In the world of Star Wars action figure collecting, few figures hold as much "grail" status while simultaneously being a common army builder as the Gamorrean Guard. Specifically, the version designated as VC21 in The Vintage Collection (TVC) has become a legend of the 3.75-inch scale.
First appearing in 2010, this figure set a high-water mark for what Hasbro could achieve. It wasn't just a hunk of green plastic; it was a masterpiece of sculpt, soft goods, and articulation. But as collectors know, a single VC number rarely tells the whole story. Since its debut, VC21 has seen three primary distinct releases (and a few sneaky variations in between) that span sixteen years of collecting history.
Today, we’re breaking down the triple-threat history of VC21: The 2010 Original, the 2019 Fan Channel Reissue, and the recent 2025/2026 Target Exclusive "Special Edition."
1. The 2010 Debut: The Gold Standard of Wave 3
When the Vintage Collection launched in 2010, it was a love letter to the original Kenner line. While Wave 1 and 2 gave us heavy hitters like Dengar and Han Solo, it was Wave 3—the Return of the Jedi wave—that truly shocked the community.
The Sculpt and Accessories
The 2010 Gamorrean Guard featured a level of detail previously reserved for high-end statues. Unlike the "salt shaker" Gamorreans of the 90s or the slightly undersized versions from the Original Trilogy Collection, VC21 was beefy.
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Accessories: It came loaded. You didn't just get one weapon; you got three (two different axes and a vibro-lance) plus a removable helmet that sat perfectly between its tusks.
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The Soft Goods: The use of a "furry" loincloth was a game-changer. It allowed for full hip articulation—something rare for a figure this bulky—while maintaining the film-accurate look of the palace guards.
The Cardback Hunt
For carded collectors, the 2010 release is a nightmare of variations. Depending on when you walked into a Walmart or Target in 2010, you might have found:
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The "Rocket-Firing Fett" Offer: Early prints featured the mail-away offer for the legendary Boba Fett.
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The "Revenge of the Jedi" Variant: A small number of figures were released on the "Revenge" card (the original title of Episode VI) as part of the SDCC Death Star set and later as retail variants.
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The Loincloth Difference: Interestingly, the very first 2010 production run had a shorter fur loincloth. By the time the 2012 carry-forward hit, Hasbro had lengthened the fur to cover the joints better.
2. The 2019 Resurgence: The "Fan Channel" Hero
After The Vintage Collection went on a multi-year hiatus, it returned in 2018 (often called TVC 2.0). Collectors immediately began clamoring for re-releases of the "all-stars" that had become too expensive on the secondary market. By 2019, a loose 2010 Gamorrean Guard was fetching $60–$80.
Hasbro listened, and in July 2019, VC21 returned as a Fan Channel Exclusive.
What Changed?
If you look at the 2019 version next to the 2010 original, the differences are subtle but present:
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Paint Applications: The 2019 version generally features a slightly "cleaner" paint job. The skin tone is a more consistent green, and the weathering on the armor pieces is less "gritty" than the original 2010 run.
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Cardback Updates: The most obvious tell for a carded collector is the legal text. The 2019 release updated the logos and the back of the card to reflect the modern Hasbro lineup, including the newer "warning" logos that weren't present in 2010.
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Plastic Quality: Many collectors noted that the 2019 weapons were made of a slightly firmer plastic, solving the "wilting axe" problem that plagued some of the original 2010 figures.
This release was a godsend for army builders, temporarily bringing the price down to the $15 MSRP and allowing collectors to finally fill Jabba’s throne room without taking out a second mortgage.
3. The 2025/2026 Re-Issue: The Modern Premium
As we moved into 2025 and 2026, Hasbro's strategy shifted toward "Vault" releases and retailer exclusives. The Gamorrean Guard returned once more, this time primarily as a Target Exclusive in the US (and various Fan Channels internationally).
The Price of Perfection
The biggest talking point of the third release wasn't the sculpt—which remains the same 2010 masterpiece—but the MSRP. In 2010, this figure was $9.99. In 2019, it was $14.99. By 2025/2026, the "collector tax" and inflation pushed this figure to the $24.99 range.
Visual Refinements
While the mold hasn't changed (a testament to how good the 2010 sculpt was), the 2025 release features Hasbro’s most modern deco techniques:
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Photo-Real Eyes? While not a human face, the paint masking on the eyes and snout is much tighter on the 2025 version. There is less "spray" and more precise placement of the pupils.
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The "Pill" Nameplate: The 2025 cardback returned to the classic single-color "pill" nameplate on the front, giving it a look that feels even more like the 1983 Kenner original than the 2019 update did.
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The Armor: The silver on the shoulder pauldron and chest plate has a more metallic, "cold" sheen compared to the flatter grey-silver of the 2010 version.
Comparison Table: VC21 Through the Ages
| Feature | 2010 Original | 2019 Reissue | 2025/2026 Reissue |
| Availability | General Retail | Fan Channel (Online) | Target / Fan Channel |
| MSRP | $7.99 - $9.99 | $12.99 - $14.99 | $22.99 - $24.99 |
| Loincloth | Short (Early) / Long (Late) | Long | Long (Premium Fur) |
| Paint Style | Gritty/Heavy Wash | Clean/Saturated | Precise/Metallic |
| Cardback | Boba Fett/Maul Offers | Modern Logos | Classic Pill Design |
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are an Out-of-the-Box Collector, the 2019 or 2025 versions are your best bet. The joints are fresher, the weapons are sturdier, and the paint is often more consistent. There is no reason to pay the premium for a 2010 original unless you are a "first print" purist.
If you are a Carded Collector, the 2010 "Rocket-Firing Fett" offer remains the crown jewel. It represents the height of the "TVC 1.0" era and holds its value better than any other variant. However, if you just want a beautiful display piece, the 2025/2026 release features the cleanest cardback art we’ve seen yet.
VC21 is more than just a figure; it’s a benchmark. Whether it’s 2010 or 2026, the Gamorrean Guard remains the gold standard of what a 3.75-inch Star Wars figure should be.
The UK "Ghost" of the Palace
If you are looking to pick up a Gamorrean Guard at retail in the UK right now, you are unfortunately out of luck. Despite a 2025 "Target Exclusive" reissue in the US, this sought-after "Pig Guard" remains unavailable at UK retail and has not been officially stocked by Hasbro Pulse UK or local fan channels in significant numbers for years. Because of this supply gap, the VC21 has become a "secondary market only" figure for British collectors. Current listings on eBay UK often sit between £45 and £75, making it one of the most expensive "standard" figures to army build. For many of us, the hunt continues through independent toy specialists and convention halls rather than the high street.
Expand Your Vintage Collection
Building a definitive 3.75-inch Star Wars collection requires more than just one guard. To help you navigate the hundreds of releases since 2010, we have built the ultimate resources for UK collectors.
The Star Wars Vintage Collection Guide
Are you looking for a specific figure number? From VC01 to the latest pre-orders, our comprehensive checklist covers every wave, variant, and chase figure.
Shop The Vintage Collection
Ready to add a Gamorrean Guard or a Skiff Guard to your shelf? We stock the latest TVC waves, including rare exclusives and "Mainline" hits.