Darth Vader (White Head, TIE Fighter Pilot Torso)
sw0209 · Star Wars
Episode IV-VI: Original Trilogy · 2009. This figure was part of the 10-year anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, appearing in the 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter.
Figure ID
sw0209
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009. This figure was part of the 10-year anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, appearing in the 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While the set was mass-produced, this specific variant with the detailed torso and white scarred head originated in a specific window of sets before the 2012 redesign.
Head
White head with printing depicting a scarred, pale face. Detailed with sunken eyes, wrinkles, and scars on the cheek and back of the head. It is single-sided and meant to be covered by the helmet.
Torso
Black torso with a detailed control panel print. This version features the 'TIE Fighter Pilot' style pattern with gray and red buttons and specialized life support systems. The arms and hands are solid black.
Legs
Solid black legs and hips. No printing is present on this specific version of the Vader minifigure, which was the standard for all iterations prior to 2014.
Accessories
Includes a classic red lightsaber with a metallic silver hilt. A soft black fabric cape (starspray/spongy texture) and the iconic two-piece Darth Vader helmet (though in the 2009 release, it was still a one-piece helmet mold).
Color Scheme
Predominantly black with white (skin tone), metallic silver (saber hilt), and small red/blue/gray accents for the chest plate controls.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head and torso. The torso features fine lines representing the ribbing of the suit and the internal electronics of the life support box.
Variants
Variants include sw0001 (yellow head), sw0001b (gray head), sw0585 (breathable fabric cape/new mold), and tan-skinned modern versions. This specific 'sw0209' is the peak of the 'White Head' era.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include fraying on the edges of the cape and 'cracks' in the torso's side (armpits) from stress. The white head is prone to fading if exposed to UV light.
Estimated Value
Used: $15 - $25; New/Mint: $35 - $50. Context: The value is significantly higher if the 8017 set is complete with original instruction manuals.
Price (New)
The 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter originally retailed for $29.99 USD in 2009.
Compatible Sets
8017 (Darth Vader's TIE Fighter), 10188 (Death Star - some versions), 8097 (Slave I - 3rd Edition).
Character Background
Anakin Skywalker, having fallen to the dark side and becoming Darth Vader, requires this life-support armor to survive after his duel on Mustafar. This design specifically captures his appearance in the Original Trilogy.
Design Notes
This version uses the TIE pilot torso, which was a common LEGO design choice to represent Vader's technical suit before a character-specific unique torso mold was finalized in later years.
Similar Minifigures
sw0001 Classic Vader, sw1128 (Modern 2-piece helmet Vader), and various Imperial Pilots.
Collectibility
High. It is a 'nostalgia tier' figure for collectors who grew up during the 2000s clone wars/anniversary era and represents the last stage of the classic helmet mold.
History
Vader has been in production since 1999. This 2009 version updated the face from the old 'Gray' skin tone to 'White' to better reflect the 2004 DVD remaster of Return of the Jedi.
Interesting Facts
Despite being the most powerful Sith, this minifigure's torso print is identical to that of a standard Imperial TIE Pilot, suggesting Vader's suit and the TIE flight suit share the same life-support technology.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside an 8017 TIE Fighter or in a 'Evolution of Vader' lineup. Use a clear 1x2 brick to prop the helmet next to the figure to show the detailed scarring on the head.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Battle Damaged' MOCs. The white head is often used by customizers to create other wounded or pale characters.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Star Wars minifigure. It successfully bridges the gap between 'Classic' LEGO charm and modern 'molded detail' excellence. Rated 8.5/10 for collectors.