 20th Century Records, The Image Factory, General Mills and Kenner Toys. There is also a deep dive into Early Bird company Factors, Etc., which enjoyed an expansive and category-defying reach across the Star Wars merchandising galaxy.
Issue X: THE DIGEST STRIKES BACK
More than a sequel, this issue kicks off with two of the most beloved Early Bird licensees, Ben Cooper and Topps Chewing Gum. Then we celebrate "Opening Day" with a look back at the "First 32" theaters to take a chance on Star Wars. This issue also introduces the untold story of Kenner and 20th Century-Fox's $1 million copyright infringement lawsuit against Hong Kong's Arco Industries and their knock-off Spacewar toy line. Finally, we take a deep dive into Arco themselves, one of the most poignant and tragic stories in the history of toys.
Issue XI: REVENGE OF THE DIGEST
The concluding issue brings clarity and context to the Early Birds of Star Wars Merchandising, wrapping up the thrilling histories of Kenner's Early Bird Certificate Package, the lawsuit against Arco, and Arco's fascinating rise and fall. This issue also celebrates the remaining Early Bird licensees: Estes, Ken Films, Thermos, Wonder Bread, Coca-Cola, Wilker Brothers, Charleston Hosiery, Bibb, Texas Instruments, Bradley Time, Empire Toys, Peter Pan Records, ICI, Mead, Deka, Rumph, Roman Ceramics and The Leather Shop. Grab your favorite icy beverage and silence your phones, because THIS Revenge is best served cold and distraction-free. May The North Be With You!
