Class of Bootleg	Class 1 - Exact Duplicate
Class Notes:	Extension of characters offered, but identical packaging and concept
Bootleg Source:	Kenner Deluxe Star Wars Episode One toys
Bootleg Rating:	(Four out of five stars)
Sightings:	Australia, Singapore
Vintage:	Winter 1999

At right is what appears to be a legit Kenner Deluxe Episode One figure. But it's not. It's a detestible bootleg.

Other than the lack of any Kenner trademarks on the front of the card, there is little to distinguish this figure from the real thing. Other than that the paint is thick and gloopy.

And the bubble and card seem to be of shoddy quality.

And has the wrong color lightsaber.

And, well, the figure is poorly assembled.

Ok, I guess there's acutally quite a bit to give this one away. But the design and styling are the same, making it look like just a really, really, bad day at the Kenner factory.

Here's a detail of the Kenobi figure in all his less-than-stellar glory:

Next to him is a variation of Ben. This figure came off the backer and was stapled to the reverse, but what makes him interesting is the inclusion of Darth Maul's double bladed saber. Although Maul has not been sighted yet, I'm sure he's out there.

At right you can see the cardback used on on all the Deluxe bootlegs. All refrences to Kenner and related trademarks have been removed, of course.

This line of Deluxe Bootlegs doesn't stop with the three characters pictured on the back, however. At least two more figures were duplicated from the cast of Episode One, both Jedi.

Both are making their debut apearances as bootlegs in this set. They are pictured "on card" below.
 

If the line stopped there, it would have been merely interesting. But the bootleggers decided to put even more figures into the assortment. The following have been cataloged, but there be even more Classic Release figures thrown into the mix as the bootleggers (presumably) clear out their stock of older Kenner products.

In addition to the figures shown above, Darth Vader and the Imperial Gunner have been found. It's interesting to note that this is the first appearance of the new characters Floppy Hat Luke and Hoth Chewbacca in bootleg form.

Here's some detail photos of the figures used to expand the Deluxe line. All of them are cast in three parts - arms, front, and back. The saber colors on the included figure stand range from blue to purple to red.

Episode One Editions
Classic Editions