For other uses, see Lego Star Wars (disambiguation). Lego Star Wars is a Lego theme that incorporates the Star Wars saga. Originally it was only licensed from 1999–2008, but the Lego Group extended the license with Lucasfilm Ltd. multiple times: First to 2011 and then again until 2016. In 2012 another 10-year agreement was signed between the two companies. The brand has spawned five video game releases, developed by Traveller's Tales — Lego Star Wars: The Video Game (2005), Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (2006), Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007), Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (2011), and Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2016). Many short films and miniseries have also been produced. Main article: List of Lego Star Wars sets The first Lego Star Wars, released in 1999, included model 7140, the first Lego X-Wing. Star Wars was the first intellectual property to be licensed in Lego Group history.[2] The first few sets based on the original trilogy were released in 1999, coinciding with the release of The Phantom Menace.
Sets based on the prequel trilogy (Episodes 1 to 3) of Star Wars would follow, starting with Episode I. As each new film in the prequel trilogy neared its release date, Lego issued new models of ships and scenes in those films, as well as additional sets from the original trilogy. Lego also produced models based on The Clone Wars, which was released early in 2008.[1] Sets based on The Force Awakens, Rogue One and Star Wars Rebels have also been produced. UCS version of Millennium Falcon. In addition to the regular minifigure-scale sets, Lego has released several sets for the Ultimate Collector Series. These models are considerably larger, more detailed, are usually meant for display purposes, and cost more than regular Lego sets. Many of them include an information plaque and often a display stand. On October 10, 2007, the Lego Group released a UCS version of the Millennium Falcon, complete with six minifigures. At 5195 pieces, it is the largest Star Wars Lego set ever released;
and the second largest set of any collection ever commercially released (only topped by the Lego Taj Mahal). The newest Ultimate Collector Series set is the 75095 TIE Fighter. On June 5, 2015 an unopened box of the Millennium Falcon Lego set was auctioned at online auction house Catawiki for 5,000 euros, making it the most expensive LEGO set ever. Main article: Lego Star Wars (video game series) There have been five Lego Star Wars video games: As of February 13, 2009, Lego Star Wars: The Video Game has sold over 6.8 million copies worldwide, Lego Star Wars II has sold over 8.3 million, The Complete Saga has sold over 4.1 million, and the three combined have sold over 21 million. The package for Darth Vader's TIE fighter. Several films and videos based on Lego Star Wars have been produced. Comic book artist Greg Hyland, better known for his series Lethargic Lad and the comics on the back of Lego Batman set boxes, produced an online comic strip based on the Lego Star Wars toyline and video games.
[10] The comics are largely satirical looks at flaws in certain sets, or spoofs of Lego characteristics as to how these would fit into the actual Star Wars universe. References and comparisons to other Lego themes are often made as well, for comedic effect. ^ : Lego Star Wars Celebrates 10 Years with ‘The Quest for R2-D2’ ^ Media Freaks - The Animation Business Blog: The Quest for R2-D2 - Lego Star Wars Celebrates Ten Years ^ From Bricks to Bothans - The Lego Star Wars Experience - Greg's Comics! FBTB.net. URL Accessed on 26 November 2006One of the joys of collecting is being able to tie a collection to something that everyone knows. One great way to do that is by collecting LEGO Star Wars sets.. These sets combine two hobbies into one: Star Wars fandom and LEGO collecting. As with any collectibles, the real quest is for unopened sets, and the earlier the sets the better. The key to buying vintage LEGO Star Wars sets lies in knowledge, the knowledge which sets are which and how to tell the earliest sets from the later ones.
This means knowing how to identify particular sets and what makes any given set interesting to collectors. The more any given buyer knows, the better able they are to make an informed decision, and the more likely they are to be satisfied with it. Star Wars may have begun as a single movie released in 1977, but since then it has become a worldwide phenomenon. The franchise has spawned six movies, as well as assorted games, books, comics, TV series, and even toys. It has become a part of American mythology, with characters everyone knows. With that kind of popularity, it is no surprise that Star Wars has spawned a host of collectibles that have done nothing but risen in popularity over the years. LEGO is one of the simplest toys ever invented. At the core, they are nothing more than blocks designed to securely snap together. While the company has been making toys since 1932, the first "automatic binding bricks," the forerunner of all LEGO construction sets were released in 1949.
By 1958, the tube coupling system had been patented, and LEGO bricks had gained the basic design they have kept ever since. 1978 saw the release of the first LEGO mini figures, laying down basic design principles that are still followed. From then on, LEGO grew to become a worldwide toy powerhouse and a household name across the globe. For LEGO collectors, perhaps the most important fact about the LEGO Star Wars sets is that Star Wars was LEGO's first license in the company's history. Every LEGO product prior to 1999 had been based on the company's own characters and intellectual property. Star Wars changed all that. From then on, LEGO was a full player in the global marketplace, combining its brand and strengths with those of other companies. The first LEGO Star Wars sets were released in 1999, just in time for the opening of the Phantom Menace, the first new Star Wars film in over fifteen years. When looking for vintage Star Wars LEGO sets, there are a number of factors that every collector should consider.
Most of these factors apply to almost every collectible toy, but that universal applicability does not make them any less important when dealing with a LEGO Star Wars Set. For many collectors, the most important thing is that the collectible be as close to brand new condition as possible. This means that in many cases, the most collectible toys are those that were bought new and never opened. One reason for this is that collectible toys are not really toys in the classic sense at all. Toys exist that children can play with them. Collectibles exist so that adults can own and look at them. They are more about memory than play, and keeping them pristine in the packaging helps keep that memory. Unopened sets are always the most desirable. While many collectors look for an unopened box, not all are able to find them or have the resources to get all the vintage LEGO Star Wars sets they want in sealed boxes. These collectors are thus forced to look for opened sets. The first thing they are likely to look for is completeness.
It is not enough that it be the set they want, it also matters that the entire set is there. Every single piece has to be in the box for it to matter. In many cases it can be almost impossible to find the one piece that a set may be missing, even if someone buys several incomplete sets. It is just easier to buy a complete set than having to worry about finding all the pieces to complete a partial one. Even when complete, not all sets are created equal. What sets the better Star Wars sets apart is the condition of the pieces. LEGO bricks in good condition are clean, have crisp edges, and snap together easily and securely. LEGO bricks that have seen a lot of use and wear are not as desirable as others; they are often more readily available to buyers on a tight budget. Many collectors are also drawn to rarity. The less common the set, the more they want it. One factor in play here is price. Rare sets are harder to come by and usually more expensive. This means that the buyer may find themselves paying more for a set that is in less than perfect condition.
With 370 different sets available, the question then becomes which sets count as vintage. The easiest way to make that determination is to limit it to sets that are no longer in production and particularly those from the first year. There were 13 different sets launched in 1999, with eight focusing on the Phantom Menace and the remaining five associated with the original trilogy. The following table lists the eight Phantom Menace LEGO sets from the first year of the license and provides a short description. This can help collectors figure out which ones they need. Qui-Gon Jinn fighting Darth Maul on Tatooine Fighter only and no figures Qui-Gon Jinn, Jar Jar Binks, and two Battle Droids Anakin Skywalker, Padme Naberrie, Anakin's Pit Droid Anakin Skywalker, R2D2, and two Battle Droids Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jar Jar Binks 10 Figures including Anakin Skywalker The first thing a buyer should do before buying is to get to know the sets they are interested in.
This can help them decide on which sets to look for and which are of lesser importance to them. There were five LEGO Star Wars sets based on the original trilogy released in 1999 as shown on the following table. This also provides a short description of each set. Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi Luke Skywalker and two Scout Troopers Luke Skywalker, Dack Ralter, and Hoth Rebel Luke Skywalker, Biggs Darklighter, R2D2, and Rebel Technician 7150 Tie Fighter and Y-wing Darth Vader, R5D4, and Dutch Vander These sets make a perfect starting point for any fan of the classic trilogy interested in starting a collection of vintage LEGO Star Wars sets. They offer a variety of vehicles and several different versions of the Luke Skywalker figure. One of the best places to buy vintageLEGO Star Wars sets iseBay.. A quick keyword search such as " LEGO Star Wars&" is all you need to find dozens of sets. eBay also offers filters to eliminate those sets that might not meet your requirements but appeared in the results anyway.
If you are on a tight budget, you can set a limit and filter out every set that exceeds it. Finally, you can look at each listing to see exactly what the seller is offering and the condition of the set. Listings also provide a link to the seller's profile page where you can see if they offer other sets and see if they might be able to combine two or more sets in a bundle so that you can save on shipping. Star Wars was the first license that LEGO acquired, making the Star Wars sets attractive to both LEGO and Star Wars collectors. Buyers looking for vintage sets should not haphazardly buy any on the market. The most desirable sets are those which have never been opened, but some of the rarer and more valuable sets may be especially difficult to find or rather expensive. Whatever set a buyer is looking for, they should do research so they can accurately judge its condition and completeness. Rash decisions can result in less than ideal purchases of vintage sets. Therefore, spending some time to research a set ensures buyers can find and buy vintage LEGO Star Wars sets with confidence.
eBay is a good place to look for LEGO Star Wars sets. Many of the rarer, out of print sets are available here. In addition, the sight is easy to search and straightforward to use. No matter what movie, or character is your personal favorite, you can be there at the birth of Darth Vader or the final demise of the Empire. Begin browsing with a simple search for Star Wars LEGO and narrow the results as much as desired by using the menu options. Alternatively, to search for something specific, use the Advanced Search feature. It is also possible to get loose minifigs or extra bricks, without having to buy a whole kit. If any questions about a listing come up, just ask the seller. There is a contact link on his or her profile page, along with other helpful information. For example, some sellers offer free shipping, a helpful service given the weight of the larger sets. There is no real wrong way to buy LEGOs, as long as the buyer stays within a budget that works for them.