Class of Bootleg	Class 3 - Concept bootleg
Class Notes:	Pretty cool toy for a bootleg.
Bootleg Source:	Star Wars Lightsabers
Bootleg Rating:	(Two out of five stars)
Sightings:	Atlanta, GA
Vintage:	Summer 1999

This is one of the more common "Concept" bootlegs on the market. It is widely available in the USA and is stocked by such huge chains as Target and Wal-Mart.

Basically, the Power Gear line offers knock-off lightsabers as keychains.

I know, I know. There are dozens of companies that do the same thing. That's why I left them alone.

Until now.

Before I get to the reason I'm picking on this particluar company by calling their products knock-offs, let's take a look at their most common offering, namely the lightsaber knockoff.

There have been several packing variations down the years, but this is the most recent (as of 7/99 anyway.)

Black starfield background, color logos and graphics, shiny silver text that names this as a "Power Saber."

The keychain itself comes in a variety of color combinations, but most fall into the catagory of sliver handle and colored plastic "blade" that lights up with the touch of a button.

Nothing like a light saber, I assure you. ;)

It's really not that bad of a toy. At least the batteries are included. As I mentioned, there are a BUNCH of versions of this same toy produced by a plethora of companies.

So what nailed them (in my book, anyway) as a Star Wars knock off?

This.

It's Darth Maul's lightsaber. Well, not exactly, but the design is there.

For twenty years a single blade has been enough for pocket keychain lightsaber toys. But along comes Darth Maul's kicking dual-blade and suddenly this product appears on the market.

No, I don't see any connection either.

It has the same basic packaging as the Power Sword, but with the name "Twin Sword".

Once again there are several color variaions. There's the one you see here, with the white blades and red handle.

Then there's the one that has RED blades and a SILVER handle.

Again, no resemblance, I assure you.

Once again the toy is of decent quality, the batteries are included, and the light-up blades work as advertised. There's enough stylistic changes to keep SRM out of the courts, as this is clearly just a concept duplication.

For those concerned, the card is printed on both sides. The back is in black and white, and has battery replacement instructions, as shown below.