Emperor Palpatine - Spongy Cape
sw1096 · Star Wars
The Rise of Skywalker / Death Star II · 2020 (Released in Set 75291 Death Star Final Duel)
Figure ID
sw1096
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2020 (Released in Set 75291 Death Star Final Duel)
Rarity
Uncommon. While exclusive to certain sets, it was part of a popular high-end retail set, making it accessible through secondary markets.
Head
Dual-sided head with tan/pale yellow skin. Front features a sith-grimace with yellow pupils and wrinkles. Back features a standard evil smile with sith eyes.
Torso
Black torso with Dark Bluish Gray Sith robe wrinkles and a clasp at the neck. Back printing continues the robe texture.
Legs
Black legs with Dark Bluish Gray lines continuing the robe/tunic pattern onto the hips and legs.
Accessories
Includes a black 'spongy' fabric cape, a black hood piece, and two trans-light blue/purple lightning bolt elements (Power Burst parts).
Color Scheme
Primary: Black. Accents: Dark Bluish Gray and Tan (face). Special effects: Translucent blue/purple for Force lightning.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on head, torso, and legs. No arm printing. Alignment is generally excellent, typical of 2020-era Star Wars figures.
Variants
This specific version (sw1096) updated the previous versions (sw0634) with new pupils and the softer 'spongy' fabric cape instead of the old starched fabric.
Condition Notes
The spongy cape is prone to fraying at the neck holes if removed often. Check for 'cape creep' where the fabric stretches. Torso side-cracks are a minor risk.
Estimated Value
New: $15-$22 USD | Used: $10-$14 USD. Values vary based on the condition of the soft fabric cape.
Price (New)
Included in set 75291 which retailed for $99.99 USD. Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
75291 Death Star Final Duel (2020), 75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama (similar version).
Character Background
Sheev Palpatine, the Dark Lord of the Sith and Emperor of the Galactic Empire. This version represents his appearance during the final confrontation in Return of the Jedi / Rise of Skywalker context.
Design Notes
Features the updated 2020 pupil style for Sith characters, moving away from the 'solid yellow' eyes of mid-2010s figures for more realism.
Similar Minifigures
sw0634 (Old cape version), sw1173 (Palpatine with gold hilt), sw0210 (Classic grey face version).
Collectibility
High. As a core antagonist, Palpatine is a staple for any Star Wars collection. Modern versions with the soft cape are preferred for play and display.
History
Palpatine has appeared since 1999. This version represents the pinnacle of his 'classic' Sith robe design before LEGO moved into more specialized variants.
Interesting Facts
The 'Power Burst' lightning pieces used here were originally developed for the LEGO Super Heroes theme before being adapted for Star Wars Force powers.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a throne or standing between two Imperial Guards (sw1172) for a symmetrical Sith-focused display.
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs. The lightning pieces are highly sought after for other Sith characters like Count Dooku or Darth Maul.
Overall Assessment
9/10 - A definitive version of the character. The soft cape and detailed leg printing make it superior to earlier incarnations.