Darth Vader (Medal Ceremony)
sw0464 · Star Wars
Promotional / DK Books · 2013, released exclusively with the LEGO Star Wars Empire Strikes Out DVD/Blu-ray and later the LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded (2015).
Figure ID
sw0464
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2013, released exclusively with the LEGO Star Wars Empire Strikes Out DVD/Blu-ray and later the LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded (2015).
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While it was widely available through book and DVD retailers, it was never included in standard retail building sets, making it a desired exclusive.
Head
Features a Light Flesh head with detailed printing representing Anakin Skywalker's scarred face (post-Mustafar) and white pupils. It is covered by the classic two-piece style helmet (reused from earlier versions).
Torso
Black torso with detailed mechanical suit printing including the life-support control box with red, green, and blue switches. It uniquely features the yellow 'Winner' medal around the neck, which is printed directly onto the torso.
Legs
Standard black legs with printed grey and silver vertical lines to represent the ribbed texture of Vader's trousers and the bottom of his control belt.
Accessories
Included a black fabric cape (spongy texture) and a red lightsaber (not pictured in the image). The cape is a standard one-hole attachment.
Color Scheme
Dominant black color scheme with metallic silver, light grey, and various small colored buttons (red/green) on the chest plate. The yellow medal provides a bright, unusual contrast.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and the front of the legs. The 'medal' printing is sharp and properly aligned to appear as though it is hanging over the chest armor.
Variants
This is the only 'Medal' variant based on the parody film 'The Empire Strikes Out'. Other versions lack the yellow medal printing or feature the newer three-piece helmet mold.
Condition Notes
The cape is prone to fraying at the edges. Common issues include 'caping' marks around the neck and potential scratches on the printed medal surface. The helmet's fit can loosen over time.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $25–$35 USD. Incomplete (missing cape/lightsaber): $18–$22 USD. New/Sealed (with book/DVD): $45–$60 USD. Values fluctuate based on cape crispness.
Price (New)
Original retail context was roughly $14.99–$18.99 USD price of the DVD/Book combo. It was technically 'free' with purchase of the media.
Compatible Sets
None (Book/DVD exclusive). Catalog numbers associated: 28485 (Empire Strikes Out) and ISBN 978-1465435033 (Character Encyclopedia).
Character Background
This specific version comes from the 2012 animated special 'The Empire Strikes Out', a non-canonical comedy where Vader is obsessed with his popularity ranking and receives a medal from the Emperor.
Design Notes
Incorporates the classic 'boxy' Vader torso design while adding the comedic medal. It uses the older light-flesh Anakin head rather than the modern white/trans-clear versions.
Similar Minifigures
sw0277 (Darth Vader with Celebration Medal - Note: this is actually sw0464), sw0834 (Darth Vader Transformation), and the 20th Anniversary sw1029.
Collectibility
High interest for 'oddity' collectors. It is a staple of Star Wars Minifigure collections because it represents a specific LEGO-media-only version of the character.
History
Released during a peak era of LEGO Star Wars animation promotion. It marked a transition towards more detailed leg printing which was becoming standard for the 'Master' line of figures.
Interesting Facts
Despite his villainous nature, the medal says 'Winner' on it in the show. This figure is frequently confused with the Celebration Luke/Han figures because of the shared 'Medal' theme.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a wall-mounted glass frame or alongside other 'Celebration/Award' minifigures like Medal Luke and Han. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the black plastic from fading.
Modification Potential
The head is often swapped with 'Vader's Apprentice' faces for MOCs. The torso is highly sought after for making high-quality custom parody versions of Imperial officers.
Overall Assessment
An excellent 8/10 figure. It is unique, humorous, and captures a specific moment in LEGO Star Wars media history. A must-have for completionist Star Wars collectors.