Darth Vader (Medal)
sw0464 · Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Out / Promotional · 2013 (Released with the LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out DVD/Blu-ray)
Figure ID
sw0464
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2013 (Released with the LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out DVD/Blu-ray)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While initially widely available via film purchase, it was never sold in standard retail sets and has been out of production for over a decade.
Head
Light Bluish Gray head with Darth Vader's scarred face printing (standard for the era); covered by a classic one-piece black Darth Vader helmet mold.
Torso
Black torso with unique printing featuring Darth Vader's life support suit detailed with a silver medal on a red and white ribbon, featuring the Galactic Empire crest.
Legs
Standard plain black legs without printing (standard for this specific promotional variant).
Accessories
Includes a black fabric cape (soft or stiff variant depending on production batch). Typically does not include a lightsaber in its original packaging.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black base with metallic silver, red, white, and green printing accents for the medal and control panels.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front; back printing features the continuation of the suit's armor plates. Details include a specific 'Empire' crest on the medal.
Variants
This is a unique promotional variant; other versions of Vader exist with 'Celebration' medals (sw0351), but this version is specific to the 'Empire Strikes Out' special.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes fraying at the edges of the cape and 'chin' rubbing where the helmet sits on the torso. Check for cracks on the heels and torso sides.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $15.00 - $25.00 USD; New/Sealed (with film): $35.00 - $50.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on cape crispness.
Price (New)
Originally included as a 'Free' bonus with the $15.00 - $20.00 DVD/Blu-ray purchase.
Compatible Sets
LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (DVD/Blu-ray exclusive)
Character Background
Based on the non-canon animated special 'The Empire Strikes Out,' where Vader is humorously rewarded for his 'efforts' despite his failures.
Design Notes
Significant for being one of the few 'humorous' Vader variants produced by LEGO, bridgeing the gap between serious movie sets and the LEGO Star Wars gaming/animation humor.
Similar Minifigures
sw0351 Darth Vader (Celebration Medal), sw1155 Darth Vader (Death Star Christmas Sweater), sw0209 Darth Vader (Original 1999/Classic).
Collectibility
High for completionists. It belongs to a specific subset of 'Medal' figures that includes Medal Ceremony Luke and Han Solo.
History
Part of a 2011-2014 trend where LEGO included exclusive minifigures with books and DVDs to drive sales of physical media.
Interesting Facts
The medal design specifically mimics the medals given to Luke and Han at the end of A New Hope, serving as a 'pity prize' for the Dark Lord.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside 'Medal Ceremony' Luke Skywalker (sw0257) and Han Solo (sw0256) for a full 'Award Ceremony' comedic vignette.
Modification Potential
The torso is often used by MOC builders to create 'Officer' or 'Diplomatic' versions of Vader. The head and helmet are standard and easily swappable.
Overall Assessment
A charming and essential piece for Star Wars collectors. It offers a rare break from the standard movie-accurate Vader designs and holds its value well as a retired promotional item.