Cardback Definitions

12 Backs • 20 Backs • 21 Backs • 31 Backs • 32 Backs • 41 Backs • 45 Backs • 47 Backs • Shrinkwrapped • Transition • 65 Backs • 77 Backs

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I've cataloged the major variations for each cardback below. For more detailed descriptions of each cardback, I urge you to visit Scott Bradley's exemplary Canadian Site: Star Wars • The Empire Strikes Back • Return of the Jedi

The cardback nomenclature is similar to what Scott uses as it is more detailed than the cardback list used in Jim McCallum's Kenner Canada book. (Which is also an essential collecting resource.)

12A Cardback

Identification points:

  • Shows Double Telescoping lightsaber
  • First 12 figures should all be available on this cardback
12B Cardback

Identification points:

  • Has a yellow line printed that extends the size of the lightsaber so that it no longer looks like a D.T.
  • First 12 figures should all be available on this cardback
12C Cardback

Identification points:

  • Has the pyramid shaped Guerre Des Etoiles Logo on Front.
  • C3PO And R2's measurements are missing the metric values in English but are there in French.
  • First 12 figures should all be available on this cardback
12D Cardback

Identification points:

  • Has the pyramid shaped Guerre Des Etoiles Logo on Front.
  • C3PO And R2's metric measurements are present in both English and French.
  • First 12 figures should all be available on this cardback
20A Cardback

Identification points:

  • Has the white Price Rectangle in top right corner of card
  • Only 4 figures available on this Cardback:
    • Greedo
    • Snaggletooth
    • Hammerhead
    • Walrusman
20B Cardback

Identification points:

  • No white Price Rectangle in top right corner of card
  • The first 21 figures including Boba Fett should be available on this cardback EXCEPT the 4 released on the 20A
20C Cardback

Identification points:

  • Boba Fett Offer on Front of Card
  • Black Sticker Covers Fett Firing Diagram
  • Only 8 figures available on this cardback (Second Release - Fett)
20D Cardback

Identification points:

  • Boba Fett Offer on Front of Card
  • Black Sticker Covers Fett Firing Diagram OR Yellow sticker with the produced version of Fett
  • Only 8 figures available on this cardback (Second Release - Fett)
  • Dates don't match up between the english and french text for the offer expiry.

21 Cardback

Identification points:

  • Offer for "Secret Action Figure" mailaway on Front
  • All 21 figures shown on back should be available on this card.
  • Boba Fett is one of the most common figures found on this cardback
    31A Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Offerless Front
    • Only the first 10 Empire Figures are available on this cardback.
      • Leia Bespin, FX-7, Imperial Snowtrooper, Rebel Soldier, Bossk, IG-88, Luke Bespin, Han Solo Hoth, Lando Calrissian, Bespin Guard, White
    • Rear of Card showcases the Millenium Falcon, Snowspeeder & Imperial Troop Transport
    31B Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Offerless Front
    • Only the first 10 Empire Figures are available on this cardback.
      • Leia Bespin, FX-7, Imperial Snowtrooper, Rebel Soldier, Bossk, IG-88, Luke Bespin, Han Solo Hoth, Lando Calrissian, Bespin Guard, White
    • Rear of Card showcases the Ice Planet Hoth Playset, Darth Vader Star Destroyer Playset, and Vader Carrying Case.
    32 A & B Cardback

    Identification points:

    • 32A
      • Only Yoda was released on the 32A
    • 32B
      • The first 21 figures should all be released on this card.
      • The frame on Yoda's picture changes. (detail to be added)
    41A Cardback

    Identification points:

    • SURVIVAL KIT OFFER ON FRONT
    • Only 9 figures available on this Cardback:
      • Han Bespin, Lobot, Dengar, Ugnaught, 21B, Princess Leia Hoth, Rebel Commander, Imperial Commander, and ATAT Driver.
    41B Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Offerless Front
    • Any of the first 41 figures may show up on this cardback.
    • Cardback Showcases the Vader Case and Millenium Falcon
    41C Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Offerless Front
    • Any of the first 41 figures may show up on this cardback.
    • Cardback Showcases the AT-AT and Snowspeeder

    45 Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Display Arena Offer on Front of Card
    • Only six figures released with this cardback:
      • R2 Sensorscope
      • C3PO Removable Limbs
      • Luke hoth
      • AT-AT Commander
      • Cloudcar Pilot
      • Bespin Guard (Black)
    47 Cardback

    Identification points:

    • 4-Lom offer on Front
    • Only Tie Pilot & Zuckuss debutted on this card
    • Earlier release figures can be found on this card, however, the choice seems random of who was released.
    Transition Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Any and all ESB Cards that were still left at retail after the 47 back releases had three stickers applied to promote the upcoming movie and a mailaway for Ackbar.
    • 45 & 47 backs are the most prevalent.
    Shrunkwrap

    Identification points:

    • No picture of Character, Back is blank.
    • Only 7 Figures released this way


    65A Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Nien Nunb offer on front
    • Nien Nunb was available with his own offer on this card
    • Featured the first 17 ROTJ figures as well as select previous releases (Snowtrooper & Chewbacca)
    • Chief Chirpa & Logray are blacked out on back
    • Luke Jedi can be found with both the blue and green saber.
    65B Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Emperor Offer on Front
    • Only 4 figures available on this Cardback:
      • Nikto
      • Pruneface
      • Klaatu Skiff
      • 8D8
    77 Cardback

    Identification points:

    • Offerless Front
    • Includes figures from 12 backs to 65A
    • Paploo & Lumat are available on this back - in the U.S. they were released on a 79 back.

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