Emperor Palpatine - Sith Lord, Spongy Hood
sw0235 · Star Wars
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith · 2009
Figure ID
sw0235
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009
Rarity
Uncommon
Head
Light flesh dual-sided head featuring Emperor Palpatine's scarred, deformed face with bright yellow/sith eyes on one side and a corrupted expression on the other, topped with a spongy fabric black hood.
Torso
Black torso with detailed grey robes, creases, and a silver clasp printing, black arms and black hands.
Legs
Plain black standard legs with grey/silver robe continuation printing.
Accessories
Black fabric hood (spongy material variant) and typically includes a red lightsaber hilt (though missing or not visible in image).
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black with light flesh skin, pale yellow eyes, and subtle grey clothing accents.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso and legs with fine grey linework denoting folds and wrinkles, plus facial features on a light flesh base.
Variants
Includes earlier yellow-head versions, later dual-molded hood versions, and different facial prints corresponding to different movie eras.
Condition Notes
Check for fabric fraying on the spongy hood, torso scratching, fading on the light flesh head print, and cracks in the arm sockets or side of legs.
Estimated Value
$10 to $25 USD depending on condition and presence of lightsaber accessory.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets retailing between $50 and $100 USD in 2009.
Compatible Sets
7757 Separate Energy Bunker, 8038 The Battle of Endor
Character Background
Emperor Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, is the primary antagonist of the Skywalker Saga, orchestrating the fall of the Galactic Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
Design Notes
Features the transitional era of LEGO Star Wars design utilizing spongy cloth pieces and dual-sided expressions before transitioning to harder plastic capes and standardized head sculpts.
Similar Minifigures
sw0524 Emperor Palpatine (Clone Wars), sw0634 Emperor Palpatine (Final Duel)
Collectibility
Moderate to high demand among Star Wars completionists, particularly those collecting Revenge of the Sith or Original Trilogy villains.
History
Introduced in 2009 during the 10th anniversary wave of LEGO Star Wars, updating earlier 2003 designs with far more detailed facial scarring and robe printing.
Interesting Facts
The spongy fabric hood used in this specific 2009 run is softer and more pliable than the stiff fabric or hard plastic cowls introduced in later years.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark grey or black baseplate alongside Darth Vader or Royal Guards in a Death Star throne room vignette.
Modification Potential
Great for custom Sith faction builds, Imperial command dioramas, or swapping the spongy hood for a newer plastic cowl element.
Overall Assessment
An iconic mid-era LEGO Star Wars minifigure with strong character likeness, notable for its classic spongy hood and detailed facial scowl.