Darth Vader (Imperial Inspection) - Chrome Black / Printed Tilted Mask
sw0218 / 6245366 · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy / 10th Anniversary · 2009 (Introduced in the LEGO Star Wars 10th Anniversary celebratory window)
Figure ID
sw0218 / 6245366
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009 (Introduced in the LEGO Star Wars 10th Anniversary celebratory window)
Rarity
Uncommon / Limited to specific sets. While Vader is common, this specific torso and head print variant is tied to mid-2000s era sets.
Head
Classic light flesh-tone head with Vader scars and features; Dual-sided printing with 'battle-worn' and 'serene' expressions (depending on specific revision). Includes the iconic two-part helmet in black.
Torso
Black torso with detailed چاپ of Darth Vader's life-support control panel (rectangular chest box) with red/blue buttons and grey armor plating lines. Black arms and black hands.
Legs
Standard black legs with printed grey lines on the hips and upper legs to represent the bottom of the Sith tunic/robes and belt details.
Accessories
Typically comes with a red-bladed lightsaber with a chrome or metallic silver hilt. A black fabric cape is standard for this character.
Color Scheme
Dominant Black with Light Bluish Gray and Silver printing. The chest box features small pops of Trans-Red and Medium Blue.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso and legs. The helmet in this era began incorporating the Imperial Cog insignia on the forehead in some specialized editions.
Variants
This figure is distinct from the 1999 classic yellow-head version (sw0004) and the newer, more detailed 2015+ versions with two-part helmets and arm printing.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the neck post (cracking), the hip joints losing clutch power, and the silver printing on the torso fading or scratching over time.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $25 - $40 USD; New/Mint: $60+ USD depending on set origin. Prices fluctuate based on the specific set edition (e.g., Star Destroyer vs. TIE Fighter).
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $20 (TIE Advanced) to $299 (Death Star/Star Destroyer), representing a high value-per-figure ratio.
Compatible Sets
7251 Darth Vader Transformation (2005), 6211 Imperial Star Destroyer (2006), 10188 Death Star (2008), 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (2009).
Character Background
Anakin Skywalker, the fallen Jedi Knight turned Sith Lord, serving as the right hand of Emperor Palpatine throughout the Galactic Civil War.
Design Notes
This era of Vader marked the transition from the simplified 'classic' look to the more 'modern' detailed printing, while still utilizing the one-piece helmet mold.
Similar Minifigures
sw0004 (20th Anniversary), sw0636 (Final Duel), sw0834 (Transformation 2017).
Collectibility
High. As a core Star Wars character, demand is perennial. This specific version is highly sought after by those completing 'Empire' era collections.
History
Follows the 1999 debut; this specific printing style was the standard for nearly peak-LEGO Star Wars growth (2006-2010).
Interesting Facts
The chest box printing design was slightly altered in the mid-2000s to better reflect the prop used in 'A New Hope' versus 'Return of the Jedi'.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside Stormtroopers (sw0188) or Emperor Palpatine (sw0210) to recreate the Imperial Inspection scene.
Modification Potential
Ideal for 'Purist' customs; the torso is often used to build custom Inquisitors or Dark Side users due to its iconic but generic Sith armor look.
Overall Assessment
A cornerstone of any LEGO Star Wars collection. Grade: A-. It represents the 'Golden Age' of LEGO Star Wars minifigures with a balance of simplicity and accuracy.