It’s amazing to think LEGO® BrickHeadz are still being released as it wasn’t too long ago, it was rumoured the collectable theme was being canned. The premise of the BrickHeadz is a simple one, buildable versions of iconic characters all crafted in a stylised cubic aesthetic. Despite them using the same design basis, as LEGO themes go, it is one of the most varied in terms of IPs it covers. The latest set to join the line-up is inspired by the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi and features the former Jedi General and the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. The set will be available from August 1st, but here’s an early look at both characters in my review of the Obi-Wan Kenobi & Darth Vader BrickHeadz Double Pack.
Product Details
Fans can relive dramatic Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi scenes as they build LEGO® BrickHeadz™ versions of iconic characters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. The Force is strong with this duo – authentic details include Darth Vader’s red eyes and a lightsaber for each buildable LEGO® figure, plus baseplates for display. This creative building toy is suitable for ages 10 and up and would make an awesome addition to any Star Wars™ fan’s collection.
- Set Name: Obi-Wan Kenobi & Darth Vader
- Set Number: 40547
- Pieces: 260
- RRP: £17.99/$19.99/19.99€
- Number of Bags: Bags x 3
- Stickers: N/A
- Minifigures: N/A
- Instructions: Booklet x 1 + LEGO Building Instructions App
- Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from August 1st
During the latest Disney+ Star Wars series, former friends Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker face off for the first time since their fatal fight on Mustafar. Now, completely consumed by the Dark Side, Anakin is known as Darth Vader. The injuries he sustained in his duel with Kenobi have left him needing to wear the iconic suit, which strikes fear into those who come face to face with the Dark Lord. They are each the inspiration for the 174th and 175th BrickHeadz characters.
The basis of almost every single BrickHeadz set is the same. A cubic core of bricks, with the outer details helping to create the character. That’s once again the case with both Kenobi and Vader. Both characters still feature the 2×2 pink head in the head section, which has always represented a ‘brain’ of sorts and with this being a Star Wars set, it may also have furnished its designer with some bonus cake.
Darth Vader has previously been transformed into a BrickHeadz character back in 2018. This is a completely different design and offers a unique take on the usual BrickHeadz format. This is certainly more obvious when you compare the original version to the upcoming one. Instead of changing the design of Vader’s mask to fit the style used for BrickHeadz, it’s been completely changed for this new version of the character. So it’s one of only a handful of BrickHeadz characters not to use the familiar eyes. Although there are a couple of printed pieces used to achieve some of the detail on Vader’s suit, such as the control panel and belt, other sections of his suit and helmet design are built into the overall design. This is especially the case with the mask section of this helmet. The visor in place of ‘eyes’ certainly looks more like the character and makes it look a little more menacing, but it may stray a little too far from the much-used design of BrickHeadz. Effort has also been made to make this version of Vader a little bigger than others. So he stands slightly taller than Kenobi.
Amazingly this is the first time any version of Obi-Wan has appeared in BrickHeadz form. It’s obviously based on his appearance from the Disney+ series. Although he changes outfits a few times during the six-episode run, his common Jedi robe look has been used. So Obi-Wan is kitted out in his sandy tunic and brown robes. A couple of interesting build techniques have been used to portray some of the details of Kenobi. For example, his beard is built upside to give it a flat underside, instead of the exposed bottom of a plate. A similar connection is used for the top half of his tunic. Cheese slopes are inverted against the same element below, to create the v-shaped wrap of the tunic worn by the Jedi. This does leave an unfortunate gap, but I’d much prefer that to a printed panel. It seems all versions of Kenobi struggle with capturing the Jedi Master’s luscious locks. In BrickHadz form, his hair looks rather slicked back, but I do like the mix of bow and cheese slopes on the back of his head.
Both characters include a Lightsaber, which is exactly the same as the ones used by the minifigures. These are also mounted on a simple 6×6 base plate. Making them easier to display, I must admit I do miss the little printed BrickHeadz plate, some of the very first sets included.
Review Round-up
Firstly, it’s great Obi-Wan Kenobi has finally been given the BrickHeadz treatment and matching him up with Vader makes for a perfect double pack. Vader is both an improvement over his previous version yet doesn’t follow the usual design standards which form the basis of most BrickHeadz characters. Both characters have interesting build techniques to create some of the details, mostly around Vader’s face and Obi-Wan’s tunic. I know not everyone is a fan of the BrickHeadz theme, but I love them and it’s nice to see them still getting released.
For
+ Finally a Kenobi BrickHeadz character
+ Vader is an improvement over the previous version
+ Interesting build techniques on both characters
Against
– Vader’s design partly strays from BrickHeadz design ‘standard’
Coming Soon: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Disney. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
