Darth Maul - Hood
sw0003 · Star Wars
Episode I - The Phantom Menace · 1999 (First release alongside the launch of the LEGO Star Wars theme)
Figure ID
sw0003
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 (First release alongside the launch of the LEGO Star Wars theme)
Rarity
Uncommon but Iconic. While mass-produced in 1999, high-quality specimens are becoming rarer due to the age of the plastic and cape material.
Head
Red head with black Sith facial tattoos, yellow eyes, and a neutral expression. It features no hair as it is designed to be worn with the hood.
Torso
Black torso with simple light gray and dark gray lines depicting Sith robes and a sash/belt. Plain black arms and hands.
Legs
Standard plain black legs without printing.
Accessories
Black classic fabric cape and a black minifigure hood piece (Part 30381). Note: The dual-bladed lightsaber is missing in this image but was the standard weapon.
Color Scheme
Dominant Black with Red/Yellow facial accents and Grey torso linework.
Printing Details
Pad printed head and torso. Minimalist detail characteristic of the late 90s era. Does not feature back torso printing or leg printing.
Variants
This is the original 1999 version. Variants include sw0817 (2017) with more detail and sw0003a which includes a different cape style.
Condition Notes
Prone to 'fraying' on the edges of the starched fabric cape. Check for 'neck cracks' on the torso and fading of the red printing on the head.
Estimated Value
$10.00 - $18.00 (Used/Complete), $25.00+ (New/Mint). The specific figure in the photo shows cape wear which may lower value.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $6.00 (Sith Infiltrator polybag) to $30.00 (7151 Sith Infiltrator).
Compatible Sets
7101 Lightsaber Duel, 7151 Sith Infiltrator, 3341 Star Wars #2 Mini-Figures.
Character Background
The primary antagonist of Episode I, a Zabrak Sith apprentice to Darth Sidious tasked with capturing Queen Amidala.
Design Notes
A landmark figure for the introduction of red/black molded heads in the Star Wars line. Its simplicity is a hallmark of the 'Golden Age' of licensed LEGO.
Similar Minifigures
sw0384 (Mechanical Legs), sw1155 (2021 update), sw1020 (20th Anniversary version).
Collectibility
High for 'Nostalgia' collectors. It is an essential piece for anyone building a 1999-era Star Wars collection.
History
Debuted as one of the very first wave of licensed minifigures in LEGO history, helping save the company from financial peril in the late 90s.
Interesting Facts
Early versions used a thicker 'fuzzier' cape material compared to the smoother polyester used in modern LEGO Star Wars figures.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the 1999 Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi to recreate the Duel of the Fates scene.
Modification Potential
Commonly used in 'purist' customs for various Sith Lords or background Zabrak characters.
Overall Assessment
A classic piece of LEGO history. While simple by modern standards, its historical significance and iconic status make it a 4/5 for collectors.