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2012 LEGO sets: LEGO STAR WARS Planets

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? 😉

{ 19 comments… add one }
  • Tony November 10, 2011, 11:06 AM

    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?

    • admin November 10, 2011, 11:55 AM

      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! 😉

  • YTjedi November 10, 2011, 2:42 PM

    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).

    • admin November 10, 2011, 3:13 PM

      Good point about Lobot! 🙂

  • Micho November 10, 2011, 2:50 PM

    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.

    • admin November 10, 2011, 3:18 PM

      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! 😉

      • Micho November 10, 2011, 3:34 PM

        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.

        • admin November 10, 2011, 10:38 PM

          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! 🙂

  • Micho November 10, 2011, 2:52 PM

    I meant Big Lots not Best Buy, sorry

    • admin November 10, 2011, 3:20 PM

      No problem! 😉

  • Quad November 10, 2011, 3:04 PM

    Wow, that is too much for such a small set, let’s hope that it isn’t the final price. 🙂

    • admin November 10, 2011, 3:22 PM

      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. 🙂

  • lego guy November 14, 2011, 11:14 AM

    I would like to get one where do you get them?

    • admin November 14, 2011, 11:38 AM

      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. 😉

  • Sarah L November 20, 2011, 4:13 AM

    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.

    • admin November 20, 2011, 10:27 AM

      Sarah, yes, there are plenty of mini Star Wars sets, but none of them came inside a planet! 😆

  • admin December 2, 2011, 11:54 AM

    UPDATE: New high resolution images of the 1212 LEGO Star Wars Planets sets here: 2012 LEGO Star Wars Planets Pictures 😉

  • VIE December 4, 2011, 9:32 AM

    AHHHHHHH LITTLE STAR WARS GOT TO HAVE THOSE . I have the original ones from 1977 .
    what fun

  • elijah dg January 23, 2012, 8:32 PM

    I have that kai.

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