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Aanchir

New York Toy Fair Coverage Part Eight: Star Wars

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Shortcut to Part One: Hero Factory

Shortcut to Part Two: Ninjago

Shortcut to Part Three: City

Shortcut to Part Four: Monster Fighters and Dino

Shortcut to Part Five: Super Heroes

Shortcut to Part Six: Friends

Shortcut to Part Seven: Creator, Racers, & Games

This year, I was able to go to the New York International Toy Fair for the first time as a representative of the BIONICLE wiki BIONICLEsector01 and its sister site HEROsector01. Together with fellow BS01/HS01 staff member Chols, who took most of the photos, I attended the LEGO Collectors Preview where representatives of LEGO fansites can view and photograph the new sets for an extended two-hour timeframe (our invitations unfortunately did not cover admission to the full three-day Toy Fair event, so externally-produced LEGO products like clocks and watches were not among the things we saw).

Since our sites' normal coverage doesn't extend outside the constraction themes, we reached an agreement with Eurobricks to share with them our coverage of the LEGO Collectors Preview and all the sets and themes on display. Part eight of our coverage is the LEGO Group's oldest movie-based license, LEGO Star Wars! Although I personally stopped buying Star Wars sets in 2005, the past few years have tempted me to get certain sets re-imagined from my childhood, and this year's sets continue that trend with some stunning Prequel Trilogy and Original Trilogy sets.

Nine of the sets on display were released in January, including three "Planet" sets:

9488 Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Pack

98 pieces

USD 12.99

CAD 15.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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Battle packs this year have been altered to depict two factions instead of just one. The artillery cannon in this set features a flick-fire missile. Figures include an ARC trooper, and ARF trooper, and two commando droids.

9489 Endor Rebel Trooper & Imperial Trooper Pack

77 pieces

USD 12.99

CAD 15.99

Other currencies from Brickset

Link to high-resolution image from cache.LEGO.com

This pack's minifigures include a new Stormtrooper design, a scout trooper, and two Rebel troopers with two styles of uniform. Other contents include a tree, a flick-fire missile launcher, and a speeder bike in the style introduced in last year's Echo Base.

9490 Droid Escape

137 pieces

USD 19.99

CAD 24.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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Some people think about 9490 and 9491 as "expanded battle packs". This set literally and figuratively leaves the escape pod design from 7106 in the dust. Figures include R2-D2, a new C-3PO design, and two new sandtroopers.

9491 Geonosian Cannon

132 pieces

USD 19.99

CAD 24.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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This set introduces a new Clone Wars design for Barriss Offee, along with clone commander Gree, a winged Geonosian soldier, and a winged "zombie" Geonosian. Yes, it includes flick-fire missiles, but they are inconspicuous.

9492 TIE Fighter

413 pieces

USD 54.99

CAD 69.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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This TIE Fighter design puts 7146 and 7263 to shame. Flick-fire missiles are included, but are no more conspicuous than the bulblike lasers of previous TIE Fighter designs. Figures include a TIE Fighter pilot, Death Star trooper, Imperial officer, and the Astromech Droid R5-J2.

9493 X-wing Starfighter

560 pieces

USD 59.99

CAD 74.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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The X-wing Starfighter has been represented in LEGO more times than I care to mention, but this design makes vast improvements on many of those that came before. It has the parts and stickers to be decorated as Red 5 or Red 6, and as such features Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 as well as Jek Porkins and R5-D8. And yes, there's a gear function for the wings.

9674 Naboo Starfighter & Naboo

56 pieces

USD 9.99

CAD 12.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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The Planet sets, new this year, include a container decorated to resemble a familiar Star Wars planet along with a minifigure, mini-model, and nameplate. This one is a decent likeness, although it would have been more exciting with some type of metallic details other than the "droid".

9675 Sebulba's Podracer & Tatooine

80 pieces

USD 9.99

CAD 12.99

Other currencies from Brickset

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The planet Tatooine's hemispheres match up much better than Naboo's in all the pictures I've seen. None of the series 1 Planets have new minifigures, but Sebulba's still a great design. And the mini-Podracer has great detail.

9676 TIE Interceptor & Death Star

65 pieces

USD 9.99

CAD 12.99

Other currencies from Brickset

6866895409_4e0fc28c5c_m.jpg

OK, I lied. This set's minifigure is somewhat new, featuring the patterned head of all this year's Stormtroopers. The Death Star is also unique among Planet sets since it has two uniquely-textured planet molds rather than identical, smooth, printed ones.

Eleven of the sets on display are planned for an August release, including one limited release set and three "Planet" sets:

9496 Desert Skiff

213 pieces

USD 24.99

CAD 29.99

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The Sarlacc in this set is quite imposing, and the skiff itself is nice and streamlined. Minifigures include Boba Fett (now with Olive Green rather than Reddish Brown cape), Lando Calrissian, Luke Skywalker, and Kithaba.

9497 Republic Striker-class Starfighter

376 pieces

USD 44.99

CAD 49.99

6866933897_ece2178bdf_m.jpg 6866932133_e14d4a31da_m.jpg

I'm not really familiar with this ship (or any Old Republic era ships) and am not finding anything about it through research, but still its fold-out wings look decent and the minifigures look excellent. Figures include Satele Shan, a Republic Trooper, and the Astromech Droid T7-O1.

9498 Saesee Tiin's Jedi Starfighter

244 pieces

USD 29.99

CAD 39.99

6866926527_8b96779e98_m.jpg 6866928407_12a58d4b83_m.jpg 6866924701_2d69b9df5b_m.jpg 6867232327_bf2b42c6d4_m.jpg 6866939711_ff7aff5ed7_m.jpg

Some people, including Clone Wars fans, have gotten quite tired of Jedi Starfighters, or at least those based on the Delta-7B. But this one's brick-built patterns are nice, and one can never have too much Earth Green (Bricklink's Dark Green). Minifigures include Saesee Tiin, Even Piell, and the Astromech Droid R3-D5.

9499 Gungan Sub

465 pieces

USD 69.99

CAD 89.99

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Like last year's Podracers, this Gungan Sub is almost exactly the same size as its previous depiction in 1999, but is much more accurate and streamlined. Minifigures include Obi-Wan Kenobi (with a new torso print showing off his Padawan braid), Qui-Gon Jinn, Jar-Jar Binks, and the Queen Amidala minifigure we've been anticipating since she appeared on the LEGO Star Wars logo in 1999.

9500 Sith Fury-class Interceptor

748 pieces

USD 89.99

CAD 119.99

6867053767_b8fc5d5185_m.jpg 6867055779_b4e4d47cea_m.jpg 6867059339_7f0ecb4b0e_m.jpg

This set's wings are amazingly-constructed to resemble its Old-Republic-era inspiration, and yes, they fold open. This set's minifigures, including Darth Malgus and two Sith Troopers, are extremely detailed. Stickers seem to be used sparingly on the wings, and flick-fire missiles remain inconspicuous.

9515 The Malevolence

1,101 pieces

USD 119.99

CAD 149.99

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This set's price per piece isn't especially outrageous, and it's definitely an imposing vessel despite the interior being scaled up to accommodate minifigures. Interior details include sleds to resemble the "rail system" on the interior of the actual vessel, and an unprecedented flick-fire missile function allows six to be rotated into place and fired in quick succession. Minifigures include Clone Wars versions of Anakin Skywalker, Count Dooku, Padme Amidala, and General Grievous as well as a Battle Droid Commander and a standard Battle Droid.

9516 Jabba's Palace

717 pieces

USD 119.99

CAD 149.99

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Obviously this will be seen as the year's flagship set to Original Trilogy fans, although its price-per-piece is ridiculous compared to the identically-priced Malevolence with its much larger inventory. The functions are numerous and include the trapdoor and moving pedestal in the Throne Room, a rotating platform on which Han Solo is frozen in carbonite, an easy-to-remove flick-fire missile function on the main roof, and of course the opening gate with extending eyeball from the tower. This is also pretty unique among location-based sets in that it resembles its subject almost as well from outside as from within.

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Obviously part of the price subsidizes this set's many unique minifigures, which include Princess Leia (disguised as Boushh), Han Solo (with awake and drowsy face prints), Jabba (now with an articulated waist), Oola, Salacious Crumb, Bib Fortuna, and a printed Gammorrean Guard. Less unique figs include Chewbacca and a B'omarr Monk.

9525 Pre Vizsla's Mandalorian Fighter

USD 39.99

CAD 49.99

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Some details on this set like its piece count and minifigures are uncertain since it's exclusive to Target stores in the U.S. and so wasn't in our press kit. But it seemingly includes two "Death Watch" Mandalorians, including Pre Viszla with his darksaber, as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Its wings can fold down and then rotate like last year's T-6 Jedi Shuttle.

9677 X-Wing Starfighter & Yavin 4

77 pieces

USD 9.99

CAD 12.99

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The Series 2 Planets tend to have unique minifigures. This one's Rebel Pilot is the least unique of the three, but if finalized like those in the other two planets, he wears the blue-patterned helmet which hasn't been seen in quite a few years. The mini X-Wing is mostly-identical to a 2010 polybag, but still nice for those who don't have that set.

9678 Twin-Pod Cloud Car & Bespin

78 pieces

USD 9.99

CAD 12.99

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The mini Twin-Pod Cloud Car model does a good job mimicking the bubbly shape of its subject. Hard to say whether Bright Orange is a better match for the vehicle's reddish-orange color than Bright Red, though. The new Lobot figure probably makes this a must-buy for some minifigure collectors.

9679 AT-ST & Endor

65 pieces

USD 9.99

CAD 12.99

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The body of this is similar to previous mini AT-ST models, although this one's feet are different and arguably less accurate than radar-dish-based feet of previous versions so that it can grip the display stand. The AT-ST driver figure is new, with slightly more detail than the 2007 version. The planet Endor in this set seems to be finalized, other than the other two series 2 Planets.

Finally, there was one set planned for a September release:

9509 Star Wars Advent Calendar

234 pieces

USD 39.99

CAD 49.99

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A lot of the mini models this time around are based on Episode 1. OT die-hards might dislike this but for others it might be a nice change-of-pace. Figures include a security battle droid, Gungan soldier, Super Battle Droid, Hoth Rebel trooper, Rebel scout trooper, Gonk Droid, armored Imperial officer, snowtrooper, Astromech snowdroid, and the fearsomely-festive Santa Maul.

That concludes our coverage of the Star Wars sets at Toy Fair! Next up will be our coverage of the new Lord of the Rings theme!

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Thanks for the updates. It's nice seeing some more pictures. I'm excited for the release of some of these sets and to bricklink a few of those figures!

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Thanks for giving us a look at these upcoming sets, I can't wait till they're released.

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Nice coverage! I might pick up the Gungan Sub, now that I've noticed the Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have new faces. What color is Obi-Wan's hair?

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''since it's exclusive to Target stores in the U.S''

Does that mean the UK won't get a release of this at all? Not even on Lego.com? :cry_sad:

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''since it's exclusive to Target stores in the U.S''

Does that mean the UK won't get a release of this at all? Not even on Lego.com? :cry_sad:

No, that just means that in the US you can only get it in Target stores or LEGO stores. In other countries it should still be available, but either as an exclusive for a retailer in that country or as a regular release set. Sorry for my confusing phrasing. :blush:

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Thank you for this!

I planned to stick with OT sets only now, but there are lots of tempting sets like the Fury class Interceptor! :blush:

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A big thanks, Aanchir! :thumbup: Very good pics to have a glance at the upcoming sets.

Already owning everything OT of the winter wave, Jabba's Palace and the Desert Skiff are the sets i am most interested in. I hope that TLG reconsiders the retail price of Jabba's Palace - The preliminary price is utterly outrageous. Considering the expected increase for Europe (without any reason) and the neglection of exchange courses by TLG, i cannot believe in good sale numbers outside of sale-actions (20+% off). Yes, Jabba, special prints for minifigs and some other items seem to be extraordinarily well done but there seriously needs to be some better price/piece ratio.

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Thanks for this 'Aanchir', the Desert Skiff and Jabba's Palace are the sets that I'm interested into....maybe the CW ones too(but with Marvel and LOTR plus City....something's got to give). :blush:

The new Boba is one of the best figures for 2012....actually canon thanks to that weapon, remember his aims his blaster to Leia (in bounty hunter gear) in two hands, one of grasping the barrel of the gun. (Hope my memory is correct) :blush:

Now I though the Republic had NO army hence the Jedi was used to sort out little problems, sadly I'm not in Old Republic stories (I prefer OT and of course post-OT). Besides what is the Republic Trooper in the Old Republic Starfighter holding ?

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Thanks for the photos.

I'm going to buy Lobot as soon as he's available; I can't wait to change my Avatar. The new version is really cute :wub::wub: The only other set that I'll get is Jabba's Palace. Although the price does seem a bit ridiculous, it's been growing on me...I just hope Amazon UK will have it for a decent price.

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Thanks for the photos, I was going to add the Fury Class Interceptor to my buy list until I saw the cockpit. Why does such a huge, expensive set have a small cockpit similar to a TIE fighter? Amazing minifgures though, I might brick link them. I think the new green JSF is absolutely gorgeous with the dark green. Reminds me so much of the Emerald Night. :wub:

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Thanks for the photos, I was going to add the Fury Class Interceptor to my buy list until I saw the cockpit. Why does such a huge, expensive set have a small cockpit similar to a TIE fighter? Amazing minifgures though, I might brick link them. I think the new green JSF is absolutely gorgeous with the dark green. Reminds me so much of the Emerald Night. :wub:

It also has an area in the back for the troopers. But yeah. I wish it was bigger than the tie cockpit. I'm just ecstatic that they are doing a good ship from the swtor mmo. (the striker doesn't count. It's not an actual player ship. We want a Jedi cruiser or the smugglers XS freighter. Or a bounty hunter D5Mantis!) needless to say the Sith Fury tops my must have list. (the "bongo" or "pre vizla" less so.)

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It also has an area in the back for the troopers. But yeah. I wish it was bigger than the tie cockpit. I'm just ecstatic that they are doing a good ship from the swtor mmo. (the striker doesn't count. It's not an actual player ship. We want a Jedi cruiser or the smugglers XS freighter. Or a bounty hunter D5Mantis!) needless to say the Sith Fury tops my must have list. (the "bongo" or "pre vizla" less so.)

I didn't notice that, but still it doesn't whet my appetite for this expensive set. The figures and ship are great, don't get me wrong, but $90 for a star fighter is VERY expensive and a head scratcher. When you think of a large set, you would think of maybe a planet playlet like Endor, but certainly not a single star fighter. I don't know my TOR lore so I don't know if this was the only ship of its class or something, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass on this one.

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Jabba's Palace seems like a strange set because it is relatively small yet it comes with a disproportionately large amount of minifigs . I guess the inflated price is a reflection of all the new minifigs. I would have actually preferred if TLG had forgone the tower in favor of a larger interior.

Edited by Another Brick In The Wall

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Jabba's Palace seems like a strange set because it is relatively small yet it comes with a disproportionately large amount of minifigs . I guess the inflated price is a reflection of all the new minifigs. I would have actually preferred if TLG had forgone the tower in favor of a larger interior.

To be fair, the actual scenes in Jabba's Palace tended to be fairly crowded, with many characters. So personally I think the number of figs in the set is appropriate, and of course it's helped by significant figs being split between this set and the skiff.

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To be fair, the actual scenes in Jabba's Palace tended to be fairly crowded, with many characters. So personally I think the number of figs in the set is appropriate, and of course it's helped by significant figs being split between this set and the skiff.

Don't get me wrong the minifigs in this set are most welcome. I actually suspect that a near future release may include some sort of extension, perhaps an updated Jabba's Prize (since the mould is likely to exist from the recent Slave 1 model) something including the Max Rebo Band ( Sy Snootles minifig, anyone?) or a new Rancor Set.

Edited by Another Brick In The Wall

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When you think of a large set, you would think of maybe a planet playlet like Endor, but certainly not a single star fighter. I don't know my TOR lore so I don't know if this was the only ship of its class or something, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass on this one.

It's actually not a Star Fighter. I don't know so much about TOR either, but from watching a few videos about and from it, I found that the Fury is actually a pretty big ship. The set is not to scale in the slightest; think of it like the Millenium Falcon, which is by no means as big as a capital ship, but in regular LEGO set form is far scaled down. (Of course, it still looks like a $90 Tie Fighter to anyone who doesn't know.)

Here's an interior shot to demonstrate size:

830px-SS_Sith_Ship03_full.jpg

And an exterior:

830px-SS_Sith_Ship01_full.jpg

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It's actually not a Star Fighter. I don't know so much about TOR either, but from watching a few videos about and from it, I found that the Fury is actually a pretty big ship. The set is not to scale in the slightest; think of it like the Millenium Falcon, which is by no means as big as a capital ship, but in regular LEGO set form is far scaled down. (Of course, it still looks like a $90 Tie Fighter to anyone who doesn't know.)

Here's an interior shot to demonstrate size:

830px-SS_Sith_Ship03_full.jpg

And an exterior:

830px-SS_Sith_Ship01_full.jpg

Correct. The fury is not a star fighter. It is a players personal "hero ship" or home. In the game it is roughly in the same general size range as say Slave 1. A single seat cockpit works for it so long as it does have a larger storage/living area in the rear. Not that the Lego version looks anywhere near big enough. ( of course in the game this ship suffers horribly from the "Tardis principle" where it is bigger inside than out.)

To dot it right would probably make it about as big as the Republic Frigate.

Don't get me wrong the minifigs in this set are most welcome. I actually suspect that a near future release may include some sort of extension, perhaps an updated Jabba's Prize (since the mould is likely to exist from the recent Slave 1 model) something including the Max Rebo Band ( Sy Snootles minifig, anyone?) or a new Rancor Set.

A"rancor cave" set that Jabba's Palace sits on top of would be perfect.

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Don't get me wrong the minifigs in this set are most welcome. I actually suspect that a near future release may include some sort of extension, perhaps an updated Jabba's Prize (since the mould is likely to exist from the recent Slave 1 model) something including the Max Rebo Band ( Sy Snootles minifig, anyone?) or a new Rancor Set.

A set like Jabba's Prize is unlikely, considering the "Han Solo in carbonite" piece is actually in the Jabba's Palace set. A Rancor cave would be more likely, but it'd be tricky to make one that sits comfortably beneath the palace while still having enough headroom for the rancor. A large portion of it might as a result be a featureless rock wall, which LEGO seems averse to putting in sets.

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The Fury class is a cross between a Shuttle and a Freighter, Simaler to the Falcon.

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A set like Jabba's Prize is unlikely, considering the "Han Solo in carbonite" piece is actually in the Jabba's Palace set.

Yeah, my bad. Didn't see it there, tucked away in the corner. (My natural inclination was to search for it on Jabba's left).

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