Star Wars ESB Popy Darth Vader AFA 80 POP 2, 3rd-Highest Grade, Only 8 Higher (Popy, 1980)....

Description

Star Wars ESB Popy Darth Vader AFA 80 POP 2, 3rd-Highest Grade, Only 8 Higher (Popy, 1980). Produced for the Japanese market in 1980, Popy's The Empire Strikes Back Darth Vader reflects one of the more distinctive international interpretations of Kenner's 3.75-inch format. Distributed under the Popy brand, these Japanese releases are notable for their unique packaging presentation and localized inserts, setting them apart from their Kenner and Palitoy counterparts. Vader's imposing black silhouette translated seamlessly across global markets, yet Popy's boxed format and regional branding give the figure a markedly different visual identity within the ESB era. This example is graded AFA 80 NM with subgrades of B80 W90 F85. It is POP 2 at this grade tier and ranks as the third-highest grade recorded, with only eight examples graded higher. Japanese-market Empire figures occupy a specialized niche within the vintage landscape, and a high-grade Popy Vader represents a compelling cross-section of character significance and international production history.

Heritage Auctions provides detailed information when available but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements and photographs are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of facts, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed artworks are not examined outside their frames, and additional details from Heritage may be unavailable; therefore, the condition of unexamined works is not guaranteed. Heritage is not responsible for damage to frames, glazing, original boxes, display materials, or for works that have shifted within the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of Auction.