Jean-François Rolland, author of the upcoming Kenner Wars collector’s box set and creator of the Chronique Vintage YouTube channel, has released a new video spotlighting the history of vintage Star Wars merchandise. Recorded during the “World of Figurines” exhibition in Versailles, France, the feature includes a special guest appearance by Jim Swearingen, the former Kenner designer widely celebrated as the “Toy Father” who helped broker the legendary deal with George Lucas and designed the original 1978 action figure line.
During the tour of Rolland’s extensive collection display, Swearingen shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about the development of the iconic toy line. The conversation covers key pieces of toy history, including the creation of the Early Bird Certificate Package, the manufacturing anomaly behind the big-head Han Solo, the story of the blue and red Snaggletooth variants, and the safety recall that ultimately canceled Boba Fett’s original spring-loaded firing rocket.
The video’s release coincides with the final stretch of the Kickstarter campaign for Kenner Wars, which currently has just a few hours left in its crowdfunding period. Developed in partnership with Pulse Books, the definitive collector’s box set features the comprehensive main book alongside a companion volume dedicated to vintage toy advertisements co-written with Ron Salvatore, complete with worldwide shipping and Christmas 2026 delivery.
On Thursday May 7th, I had the pleasure to receiving former Designer Jim Swearingen at Versailles Toy exhibition “the world of Figurines” Such a great honor to have the”Toy Father” around my displays remembering his work on the original Kenner Star Wars Toys Line, a moment that I will not forget!