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? 😉