Even when on holiday, any true Star Wars collector doesn’t completely switch off and will always be on the lookout for a new purchase.
In recent years my wife and I have become frequent visitors to Corralejo on Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Prices of official merchandise is very high, possibly 50% higher than the UK for some items, and very hard to come by. Even when a favourable exchange rate is available, it doesn’t always make any purchase viable unless there is a rarity to it.
As a collector, it is usually very barren for anything Star Wars, but this year that changed. While walking into the old town for a meal and browsing windows of the various shops on the high street, I had a double take at the Lego Star Wars mini-figures that could have been a new range from the brick building giant.
On closer inspection, it was obvious that these items weren’t official, but a manufacturer called LEBQ from China has taken a mould from the original Lego figures and produce a fun alternative variant of 8 figures from the Lego Star Wars line. The figures are all based on Lego’s existing figures of Commander Gree, Kashyyk Clone Trooper, 41st Elite Clone Trooper, Imperial Royal Guard, Commander Cody, Biker Scout, Commander Wolfe and a Bomb Squad Phase 2 Clone Trooper.
They were being offered 1 for ‘3 or 2 for ‘5 (‘ 2.80 or ‘4.50 approx. on the exchange rate currently).
So, I decided to buy 2 and take a closer look. As there were only 2 of the 8 available, I was forced to pick up the Biker Scout and Commander Cody versions.
Each mini-figure comes with its own display stand, a collector card and weapons.
The boxes although not well printed are well presented and show what could be a popular line if Lego did decide to take this idea for themselves.
The plastics are of inferior quality as expected and the figures come in a more dismantled state than their Lego counterparts. On building I found that my Biker Scout has 2 left legs, which was disappointing, but not totally unexpected with it being a bootleg figure.
In summary, although they aren’t Lego quality and depending on the exchange rate at the time may not be particularly cheap, they could be used as an army builder solution for some collectors. Just remember to check the contents of the bag and box before you purchase as it could be like hitting a tree on Endor’ Biker Scout limbs everywhere!
I am back out there in November and I’m hoping the other 6 will be available or even hope there may be a new range. Look out for an update soon!
‘Stay on target’ with your collecting and ‘May the Force Be with You’ in your quest for holiday collectables!
Guest article written by Steve Galloway.