The galaxy is preparing for a massive celebration of history, nostalgia, and plastic treasures. The Georgia Alliance of Star Wars Collectors (GASWC) has officially announced a headline event for their upcoming convention: the Rogue Fun II Kenner Designers Panel. Titled “Rebels with the Plans! Kenner Designers Discuss the Force Behind Those Classic Toys!”, this presentation promises to be a deep dive into the creative minds that defined the childhoods of millions of fans around the world.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Marietta, Georgia, this panel brings together three titans of the toy industry. Howard Bolinger, Tim Effler, and Alton Takeyasu will take the stage to pull back the curtain on the legendary halls of Kenner. For those who grew up clutching 3.75-inch action figures or dreaming of the Millennium Falcon, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from the architects of those dreams.
The Legends Behind the Plastic
The lineup for the Rogue Fun II Kenner Designers Panel is truly prestigious. Howard Bolinger, a retired Senior Vice President of Product Concepts, spent over 30 years at Kenner and Hasbro. His influence extends far beyond the Outer Rim, having worked on iconic lines like Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, and Batman, in addition to his foundational work on the Star Wars brand.
Joining him is Tim Effler, whose 45-year career in creative development saw him serve as Director of Product Concepts at Kenner. Effler’s portfolio is a “who’s who” of classic play, featuring work on The Six Million Dollar Man, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and of course, the original Star Wars toy line. Rounding out the trio is Alton Takeyasu, a lead creative designer who helped shape the look of SilverHawks and Beetlejuice before moving to Mattel to oversee the design of Hot Wheels and various licensed properties. Takeyasu, a 2019 Model Car Hall of Fame inductee, brings a unique perspective on the evolution of action figure design from the mid-80s through the modern era.
What to Expect at Rogue Fun II
The panel, moderated by historian and educator Jerry Hancock, will focus on the “untold stories” of production. Fans can expect to learn about the technical challenges of bringing cinematic characters to toy shelves, the “madness” of the creative process in Cincinnati, and the evolution of the industry. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a celebration of the “lived-in” aesthetic that defines the franchise.
Rogue Fun II: Fun and Villainy is more than just a series of panels. The event, running from April 30 to May 3, 2026, includes a private night at Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts, where attendees can see original Muppets and Jim Henson artifacts. The main Saturday event in Marietta includes a three-course dinner, a custom lunchbox designed by artist Tom Whalen, and exclusive art prints.
A Must-Attend Event for Star Wars Fans
For serious collectors and casual fans alike, the chance to hear from the Kenner team is the main draw. These designers didn’t just make toys; they created the “Force” that allowed children to continue the adventures of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader long after the theater lights came up.
Tickets for the event are currently available for $155.00, granting access to the full suite of Saturday activities, including the Rogue Fun II Kenner Designers Panel. Given the limited nature of the venue and the high demand for vintage toy history, fans are encouraged to secure their spots early. You can grab yours from Blue Milk today!
As the Georgia Alliance of Star Wars Collectors continues to announce more guests, including Academy Award winner Roger Christian and creature creator Nick Maley, Rogue Fun II is shaping up to be the premiere destination for those who love the craftsmanship behind the galaxy far, far away. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the May 2nd kickoff!
