Since its debut in 2013, Hasbro’s Star Wars: The Black Series has become the gold standard for 6-inch action figure collecting. While the figures themselves are masterpieces of articulation and detail, the packaging has undergone a dramatic evolution. For "In-Box Collectors" (NIB), the box is just as important as the figure; for "Out-of-Box Collectors" (OOB), it’s a nostalgic roadmap of the line’s history.
In this guide, we break down every major packaging era, the shifts in design philosophy, and how these changes affect the secondary market.
Phase 1: The Orange Line (2013–2014)
The era that started it all. When Hasbro launched The Black Series, they chose a minimalist, premium aesthetic to distinguish it from the kid-focused 3.75-inch lines.
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Design Features: A sleek, rectangular black box with a vibrant orange glow behind the figure and a grayscale character sketch on the front right.
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The "Grails": Figures like #01 Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) and #02 Darth Maul are the cornerstones of this era.
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Collector Impact: These boxes are notoriously fragile. The thin plastic windows are prone to scuffing, making "Mint in Box" versions of these early figures highly valuable today.
Phase 2: The Blue Line (2014–2015)
As the line expanded, Hasbro transitioned to the "Blue Line." While the silhouette remained the same, the accent color shifted from orange to a deep cyan blue.
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Design Features: Similar to the Orange Line, but with blue accents and a slightly updated numbering system.
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Key Releases: This era introduced heavy hitters like Bossk and the IG-88 assassin droid.
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Market Note: The Blue Line is often seen as a bridge era, but it contains some of the most sought-after "bounty hunter" figures in the entire series.
Phase 3: The Red Box Era (2015–2020)
Coinciding with the release of The Force Awakens, the "Red Box" era is the longest-running and most recognizable phase of The Black Series. It brought uniformity to a line that was rapidly growing due to the Disney sequel trilogy and Stories like Rogue One.
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Design Features: A bold red spine and a wrap-around red interior tray. The character art became more detailed, and the numbering moved to the side spine for easier shelf identification.
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The "First Order" Shift: This era saw a massive influx of trooper variants and the introduction of "Face Print Technology" (Photo Real), which revolutionized likenesses mid-way through the Red Box run.
Phase 4: The Galaxy Mural Packaging (2020–Present)
In 2020, Hasbro revolutionized the line with the Galaxy Packaging. This wasn't just a color swap; it was a total rebranding designed to encourage "completionist" collecting.
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The Mural Art: Each box features a slanted side spine with unique artwork. When placed side-by-side with other figures from the same sub-series (e.g., The Mandalorian, The Clone Wars, or The Bad Batch), they form a continuous, beautiful mural.
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Color Coding: * Orange: The Mandalorian
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Blue: The Empire Strikes Back
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Gold: The Bad Batch
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Purple: The Clone Wars
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Collector Appeal: This design turned the side of the box into a display piece, solving the problem of "shelf-worn" spines looking boring on a bookshelf.
The Controversial Pivot: Plastic-Free Packaging (PFP)
In 2022, Hasbro attempted a shift toward sustainability by removing all plastic windows from their packaging.
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The Change: Figures were housed in closed cardboard boxes with digital renders of the toy on the front.
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The Backlash: Collectors hated not being able to see the paint applications or check for QC (Quality Control) issues before buying. It also made "swapping" (where scammers put cheap toys in high-end boxes and return them) a major issue.
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The Reversal: Due to overwhelming feedback, Hasbro announced a return to plastic windows in late 2023, while still utilizing recycled materials.
Anniversary and Specialty Sub-Lines
Beyond the main numbered line, Hasbro frequently uses "Throwback" packaging to tug at the heartstrings of longtime fans.
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The Archive Collection: Figures are released on blister cards (like the 90s Power of the Force line) rather than boxes. This allows fans to get "vaulted" figures with updated face-paint tech.
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40th/50th Anniversary Cards: These replicate the original 1977 Kenner designs. For many, these are the ultimate display pieces because they bridge the gap between modern detail and vintage nostalgia.
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Credit Collection & Gaming Greats: These often feature unique color palettes or specialized box art reflecting concept art or video game aesthetics.
Why Packaging Matters for Value
In the world of Star Wars collecting, the condition of the box can fluctuate the price by 30% to 100%.
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Unpunched Tags: Boxes where the retail peg hole hasn't been pushed out are considered "Case Fresh."
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Varying Logos: Early runs of certain figures might have different warning labels or logo placements, creating rare "variants" that collectors hunt for.
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Investment Potential: The Orange and Blue lines have seen the highest appreciation because their packaging was less durable, making "Grade 10" copies incredibly rare.
UK Collector FAQ: Packaging & Value
Should I keep my Black Series figures in the box?
In the UK, "Mint in Box" (MIB) figures generally command a 25-40% premium on the secondary market. If you plan to resell, keep them sealed. If you want to enjoy the articulation, the Galaxy Line boxes are "collector-friendly," meaning they can be opened without tearing the cardboard.
How do I spot a fake "Orange Line" box?
Check the bottom flap for a heat-stamped serial number. Most Chinese bootlegs (KOs) will have the number printed in ink or missing entirely.
Start Your Collection Today
Whether you are an "In-Box" purist who loves the Galaxy Mural or a "Loose" collector who just wants the best articulated Vader, understanding these eras is the first step to mastering the hobby.
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View our full Star Wars: The Black Series Collectors for deep dives into every wave.
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Ready to add to your shelf? Browse our Complete Black Series Collection to find your next grail.
Conclusion: The Future of the Box
As we move further into the 2020s, The Black Series packaging continues to balance sustainability with collector demands. The return to windows in the Galaxy Mural style seems to be the "sweet spot" that fans have been waiting for. By knowing your "Lines"—from Orange to Galaxy—you can better navigate the secondary market and build a collection that looks as good on the shelf as it does in your hands.