Star Wars Wampa (Standard Large Figure - New Style)
sw0273 · Star Wars
Classic Trilogy / Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back · 2010 (Debuted in the Hoth Wampa Cave set #8089)
Figure ID
sw0273
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2010 (Debuted in the Hoth Wampa Cave set #8089)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While not a limited promotional item, it only appeared in two specific Hoth-themed sets over a 14-year span.
Head
Integrated with main body. Features a specialized mold with a tan horn nub, black/white printed mouth with sharp teeth, and sunken black eyes. Fur textures are molded into the plastic.
Torso
Large-figure scale (BigFig) torso. It features a ball-jointed arm system for articulated movement. The fur texture is molded directly into the white plastic of the body shell.
Legs
Integrated non-articulated legs. However, the toes feature grey printed claw/hoof markings as seen in the image. The figure stands significantly taller than a standard minifigure.
Accessories
Usually none included on the figure itself, though the sets it came in often included a Luke Skywalker minifigure or a decorative 'bone' piece.
Color Scheme
Primary: White. Accents: Tan (horn), Grey (claws/toes), and Black (eyes/mouth). Matches the snow-dwelling camouflage of the creature.
Printing Details
Simple but effective pad printing on the face and toes. The print must be aligned with the recessed eye sockets and the molded toe bumps to be considered high quality.
Variants
This is the 'modern' hinged-arm variant. It differs significantly from the original 2004 version (sw0114) which was a single-piece mold with no movable arms and different printing.
Condition Notes
Susceptible to yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV light. Check the arm ball-joints for cracks or looseness, and look for 'play wear' scratches on the smooth white surfaces.
Estimated Value
Used: $25–$35 USD; New (taken from sealed set): $45–$55 USD. Value is highly dependent on the whiteness of the plastic and the tightness of the arm joints.
Price (New)
Retail set #8089 was $39.99 in 2010. The Wampa was the primary value driver of that set, often accounting for 50-60% of the aftermarket set value.
Compatible Sets
8089 Hoth Wampa Cave (2010) and 75098 Assault on Hoth (2016).
Character Background
The Wampa is a semi-sentient predatory ice creature native to the planet Hoth. This specific design represents the creature that captured Luke Skywalker at the beginning of 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Design Notes
Notable for using the 'BigFig' philosophy. Unlike the 2004 version, this version has detachable arms to allow for the 'amputation' play feature (using Luke's lightsaber) seen in the movie.
Similar Minifigures
Original Wampa (sw0114), Tauntaun (Molded creature), Hoth Luke Skywalker (sw0098/sw0272), and the Rancor (Large scale creature).
Collectibility
High. It is a 'must-have' for Star Wars collectors building Hoth dioramas. Given that LEGO hasn't released a Hoth Wampa in many years, demand remains steady.
History
First represented in 2004 as a static piece. Updated in 2010 with this articulated mold to enhance playability. It remained the gold standard for the character for over a decade.
Interesting Facts
The arms are designed to pop off easily without breaking, specifically to re-enact the scene where Luke escapes the cave. If the arm is missing, it ironically is still 'movie accurate'.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed upside down (if possible) with a Hoth Luke Skywalker, or inside a white-brick cave MOC with blue lighting to simulate the ice of Hoth.
Modification Potential
The arms use a standard ball joint, allowing customizers to swap them with other BigFig arms, though few do this as the white fur texture is very specific.
Overall Assessment
A classic 'BigFig' that perfectly captures the menace and scale of the film creature. It is one of the more iconic Star Wars creatures LEGO has produced. Rating: 9/10.