Darth Vader (Black Head, White Pupil)
sw0209 · Star Wars
Original Trilogy / Episode V-VI · 2009 (Introduced in 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter)
Figure ID
sw0209
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009 (Introduced in 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While discontinued, this specific variant was mass-produced across several sets between 2009 and 2011 before the transition to the scarred 'flesh-tone' head.
Head
Solid Black head with white pupil-like dots printed to give depth/glow behind the mask eyepieces. Features a classic single-piece Vader helmet mold (Part 19915/30368).
Torso
Black torso with symmetrical light bluish gray and reddish-brown chest panel printing representing life support systems. Back is generally unprinted; arms are solid black with black hands.
Legs
Solid black legs and hips with basic belt printing at the top. Lacks the advanced toe/side printing found on modern 2020+ versions.
Accessories
Includes a classic spongy black fabric cape and a red lightsaber with a metallic silver (chrome-style or flat silver depending on set) hilt.
Color Scheme
Dominantly primary Black with accent colors of Light Bluish Gray, Silver, Red, and Blue on the chest plate graphics.
Printing Details
Pad-printed torso front and hips. The printing for this era is sharp but less complex than modern pieces, lacking arm printing or dual-molding.
Variants
This is the mid-era evolution. Preceded by sw0004 (Yellow head) and succeeded by sw0412 (Flesh head/scarred) and later sw0621 (Two-piece helmet).
Condition Notes
The most common issue is 'fraying' on the edges of the soft fabric cape and scratches on the chrome-coated lightsaber hilts. Check for neck cracks in the black torso.
Estimated Value
Used: $15 - $25 USD. New/Mint: $30 - $45 USD. Value is stable but lower than the 1999 original or the high-detail modern versions.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $29.99 (8017 TIE Fighter) to $109.99 (10188 Death Star). Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, 10188 Death Star, 8097 Slave I, 10212 Imperial Shuttle, 10221 Super Star Destroyer.
Character Background
The primary antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy, Sith Lord, and fallen Jedi Anakin Skywalker.
Design Notes
This version is celebrated for the 'white eyes' head print which was designed to make the helmet look more cinematic by filling the eye slits with a reflective look.
Similar Minifigures
sw0004 (Classic), sw0585 (Rebels version), sw1129 (20th Anniversary), sw1213 (Battle Damaged).
Collectibility
High entry-level collectibility. It is the definitive 'modern-classic' Vader for those who dislike the scarred flesh heads of newer figures.
History
Represents the transition period from 'Classic' style (1999-2008) to 'Modern Detail' (2012-Present). It was the first major update to the character in a decade.
Interesting Facts
Despite having a black head, this figure was often criticized by fans for being 'hard to find' when dropped on a dark floor due to the lack of color on the head piece.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside a 10188 Death Star or a custom Meditation Chamber MOC. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the black plastic from becoming brittle.
Modification Potential
Commonly used for MOCs by swapping the one-piece helmet for the newer two-piece helmet (6117565) for better playability.
Overall Assessment
A solid, iconic minifigure. While it lacks the printing depth of today's LEGO Star Wars figures, its silhouette and the one-piece helmet have a nostalgic charm for collectors of the late 2000s era.