In my previous post on the 2012 LEGO STAR WARS line I included pictures of the upcoming LEGO STAR WARS sets and some of the minifigures, but mentioned only briefly an exciting new sub-theme: the LEGO STAR WARS Planets series.
First of all, I would like to apologize for the picture quality; these are the only images available right now without a confidentiality stamp. But at least they give you an idea of the sets, and you can also click on them for a larger, somewhat better view. Here is the first picture I wanted to show you; this is the packaging of the STAR WARS Planets sets, revealed at a recent toy fair:
I wanted to dedicate a separate post to the STAR WARS Planets sets because I believe it is a particularly interesting idea from LEGO. Each of the sets contain a globe (the planet) that can be opened up like a plastic Easter-egg, with a STAR WARS minifigure and a mini LEGO STAR WARS set – a space-ship, speeder, or something like that – inside.
Knowing how popular small pocket-toys are with children, I suspect that these tiny sets can become very well received. The planets themselves are handy little carrying-cases for the minifigs and whatever else is included in each set, making them a perfect carry-along toy.
It seems that LEGO is capitalizing on the immense popularity of the LEGO Collectible Minifigures and is trying a similar approach in the STAR WARS theme with an interesting twist; the hollow planets. As you can see (on the first picture) the STAR WARS Planets sets is going to be a series, similar to the Collectible Minifigures (but with no mystery involved). Note the three sets marked Series 1 on the left and three sets marked Series 2 on the right (see first picture). Here is a list of the LEGO STAR WARS Planets sets revealed so far:
LEGO STAR WARS Planets Sets in Series 1 :
- #9674 LEGO STAR WARS Naboo Starfighter & Planet Naboo
- #9675 LEGO STAR WARS Sebulba’s Podracer & Planet Tatooine
- #9676 LEGO STAR WARS TIE Interceptor & Death Star
LEGO STAR WARS Planets Sets in Series 2:
- #9677 LEGO STAR WARS X-wing Starfighter & Rebel Pilot
- #9678 LEGO STAR WARS Twin-pod Cloud Car & Lobot Minifigure
- #9679 LEGO STAR WARS AT-ST & Driver Minifigure
I believe if these collectible LEGO STAR WARS Planets sets are priced right they will become very popular with both children and adult collectors. Everything is a win about them: cute, carry-able, collectible, and contain nicely printed planets (will be very useful in MOCs!) and a minifigure.
I’m not so sure about the “priced right” part though. The preliminary price revealed at the Barnes & Noble Pre-Order Sale was $9/set. Remember this was a sale-price, so I fully expect the regular price to be more like $10. For one minifig, a hollow globe and parts for a mini-set, $10 is very high. In my opinion $5 would be more realistic (maybe $6 if the minifig would be something very unique). In comparison, you can get four minifigures and a nice minifig-size small set with the STAR WARS Battle Packs for $12. The math just doesn’t add up. 😕
So, I don’t know; I like everything about these sets (I’m a sucker for cute little things), except the price. What do you think? 😉
I like the look of these, but I agree that a battle pack is a lot more bang for your money. Is that price confirmed?
Tony, the price can certainly change when the actual release happens. It was only listed on Barnes & Noble’s website for a brief period of time. So lets hope it will be better! 😉
When you look at it from the battle pack view, it is a bit much. However if you compare it to similar individual components ($3 for a minifig like the collectibles, $4 for a polybag-sized ship, $2-3 for the case) it adds up. From a pure generic army-building figure standpoint though, battle packs are definitely the way to go (chances are you won’t be finding Lobot in a battle pack any day though).
Good point about Lobot! 🙂
I just left you a Twitter comment with a picture link to some 3″ Ninja Go figures with bases that emit “battle sounds” I found at my local Best Buy for $9.50. I’ve never seen anything like that.
Micho, thanks for the link! Yes I have seen those! Here, I’m including your picture for other readers as well. Oh, and did you get one? I would love to hear your opinion on these! 😉
I did not =(… they’re like 1″ bigger than regular minifigs, but I am curious as to what the battle sounds are, maybe I’ll pick one up later.
Micho, if you get one let us know. I’m very curious about these as well and I’m sure readers would love to hear about them too! 🙂
I meant Big Lots not Best Buy, sorry
No problem! 😉
Wow, that is too much for such a small set, let’s hope that it isn’t the final price. 🙂
Yeah, let’s hope! But YTJedi’s point is also valid. If the sets and the minifigs are really unique (like Lobot), the price is not so out of line. 🙂
I would like to get one where do you get them?
They are not available yet. Scheduled for 2012, but it is possible that at least Series 1 will be available before the end of the year. 😉
Wow these mini ships are awesome as well. Didn’t LEGO release small scale ships before? I remember seeing them at LEGOLAND CA back around 2005-2006.
Sarah, yes, there are plenty of mini Star Wars sets, but none of them came inside a planet! 😆
UPDATE: New high resolution images of the 1212 LEGO Star Wars Planets sets here: 2012 LEGO Star Wars Planets Pictures 😉
AHHHHHHH LITTLE STAR WARS GOT TO HAVE THOSE . I have the original ones from 1977 .
what fun
I have that kai.