LEGO BrickHeadz have proved a popular, palm-sized theme for people looking to build a collection. Blocks looks at the Star Wars sets released so far and sees how this unique subtheme has developed
Back in 2016, at San Diego Comic Con, the LEGO Group unveiled a brand new theme – BrickHeadz. These big-eyed characters seemed like a response to other pop-culture collectible figures (although the LEGO Group promises they weren’t) and are intended as display pieces. While these first sets were based on Marvel and DC, it wasn’t long before other licenses were included. In 2017, just before the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the first BrickHeadz from a galaxy far, far away appeared.
It all began with 41485 Finn and 41486 Captain Phasma. Rather unusual choices, even if the sequel trilogy was in full cinematic swing, considering there are far more iconic Star Wars characters. These two sets almost felt like a testing ground to see whether there would be any interest from Star Wars fans and collectors. Given that it was new LEGO Star Wars though, collectors hardly needed an excuse to buy them.
Looking back, these sets are almost plain in comparison to what is available now, featuring only a few unique printed elements each and with far simpler designs, proving just how far the range has come in such a short time. Continuing the sequel trilogy cast of BrickHeadz, then came 41602 Rey and 41603 Kylo Ren. To date, Kylo Ren is still the only Star Wars BrickHeadz with extra printed facial details.
Dynamic duos are the way this range has always been released, such as Han & Chewie or Luke & Yoda. The LEGO Group also liked to tease who was coming next, the most memorable being 41619 Darth Vader who appeared as just a shadow in the back of the instructions for 41489 Rey & Kylo Ren. It was a homage to the famous The Phantom Menace poster and the set ended up being one of the cutest iterations of the Sith Lord in bricks.
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But in 2019 came what at first appeared to be the beginning of the end. Not a single BrickHeadz was announced, with only seasonal ones being released and it seemed the theme, which had always had sporadic set releases, had been quietly retired and put into the vault. Thankfully it was not the end though, rather a big pause. For at the end of 2019 came 75232 Kylo Ren & Sith Trooper, both of their respective masks rendered in exquisite detail and making good use of new parts.
While the range is still going strong, with some Baby Yoda (or Grogu if you prefer) cuteness recently added, LEGO BrickHeadz do seem to divide opinion – the aesthetic is either one fans love or hate. Whichever side fans take, they have become quite collectible as they are small and relatively cheap. The aforementioned Phasma figure can go for over £30 ($40/€35) brand new on eBay, which is triple its original RRP. 41619 Darth Vader does even better, selling for prices up to £50 ($70/€60).
There is one that is so rare it commands a dark side price tag. Collectors need to turn into real bounty hunters to get 41498 Boba Fett & Han Solo in Carbonite, the NYCC 2017 exclusive. The average going rate is £290 ($400/€335), but some sell for double that. Never judge something by its size, as Master Yoda would say.
Recently, LEGO Ideas held a vote to see what the 150th BrickHeadz would be, and Star Wars took the win. There’s been no clue as to which character it will be, but there’s a rich galaxy to choose from. No matter where the range goes next, LEGO Star Wars fans have a lot to look forward to.
One tool every collector needs is the LEGO 2021 checklist – it lists every set available or due for release this year.