If the "First 12" figures are the foundation of a collection, the "Next 8" are the soul. Released in 1979 to expand the Star Wars universe, these characters moved the action from the Death Star to the seediest corners of the Mos Eisley Cantina.
Recreating the 20-Back set is a rite of passage for TVC collectors. In 2026, the cost of the original 1979 versions has skyrocketed, making Hasbro’s modern updates the only logical way to build a "Galaxy Era" display without taking out a second mortgage.
The "Short-Print" Financial Trap
Collecting original 1979 20-backs is a dangerous game for your bank account:
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The "Blue" Snaggletooth: Infamously released only in the Sears Cantina Adventure Set and never on a card, a mint loose version in 2026 can cost £500+.
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The Rarity: Finding a 20-back Greedo or Hammerhead in a clear, unyellowed bubble is now a £3,000 - £4,500 hunt.
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The Total: To buy the "Next 8" as original 1979 MOCs would cost you roughly £20,000+.
The Star Wars Vintage Collection 20-Back Checklist: The Cantina Shortcut
The smartest move for a modern collector is the Mos Eisley Cantina Way. However, UK collectors should note that the Mos Eisley Cantina Playset is a Hasbro Pulse Exclusive in the UK, but hopefully will be available to Force Figures in the near future.
The Cantina Set Stars
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Hammerhead (Momaw Nadon) (VC376): Available via the Cantina set, this is the definitive sculpt of the Ithorian.
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Walrus Man (Ponda Baba) (VC377): No more "flipper" hands; VC377 is a masterpiece of modern articulation.
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Greedo (VC378): While he is available as a single card (VC393), the VC378 version from the Cantina set features the most vibrant deco to date.
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Snaggletooth (VC379): The Grail Reborn. This is the "Blue" Snaggletooth. Just like the 1978 Sears original, he was never released on a card, making this TVC version an essential "box set" exclusive. This is another annoyance for purists as you may be looking for a match for the original carded red clothed Snaggletooth which to date isn't available. You could go for Zutton VC189 but the cardback isn't a match.
The Droids & The Pilot
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R5-D4 (VC40): The droid that "saved" the galaxy by blowing its motivator. This VC40 release remains the favorite for its clean, classic lines.
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Death Star Droid (RA-7) (VC197): A stunning vac-metallized finish. Note: This one features the "Lucasfilm 50th" logo in the top left, which can be an annoyance for card-back purists, but the figure itself is flawless.
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Power Droid "Gonk" (VC167): The "walking battery." VC167 is a surprisingly detailed sculpt for such a simple design.
- Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) (VC158): The first "outfit swap" in the line’s history. This is the definitive 3.75" X-Wing Luke, featuring a removable helmet with incredible detail.
The "21-Back" Jump: The Boba Fett Conundrum
To truly finish the "Galaxy Era" transition, you eventually have to add Boba Fett. Historically, Fett was the 21st figure, but for the TVC collector, there is a catch: Boba Fett is not available on a New Hope card.
Because Fett debuted as a mail-away promotion for The Empire Strikes Back, his TVC incarnations (like the legendary VC09) always feature either the Empire, Return of the Jedi or Revenge of the Jedi logos. If you want him in your 20-back lineup, you have to accept that he will be the only figure in the set with a different movie logo on the card.
Cost Comparison: The 20-Back Pivot
Recreating the 1979 expansion is a massive undertaking. Here is how the modern Star Wars Vintage Collection stacks up against the ballooning costs of the original Kenner releases in 2026.
| Character | 1979 Original (MOC) Est. | TVC Equivalent (2026) | Savings |
| Greedo | £3,500 - £5,000 | £16.95 (VC378) | £4,983 |
| Hammerhead | £3,000 - £4,500 | £16.95 (VC376) | £4,483 |
| Walrus Man | £2,500 - £3,500 | £16.95 (VC377) | £3,483 |
| Blue Snaggletooth | £500 - £800 (Loose) | Part of Cantina Set (VC379) | £783 |
| R5-D4 | £2,500 - £4,000 | £14.95 (VC40) | £3,985 |
| Death Star Droid | £2,000 - £3,500 | £14.95 (VC197) | £3,485 |
| Power Droid | £1,500 - £2,500 | £14.95 (VC167) | £2,485 |
| Luke (X-Wing) | £4,000 - £6,000 | £16.95 (VC158) | £5,983 |
| Boba Fett (21st) | £10,000 - £20,000 | £19.95 (VC09) | £19,980 |
| TOTAL SET | £29,500 - £50,000+ | Approx. £180 - £220 | £49,800 |
The Verdict: The "Cantina" Advantage
By utilizing the Mos Eisley Cantina Set (VC376-379), you aren't just getting figures—you're getting the "Blue Snaggletooth" legacy that eluded collectors for decades. Even with the Pulse exclusivity in the UK and Boba Fett's logo shift, this is the most visually stunning way to bridge the gap between the "First 12" and the wider Star Wars galaxy.
Ready to start the "Next 8"? Check our current Star Wars Vintage Collection arrivals to see which 20-back icons we have in stock.
If you're a Boba Fett collector, find out about the Star Wars Vintage Collection Boba Fett releases here, or for the whole list of figures, read our Star Wars Vintage Collection Figures List page.