Collector’s Guide: Kenner’s 1982 The Adventures of Indiana Jones Action Figure Line
22 June 2025 by
Marc
Introduction & Background
When Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theatres in 1981, there was initially no toy license in place. But given the film’s massive success, and with the creative force of George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford behind it Paramount quickly moved to secure a deal with Kenner, fresh off its Star Wars toy line success. By spring 1982, Kenner launched The Adventures of Indiana Jones toy line, intentionally branded to allow expansion beyond a single movie.
The initial wave hit shelves with strong sales, prompting Kenner to move swiftly in developing more figures and accessories. Between 1982 and 1983, the line grew to include eight 3.75-inch action figures (released in two waves), a ninth figure available only through mail-away, three playsets, two vehicle/accessory items, and a single 12-inch doll. However, the line was relatively short-lived, Kenner opted not to continue it into Temple of Doom, citing lower-than-expected returns on the Raiders merchandise.
Today, Kenner’s Indiana Jones figures are prized collectibles, known for their vintage charm and ties to one of cinema’s most iconic heroes.
3.75″ Action Figures
Packaging & Design
Kenner’s Indy figures followed a design blueprint familiar to Star Wars fans, each came on a bright yellow blister card with character-specific photos and a large Adventures of Indiana Jones logo. Early cards featured the original “4-back” layout, showing just four figures, while later releases used “8-back” cards showing the full line-up. A standout promotion was the “Free Belloq” mail-away offer, featured prominently on 1982 packaging.
Wave 1 (1982)
Indiana Jones
- Accessories: Revolver, bullwhip (fedora is molded on)
- Variants: 4-back card with or without “Free Belloq” offer; also found on 8-back card
- Rarity: Rare
- Notes: Includes a quick-draw right arm feature. A fan favorite but tough to find in good condition due to heavy play.
Marion Ravenwood
- Accessories: Removable dress, monkey figure, clear stand
- Variants: 4-back and 8-back cards; some with mail-away offer
- Rarity: Very Rare
- Notes: One of the hardest figures to find sealed. The monkey and clear base are often missing.
Major Toht
- Accessories: Vinyl trench coat, pistol
- Variants: 4-back and 8-back cards
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Notes: Sculpted with the medallion burn on his palm. Well-detailed for a villain figure.
Cairo Swordsman
- Accessories: Robe, curved sword, knife
- Variants: 4-back and 8-back cards
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Notes: Accessories are frequently missing. Knife reused from other playset figures.
Wave 2 (1983)
Indiana Jones (German Disguise)
- Accessories: Bazooka
- Variants: 8-back card only
- Rarity: Semi-rare
- Notes: Another version of Indy featuring a German soldier disguise from the airfield scene.
Sallah
- Accessories: Cloth robe, torch
- Variants: 8-back card
- Rarity: Semi-rare
- Notes: Key ally to Indy. Often missing robe or torch.
René Belloq (Desert Dig)
- Accessories: Paper map
- Variants: 8-back card
- Rarity: Moderate
- Notes: Depicts Belloq in his white field suit. Map is often lost.
German Mechanic
- Accessories: Wrench
- Variants: 8-back card
- Rarity: Moderate
- Notes: Recreates the brutal plane-side fight. Includes “punching” arm.
Mail-Away Exclusive
Belloq (Ceremonial Robes)
- Accessories: Robe, jeweled chestpiece, staff with Ramses headpiece
- Packaging: White Kenner mailer box (bagged); rare carded samples exist
- Rarity: Mailer version is moderately rare; carded is ultra-rare
- Notes: Mail-away figure never hit retail shelves. Sealed carded examples are considered “grail-level” by Indy collectors.
Playsets (Adventure Sets)
Kenner offered three playsets designed to recreate iconic moments from the film. Each came boxed and packed with small accessories, many of which are easily lost today.
Well of the Souls
- Accessories: Ark of the Covenant (3 pieces), snakes (x14), wall pieces, torches, mummy, ropes, and more
- Rarity: Semi-rare complete
- Notes: Largest set in the line. Only way to get the Ark. Highly collectible when fully intact.
Map Room
- Accessories: Diorama base, exclusive Indy (kneeling figurine), Staff of Ra, tripod, telescope, and small tools
- Rarity: Rare complete
- Notes: Includes a unique, non-poseable Indy figure. Small parts like the Staff or book are commonly missing.
Streets of Cairo
- Accessories: Street base, baskets, fruit pieces, Marion (static), Monkey Man figure (exclusive), and monkey
- Rarity: Rare complete
- Notes: Only source for Monkey Man. Set is often incomplete due to tiny parts and accessories.
Vehicles & Accessories
Though limited, the two vehicle-type releases provided exciting display and play potential:
Desert Convoy Truck
- Accessories: Removable canopy, doors, bumpers, seats, spare tires
- Rarity: Rare
- Notes: Released late in the line’s life. A must-have for recreating the desert chase. Loose examples are often missing pieces.
Arabian Horse
- Accessories: Saddle, reins, bridle
- Rarity: Rare
- Notes: Classified as an accessory but often treated as a vehicle. The only “creature” in the line. Finding all the tack is a challenge.
Conclusion
Kenner’s Raiders of the Lost Ark toy line may have been brief, but it remains a standout example of early ’80s licensed action figure magic. The figures featured sharp sculpting, interactive play features, and a colorful presentation that made them irresistible to fans and collectors alike. While limited in scope compared to Kenner’s Star Wars juggernaut, the Indiana Jones line has earned its own place in vintage toy history. With rising demand and shrinking availability, especially for complete sets and rarer figures like Marion or the ceremonial Belloq, assembling a full collection today is a thrilling challenge worthy of Dr. Jones himself.