Luke Skywalker (Tatooine, Tan Tunic)
sw0021 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 4/5/6 · 1999 - Debuted in the first wave of LEGO Star Wars sets, marking the beginning of the legendary licensing partnership.
Figure ID
sw0021
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 - Debuted in the first wave of LEGO Star Wars sets, marking the beginning of the legendary licensing partnership.
Rarity
Uncommon - While mass-produced in the late 90s and early 2000s, finding them in good condition is increasingly difficult due to their age and 25-year history.
Head
Missing in image. The original sw0021 features a yellow head with a classic simple smiley face (two dots for eyes and a curved line for the mouth).
Torso
Tan torso with a printing of a wrap-around tunic, a light orange/brown belt, and a visible undershirt line at the neck. Back is unprinted. Yellow hands.
Legs
Standard tan legs without printing. Hips are also tan.
Accessories
None pictured. Originally included a chrome silver lightsaber hilt with a trans-light blue blade and often a tan floppy hair piece (part 30608).
Color Scheme
Primarily Tan and Yellow. The monochromatic tan outfit is screen-accurate to Luke's 'farm boy' attire from A New Hope.
Printing Details
Basic pad printing on the front of the torso only. Low detail by modern standards, featuring simple black and brown lines to define the shirt and belt.
Variants
Variants include sw0021a (which uses a metallic silver hilt instead of chrome) and later flesh-toned versions (sw0273) released after 2004.
Condition Notes
The torso shows some minor grime and potential yellowing. Torso cracks (sides) and 'bite marks' on feet are common for this era and should be checked. The head and hair are missing.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $8.00 USD for the torso and legs alone. A complete version with head, hair, and chrome saber typically sells for $15.00 - $25.00 depending on chrome quality.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $6.00 (7110 Landspeeder) to $100.00 (10123 Cloud City, though he appeared in cheaper sets like the 7140 X-wing).
Compatible Sets
7110 Landspeeder (1999), 7140 X-wing Fighter (1999), 7141 Naboo Fighter (as a pilot variant), and 4501 Mos Eisley Cantina (2004).
Character Background
Luke Skywalker as a young farm boy on the desert planet of Tatooine before becoming a Jedi Knight and hero of the Rebellion.
Design Notes
Reflects the transition era where LEGO used yellow skin for licensed characters before pivoting to realistic flesh tones in mid-2004.
Similar Minifigures
sw0021a (Silver hilt Luke), sw0273 (Flesh-tone Luke), and the 20th Anniversary version (sw1032).
Collectibility
High for 'Purist' completionists of the early Star Wars era. It is a fundamental piece of LEGO history as one of the first 20 Star Wars figures ever made.
History
This is the very first Luke Skywalker minifigure design ever produced, remaining essentially unchanged from 1999 through early 2004.
Interesting Facts
Early versions of this figure came with a chrome-plated lightsaber hilt, which was prone to the chrome flaking off over time, making mint-condition hilts very valuable.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for a 'Evolution of Luke Skywalker' display or paired with a vintage 7110 Landspeeder. Use a UV-protected case to prevent the tan plastic from yellowing.
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs (My Own Creations) of various background characters or civilians in a Star Wars Mos Eisley diorama.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic staple of LEGO collecting. This specific example is incomplete (missing head/hair/saber), making it a 'parts' figure rather than a centerpiece, but the torso remains an iconic piece of 90s design.