Darth Vader (Tan Head, Scarred Red Eyes)
sw0180 · Star Wars
Episode IV-VI Original Trilogy · 2008 context: Released in the 7672 Death Star and later in the 10188 Death Star (2008-2015). This was the transitional period from yellow skin to flesh tones.
Figure ID
sw0180
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2008 context: Released in the 7672 Death Star and later in the 10188 Death Star (2008-2015). This was the transitional period from yellow skin to flesh tones.
Rarity
Uncommon but Highly Desirable. Since it was included in the mass-produced 10188 Death Star for 7 years, many exist, but its iconic status keeps demand high.
Head
Light Flesh Minigifure Head with scarred, Sith-yellow/red eyes and heavy wrinkling. It is double-sided, usually featuring a grimace on one side and a neutral pained expression on the other.
Torso
Black Torso with Darth Vader armor pattern. Front printing features a detailed life-support control panel with green, red, and blue buttons and silver highlights. Back printing contains vertical plating detail.
Legs
Standard black legs and hip piece with light grey vertical line printing on the front to represent the ribbed texture of the flight suit.
Accessories
Red lightsaber with a chrome or flat silver hilt (depending on set release year) and a black soft fabric cape with two holes for the neck bracket. Missing the iconic helmet in this specific image.
Color Scheme
Predominantly Black with Light Flesh skin tone and Trans-Red lightsaber blade. Accents in light grey, silver, and primary colors on the chest plate.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the late 2000s. The head printing is remarkably detailed for the era, capturing the pained aesthetic of the unmasked Anakin Skywalker.
Variants
The sw0180 is distinct for its large pupils and tan/flesh head. Earlier versions had grey heads (sw0004); later versions (sw0586) feature a two-piece helmet and more detailed 'toasting' on the head.
Condition Notes
The cape is prone to fraying at the edges. The torso print can show ‘silvering’ or fading over time. Check for neck cracks and heel cracks. Black plastic easily shows scratches and dust.
Estimated Value
New: $45-$60 | Used Complete (with helmet): $30-$40 | Head Only: $8-$12 | As shown (no helmet): $15-$20.
Price (New)
N/A (Included in large sets like the $399.99 10188 Death Star and the $49.99 7672 Rogue Shadow).
Compatible Sets
7672 Rogue Shadow (2008), 10188 Death Star (2008), and 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (80th Anniversary special pack-ins).
Character Background
Darth Vader, formerly Anakin Skywalker, Sith Lord and commander of the Galactic Empire's forces. This 'pale' head represents his appearance when unmasked by Luke Skywalker.
Design Notes
This was the first version of Vader to feature a realistic flesh-toned head, replacing the older 'grey' zombie-like heads used from 1999-2007.
Similar Minifigures
sw0004 (Classic Grey head), sw0209 (Battle Damaged), sw0586 (Two-piece helmet version), sw1273 (Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary).
Collectibility
High. While common due to the Death Star set's longevity, it is a 'cornerstone' figure for any Star Wars collection and maintains stable value.
History
Represents the middle-evolution of Vader. It moved away from the 'classic' yellow/grey skin tones but precedes the modern era of leg side-printing and arm printing.
Interesting Facts
The same head piece was also utilized for the 'Battle Damaged' Vader in the TFU Rogue Shadow set, which was highly controversial among fans for its accuracy at the time.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the helmet off to show the rare head print, perhaps on a 'Meditation Chamber' MOC or next to a Return of the Jedi Luke Skywalker.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the head is often used for custom burn-victim Anakin builds or older sith lords like Darth Malgus (early versions).
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While this specific figure is missing the helmet, the head and torso are in good condition and represent a golden era of LEGO design.