Darth Vader (Two-Piece Helmet, Arm Printing)
sw1273 · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy / Ultimate Collector Series · 2023. This version debuted in the 75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama and the 75367 UCS Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, representing the modern pinnacle of Vader design.
Figure ID
sw1273
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2023. This version debuted in the 75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama and the 75367 UCS Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, representing the modern pinnacle of Vader design.
Rarity
Uncommon. While available in mass-release sets, this specific version with arm printing is currently limited to higher-priced display sets rather than cheaper play sets.
Head
Two-piece helmet (top collar and mask). The head underneath features a light aqua/white skin tone with extensive scarring, dark tan lines, and expressive 'Anakin' eyes with dual-sided printing (neutral and grimacing).
Torso
Black torso with comprehensive life-support panel printing (red and blue buttons). Features highly detailed light bluish gray and silver metallic lines. Most significantly, includes detailed printed arms depicting the ribbed suit texture.
Legs
Black legs with printing on the hips and front of the legs, continuing the vertical robes and belt detailing with metallic silver accents. Standard articulate legs.
Accessories
Red lightsaber with a metallic silver (chrome-look) hilt and a black spongy/soft fabric cape that fits over the neck peg before the helmet collar is attached.
Color Scheme
Mainly black with accents of Metallic Silver, Light Bluish Gray, Red, and Blue on the chest plate. The lightsaber blade is Trans-Red.
Printing Details
High-fidelity pad printing on the head, torso (front and back), legs, and both arms. The arm printing is the standout feature, providing a level of detail previously reserved only for the 2015 UCS TIE Fighter version.
Variants
Numerous versions exist including the classic fixed-helmet (1999-2014), the 2015 two-piece helmet without arm printing (sw0636), and the 2020 version (sw1091). This sw1273/sw1211 variant is the first wide-release version to combine the new helmet with arm printing.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the 'clutch' of the lightsaber hilt in the hand, fraying at the edges of the soft fabric cape, and light scratches on the high-gloss helmet finish.
Estimated Value
New: $35.00 - $45.00 USD; Used: $25.00 - $32.00 USD. Prices vary based on the specific set it is pulled from due to minor part variations (e.g. head print).
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $99.99 (Throne Room) to $649.99 (UCS Venator). This figure is a primary value-add for the $100 price point sets.
Compatible Sets
75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama (2023), 75367 Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser (2023), 75394 Imperial Star Destroyer (2024).
Character Background
Darth Vader, formerly Anakin Skywalker, is the primary antagonist of the Star Wars Original Trilogy. This figure specifically represents his look from Return of the Jedi during the final duel.
Design Notes
Features the 2015-style two-piece helmet mold which allows for the 'mask removal' scene. The addition of arm printing in 2023 was a direct response to fan demand for 'Ultimate' versions of main characters.
Similar Minifigures
sw0636 (Final Duel Vader), sw1091 (Bespin Duel Vader), sw0591 (2014 Star Destroyer Vader).
Collectibility
High. As the most detailed 'standard size' Darth Vader ever produced by LEGO, it is a cornerstone of current Star Wars collecting and is expected to appreciate once the current sets retire.
History
Vader has evolved from a simple 3-piece figure in 1999 to this 7-piece (counting helmet parts and cape) hyper-detailed version. This 2023 iteration marks the 24th anniversary of LEGO Vader.
Interesting Facts
The printed arms on this figure use the same design pattern as the highly-coveted version from the 2015 UCS TIE Fighter, which previously sold for over $100 on its own.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a transparent stand to show the cape flow, or within the 75352 Diorama. UV-protected cases are recommended to prevent the black plastic from becoming brittle or the light printing from fading.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs; the arms and head can be swapped onto a damaged torso to create a 'Battle Damaged Vader' from the Obi-Wan Kenobi series or video games.
Overall Assessment
9.5/10. This is arguably the definitive LEGO Darth Vader. The combination of the two-piece helmet, scarred head print, and arm printing makes it a must-have for any serious collector.