The toy itself failed to ignite fan interest the way some other toys did this year, but Hasbro managed to create something very exciting and special in its packaging-- a fully completed diorama. By making the box just a little larger with some windows to allow for ample lighting, and making sure to position the toy just right, Hasbro made a toy that arguably looks better in the box than it does out of it. This is a truly impressive way to showcase a toy, and hopefully the sign of things to come in 2003, even though nothing was quite this spiffy for the second half of 2002. It's difficult to recreate the feel of the film in a toy's packaging, but it seems Hasbro managed to prove that it is, in fact, simple to do it when they want to. Nothing captures the spirit of the films like this box.
Runner Up: Holiday Edition Droids
The second best package of the year was something completely new. By invoking the shape of a typical snow globe, Hasbro manages to force a famous piece of Star Wars artwork into the third dimension and lose none of its charm. The dome shape and sturdy construction even sports a hook in the back, allowing you to hang it up if you want. And if it falls, it's durable enough to bounce right back. This was a fantastic decision on the part of Hasbro, eschewing the typical blister packaging in favor of something that truly says "special edition."
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