Review: 75369 Boba Fett Mech
Posted by CapnRex101,Rumours of LEGO Star Wars mechs emerged in February and the reaction was overwhelmingly negative. After all, mechs are already common across other themes and have little association with Star Wars. However, opinions have notably shifted since their unveiling.
As expected, these mechs are good sources for popular minifigures. Furthermore, the vehicles' bulky proportions differ from the Marvel mechs released previously. 75369 Boba Fett Mech perfectly demonstrates these qualities and fully embraces its driver's design, so could be fun.
Summary
75369 Boba Fett Mech, 155 pieces.
£12.99 / $15.99 / €15.99 | 8.4p/10.3c/10.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The concept seems ridiculous, but 75369 Boba Fett Mech is very entertaining
- Superb exclusive minifigure
- Characterful mech design
- Many eye-catching details
- Somewhat limited articulation
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Boba Fett has always been at the forefront of minifigure design and the version introduced in 75060 Slave I arguably achieved perfection! This minifigure thus resembles earlier examples very closely, but actually comprises new pieces. The belt, braided Wookiee hair and metallic silver battle damage have each been adjusted, while the legs include slightly more detail.
Additionally, an extra metallic silver feature appears on the back, although this is usually hidden beneath the jetpack. More noticeable is the absence of the bounty hunter's fabric cape, which does not actually bother me too much, particularly because the printed arms look superb and would be covered by a cape.
The iconic Mythosaur symbol and a rocket appear on one side, while the other is armed with a flamethrower. I am glad the printed arms are included in such an affordable set, following the example of 75344 Boba Fett's Starship Microfighter. This minifigure also features a new head, which appropriately matches Clone Troopers, other than the facial hair and scarring. As normal, Boba wields an EE-3 carbine.
The Completed Model
This model is constructed similarly to the Marvel mechs, incorporating the same angled limb elements and measuring 13cm in height, which is only marginally taller than the Marvel sets. Boba Fett's vehicle appears substantially stronger though, with broader legs and impressive shoulder armour. Only 76242 Thanos Mech Armour is really comparable.
Despite its bulky limbs, the mech offers reasonable articulation. The shoulders, hips and ankles each include ball joints, while the fingers are individually adjustable. As usual, functional elbow and knee joints would have been great, but dynamic poses are possible even with these static joints, especially because of the large feet.
The distinctive colours of Fett's armour are recreated across his mech, beginning with the dark green breastplate. The decorated 2x2 tile on the front duplicates his breastplate exactly, even including the agrarian icon in metallic silver. I like the belt underneath as well, although Boba Fett seems relatively exposed in the cockpit, as the sides are not enclosed.
Also, the minifigure is only secured using a 1x2 foot plate. I appreciate that he can continue to wear his jetpack when piloting the mech and Fett's rifle can be clipped to the mech's hips, but the minifigure does tend to wobble. There are no controls inside either. However, the exterior looks excellent and I love the dark red 1x1 half circle tile on the shoulder, which represents the Mythosaur symbol.
I would have preferred the shoulder armour to be placed higher on both arms, but the shape of these panels is attractive. The combination of reddish brown and dark red across the forearms looks nice as well. The rifle bears little resemblance to Boba Fett's classic EE-3 carbine, which is a shame, but this was probably inevitable because of the stud shooter.
Of course, Boba Fett would not be complete without a jetpack, which the mech also wears. The truncated cones that form the thrusters are easily knocked off, but the jetpack looks marvellous and includes a functional flick-fire missile. Moreover, I like the varying textures of the sand blue 1x2 profile bricks on the arms, reflecting the asymmetrical nature of this character's armour.
Flame yellowish orange parts are placed on the knees, again faithfully recreating the colours of Boba Fett's armour. The spikes on the feet serve the same purpose and demonstrate laudable attention to detail, as well as distinguishing the feet of this model from the two other Star Wars mechs arriving in August.
Overall
I was decidedly unconvinced by the prospect of Star Wars mechs when the rumours emerged, but 75369 Boba Fett Mech has proven its worth. The minifigure is splendid and seems sure to be popular, as the Original Trilogy version of Boba Fett hardly ever appears in such affordable sets. The price of £12.99, $15.99 or €15.99 is quite tempting.
The mech is far more appealing than I envisaged too. The proportions of this model are much better than the Marvel mechs and this design also conveys more personality, replicating some essential details from Fett's onscreen garb. The articulation could be improved, but this mech is otherwise very satisfying, for its size.
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69 comments on this article
I love the new minifigure and will be getting this set just for that.
At least the mech's elements are useful for other things.
I'm not sure about the mech,but the 16 dollar ucs Boba is nice. Just needs the cape.
I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?
Day-1 purchase for myself and both of my sons. These SW mechs look much better than I thought/expected. Thanks for the terrific review!
This is decent but a little jumbled to my eye. I'm looking forward to the Stormtrooper mech more, which is unusual because usually I want these mechs for the minifigures...
@kingalbino said:
"I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?"
Lego Star Wars is its own material!
One thing I'd love to do (or see a MOCer smarter than me do) is to make some brick-built heads for these mechs that'd be proportional to the rest of the body. It would basically make these mechs into oversized chibi action figures...which is basically what they already are, except with a tiny head sticking out.
I do wish people who hate the mechs would realize that that's what these things ultimately are. They're action figures with a little head sticking out.
Also, now I really want Lego to throw us for a loop and start making Harry Potter mechs.
Remember when we joked about SW Mechs? Ugh xD
Meh-c!
Nice mini fig and I do love some of the bulky-ness but it looks like a junk yard, put together with scraps mech.
The fingers are awkward too. They need to go back to the exo-force limbs for the digits.
These mechs are so unnecessary and utterly ridiculous... but I think that ridiculousness is one of the reasons that I've started liking them. Like the article says, I was pretty negative on them when they got announced, but they are just so silly that they've grown on me quite a bit since then. I'll probably pick them up at some point just for laughs.
@kingalbino said:
"I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?"
Does an AT-ST count?
Thanks for the review Capn. On the subject of articulation, any idea how long the female end of the ball joints last? Most all mine of the last half dozen years have cracked and I don’t fiddle with them much.
Beautiful, just beautiful. The mech's jetpack changed my mind of this set. Lol
Minifig is also very detailed. Love that!
They look like badly proportioned action figures with tiny heads.
Sure the minifigure is nice but he'd be nice no matter which set he was in. Hopefully he'll appear in a magazine paper bag set.
Came for the minifig, stayed for the parts pack. :)
Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?
The set actually looks okay to me, but I think I would have done the chest/front differently. I don't know how feasible it'd be but I feel like if Boba sat in the chest and it had a Firespray-esque cockpit over the front it'd look better. The shoulders would then look less out of place, in my opinion.
@kingalbino said:
"I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?"
@kingalbino- yes, Lego is capitalizing on adults’ willingness to buy these for the figures. They might be fun for kids though.
I myself will not be purchasing any of the mechs. (Improved versions of figures I already have being the reason I would buy them, and I have no interest in duplicate figures).
Are my son and I the only ones that hate these molded knee/elbow joints? Seems to limit the ability to pose compared to prior Marvel mechs…
Or just wait for the comic with the figure.
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
Did you expect Gold Leader to never be made again?
@kingalbino said:
"I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?"
Neither do I, but there’s something to be said for actually using a little imagination in a LEGO set.
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
They're also releasing rare figures as magazine gifts as well, which will hopefully keep figures reasonably priced. Just waiting hoping and praying they decide to re-release Bail Organa :)
@legoDad42 said:
"The fingers are awkward too. They need to go back to the exo-force limbs for the digits. "
Or they need to use the much better finger element they just introduced this year.
@sipuss said:
"Did you expect Gold Leader to never be made again?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces that you cheaper out and bought the small set?
The only thing I dislike in any of the Mech-Line of the last few years is that Lego keeps using PLATE 1X2 W. STICK for hands/fingers-base instead of for example PLATE 1X2 W. STICK 3.18 like they do with the big buildable figures.
The latter would make losing the fingers on the edges much harder, since the borders are outside the part not in the middle of it.
That's a chonky wee mech! Thanks for the review @CapnRex101 :)
If I bought this it would probably be my best Boba fig, but I'm not sure I could get away with using the mech in my Ninjago/MK city as some kind of giant cosplay for one of the locals...
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
Seems more like they know adults will buy the mech just for the minifig while kids will buy for the play value. If they cheaped out and made a Fett without, say, leg or arm printing then adults would have zero reason to buy the set.
As a constraction fan the limited articulation of the newer mechs is frustrating. System mechs will be more dense as a rule, but the majority of the $10 Protector sets from 2015 had bendable limbs and could still hold poses and their own weight, the fact that Lego is having such a hard time figuring out how to achieve that in System is rather inexcusable. [Also, the thumbs on these Star Wars mechs are weird and I have no idea why they chose to build them the way they did.]
That said, I think these mech sets are only ever good things and allow for popular characters to be sold at relatively inexpensive price points while serving as individual action figures. I don't get people being upset about normal sets getting good versions of minifigs - a Lego minifigure should not be a stock investment, it should be a consumer toy, and selling higher-quality versions of them to all consumers is just making better toys. People that buy sub-$200 sets shouldn't be penalized by getting minifigs with a production penny less detail. Having high-end minifigs for display in UCS sets is cool and all but a kid, TFOL, or AFOL that wants a well-made Boba Fett shouldn't be paying over $150 for one on the secondhand market when the actual production cost of one from the assembly line is less than a dollar. Lego can make better minifigs more ubiquitous and they should, especially if prices continue to rise, they need to add more value.
@Blondie_Wan said:
" @kingalbino said:
"I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?"
Neither do I, but there’s something to be said for actually using a little imagination in a LEGO set."
B-b-but this is Star Wars! Everything must be screen-accurate replicas straight from the box! Preferably only from the OT, and only the same few scenes and vehicles!
We need the same few things we've had since the late 70s (Kenner) and/or the late 90s (lego) again! And again! And again!
Toys? Imagination? What's that!?
/sarcasm mode off.
Sorry. Had a rough day. I'll log off now
I’m not a huge fan of mechs, but they’re the type of thing that I might have liked as a kid. They’re a fun departure. Plus I like seeing AFOL’s get annoyed that they have to buy one to get a particular minifigure.
About the set: I like mechs. I like the bounty hunter aesthetic. I like (the slightest sliver of) imagination and originality.
Okay, this idea is hardly original. But at least it's a first! And Star Wars has been missing some choice in the lower price brackets lately beyond two battlepacks a year (that are beyond pocket money each). And literally ONE microfighter. So better than nothing!
Okay, I'll log off for real now.
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
Wait till you find out gold leader was in sets before the ucs y wing
We really, really need a Friends Mech line.
@oukexergon said:
"We really, really need a Friends Mech line."
I smell an MOC contest.
@Alia_of_AGL:
I think the issue is that they’re trying to solve an entirely different problem than the one you want solved. Think about how kids are going to play with these. They’re going to wrap one hand around the waist, and use the other to manipulate the arms. The more articulation they put in the legs, the happier AFOLs are, but for a kid who plays with these, all that articulation just results in the legs getting crumpled up every time they hold it. Then they have to straighten out half a dozen joints before it can be stood up without HOG support. The chunky legs help retain the pose enough that it’s less hassle to stand it up. You can press it down to flatten out the feet, and the legs aren’t going to buckle under the pressure. Try doing that with knee joints, thigh and ankle rotation, and it’ll look like a catastrophic breakdancing accident just took place.
Um, this is just my opinion, but this mech looks ridiculous and also hideous. So many colors all randomized, ew. Hopefully it's fun to play with, because aesthetically, this isn't my cup of tea.
These things are better than I expected them to be and in many respects better than the Marvel ones. I can't get past the 1x2 slopes as thumbs though. Why did they use that part
@PurpleDave said:
" @legoDad42 said:
"The fingers are awkward too. They need to go back to the exo-force limbs for the digits. "
Or they need to use the much better finger element they just introduced this year."
Yeah, the fingers and especially the thumb looks terrible. Which new element are you thinking of? Is it the finger element for the Thanos Mech that came out this year?
@PurpleDave said:
" @Alia_of_AGL:
I think the issue is that they’re trying to solve an entirely different problem than the one you want solved. Think about how kids are going to play with these. They’re going to wrap one hand around the waist, and use the other to manipulate the arms. The more articulation they put in the legs, the happier AFOLs are, but for a kid who plays with these, all that articulation just results in the legs getting crumpled up every time they hold it. Then they have to straighten out half a dozen joints before it can be stood up without HOG support. The chunky legs help retain the pose enough that it’s less hassle to stand it up. You can press it down to flatten out the feet, and the legs aren’t going to buckle under the pressure. Try doing that with knee joints, thigh and ankle rotation, and it’ll look like a catastrophic breakdancing accident just took place."
This was, and still is, an issue with action figures. Adults that collect them want a ton of articulation and features, but that makes for play things. Less articulation and moving parts make for better toys depending on how you look at it.
@Torrent_Studios said:
"I love the new minifigure and will be getting this set just for that.
At least the mech's elements are useful for other things."
Same.
Seeing a minifigure like this is such a small set is nice. But, how're we supposed to react to all the other crappily-printed and molded figs in the god-awfully priced SW sets? I mean, look at the price of Yavin. They didn't even give the troopers the readily available dual-molded boots!
See, https://brickset.com/sets/71032-10/Raccoon-Costume-Fan
This figure sets the bar of what possible for a cheap set. So, why isn't arm and leg printing and molding standard in all SW sets?!
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
Hopefully, there should be no reason for Lego minifigures to be fetching high prices on the secondary market.
I am finally, finally gonna get my hands on a Darth Vader figure. It’s only taken me since 1999.
worth noting this is the ESB version of boba, i think the last few have all been ROTJ or BOBF versions.
@Fandabidozi said:
"I am finally, finally gonna get my hands on a Darth Vader figure. It’s only taken me since 1999."
You da' man! Oh wait, what, 24 years? Holy schnitzels!
If I'd known, I would've sent you one myself ;)
I've been hearing alot of controversy surrounding this figure, the people that are only interested in minifig value and investment are mad.
I say let 'em be mad!
I'm happy to be getting a nice detailed figure for cheaper, people like us care more about the figure and quality than the money it might make us in the future. With Boba Fett being a character I love, this is a must have for me!
If I didn't already have 75344, I'd be tempted to get this. Granted, the Fett in that set is the post-Sarlacc version, but I still think the only Star Wars mech I get is going to be the Stormtrooper one, since I haven't gotten a new Stormtrooper in ages. I do think this one's nice, though.
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
As noted in the review, this isn't the same figure, just very similar. And the review of 75365 says that the Gold Leader there has a new helmet as well.
@oukexergon said:"We really, really need a Friends Mech line."
Olivia returns... in style!
@legoDad42:
https://brickset.com/parts/design-3171
Yup, that's the one. Purpose-made finger, and they give it to you by not giving it to you.
@monkyby87:
With action figures, you get the added issue that a bazillion points of articulation simply means it's more likely it didn't get assembled correctly, and it's more likely that something will break down the line. Plus, deco across all those joints is a hopeless cause.
I'm...beginning to think I don't want Lego DC Mechs now...:)
Seriously, this make Boba look like he's wearing Jango's clothes (and yes, I know; "He already is"), or at least when a boy wears his father's clothing. With 'the Star Wars line', the only one that makes sense; but also doesn't is: The Stormtrooper. Buuuuuut, that should have been built as per a "Zero-Grav" Stormtrooper, which would make more sense...
Then again: I DO WANT LEGO DC MECHS!!! Yes, yes I know: "Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman..." Yeah...But I still also think "Green Lantern" (esp. Kyle Raynor), but also "The Atom" (mech would be kinda' like his 'grown' version), "Darksied" (makes more sense than making him a 'Bigfig'), "Lex Luthor" (one built akin to his old battle-suit)..."Steel"?
@PurpleDave said:
"catastrophic breakdancing accident"
Quoted solely because I love that phrase...
@Torrent_Studios said:
"I love the new minifigure and will be getting this set just for that.
At least the mech's elements are useful for other things."
The mech itself is not bad at all (seen outside the SW context). Replace Boba Fett with another character and the mech could be reused as it is in a space-related MOC or other scenario (Avatar, Aliens, etc).
This is probably a good base for a larger more detailed exo suit with enclosed driving head, although I would swap out the yellow parts for more earth colors to aid camouflage on a barren planet rather than present an obvious target. Shame that there is no Technic hole on the left hand to hold something like a shield, 2nd blaster, chainsaw?
@PurpleDave said:
" @sipuss said:
"Did you expect Gold Leader to never be made again?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces that you cheaper out and bought the small set?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces you bought a large and expensive set just for the minifig.
@CCC said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @sipuss said:
"Did you expect Gold Leader to never be made again?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces that you cheaper out and bought the small set?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces you bought a large and expensive set just for the minifig."
An extra torso with "I bought UCS Y-Wing and all I got is this lousy t-shirt" print. But you probably couldn't actually make that out on such a small piece. Perhaps something like the fig in 40486 ?
And the new one could have "I bought the slightly cheaper set and still got the fig, get rekt" or something.
These ones are free, you're gonna have to pay for more of my genius, LEGO.
I demand LEGO Clikits Mechs next!
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
I sure hope so.
Everyone should be able to afford awesome minifigs like this one!
And that is coming from someone who owns the UCS Slave I. Then again, to me LEGO is a toy / hobby, and not an investment.
@sipuss said:
" @CCC said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @sipuss said:
"Did you expect Gold Leader to never be made again?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces that you cheaper out and bought the small set?"
Maybe print something on the back that announces you bought a large and expensive set just for the minifig."
An extra torso with "I bought UCS Y-Wing and all I got is this lousy t-shirt" print. But you probably couldn't actually make that out on such a small piece. Perhaps something like the fig in 40486 ?
And the new one could have "I bought the slightly cheaper set and still got the fig, get rekt" or something.
These ones are free, you're gonna have to pay for more of my genius, LEGO."
That is comedy GOLD! Well done. I can't stop laughing at the idea! :0
@sipuss:
Just alternate the backs of the torso to say, “I’m rich,” or “I’m smart.”
@legoDad42 said:
" @Fandabidozi said:
"I am finally, finally gonna get my hands on a Darth Vader figure. It’s only taken me since 1999."
You da' man! Oh wait, what, 24 years? Holy schnitzels!
If I'd known, I would've sent you one myself ;)"
Lol, thanks. He was always in sets that were too expensive and/or I wasn’t gonna buy just to get the mini fig. Fingers crossed for a Leia in Bespin Gown Mech. :D
@Fandabidozi:
How exactly do you equip a mech to represent getting asked out on a date/being eternally grounded in front of your boyfriend by your estranged dad?
@kingalbino said:
"I don't recall seeing this mech in any star wars material?"
This is a clever way to make action figures and not call them that since Hasbro has exclusive rights to them for SW
Well, Mech's are cool. Starwars is cool. This mech looks pretty cool. But somehow the combo doesn't quite work for me. That's fully on me though.
Figure looks cool, I would've loved to see a more direct comparison to the Boba from the microfighter. They both serve the same purpose to me, easy way to get a cool fig so seeing how they stack up would've been welcome.
@dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
Good. Why should great minifigures be unobtainable for younger Lego enthusiasts? And why should anyone care that expensive minifigures will depreciate in value?
@curtydc said:
" @dRevan said:
"Is lego intentionally decreasing the value of UCS figures? First the UCS y-wing gold leader pilot and astromech in yavin 4 base and now UCS slave 1 fett in a cheap set?"
Good. Why should great minifigures be unobtainable for younger Lego enthusiasts? And why should anyone care that expensive minifigures will depreciate in value?"
Well... to play devil's argument, people who spent a lot to get them. Let's face it, Lego has based a large amount of its goodwill (i.e., inherent value of a longstanding company) in the idea that it's products are 'worth it' to adults in part because they appreciate in value. If Lego decides to undercut all the collectors who've invested, they will destroy that part of their goodwill. They will 'only' be a toy company for children.
Is that a market that can sustain their growth models? Especially given the current economic and sociological (developed world birth dirth) climate?
Personally, I think taking toy collecting too seriously is foolish. Then again, I did pay almost $200 for SW0275: Boba Fett - White. I definitely wouldn't be happy to suddenly see that figure in a $15 set. It might make a lot of adults give up supporting the greedflated Lego prices for cheap plastic toys.
@StyleCounselor:
I don’t recall TLG ever once endorsing, suggesting, or supporting the idea of buying their product as a monetary investment.
@PurpleDave said:
" @StyleCounselor:
I don’t recall TLG ever once endorsing, suggesting, or supporting the idea of buying their product as a monetary investment."
Nevertheless, their goodwill is dependent upon it (in part).
Also, they often promote collectibility, which is really the same thing.