First off let me say how grateful I am for being able to get my hands on this particular set, and others, that were otherwise unobtainable.
The LEGO Star Wars Bespin Duel (75294) set is one of 2020’s most sought-after exclusives. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic all events, including Comic Cons, were either postponed or cancelled. This lead to LEGO having stock of several exclusives (LEGO Marvel Taskmater’s Ambush, LEGO DC Wonder Woman Vignette, and LEGO Star Wars Nebulon-B Frigate).
What made them even more hard to get was their availability and being limited to America, more specifically North America, only!
I do understand that in normal circumstances anyone who didn’t attend the relevant Comic Con event wouldn’t stand a chance of grabbing one, unless willing to pay well over the odds for it. So I see this as definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that myself and many other LEGO fans had to and wanted to do.
I managed to get ahold of three which I had shipped to a family member in the States. He kindly rewrapped and sent to on their way to me unfortunately UK Customs had a look and of course chucked on Tax etc,oh and opened the Bespin Duel set, I wasn’t happy but what could I do. I was going to open & build them all anyway!
The review:
I decided to go live on Instagram with this build and follow it up with a written review here. If you fancy watching the whole build process head over to our Instagram account @thebrickpost.
Crack the box open and slide the three numbered bags, an instruction manual, and the 40th Anniversary sticker out. This is definitely one box you want to take care of and store in a safe place, as the value will hold even opened and built, granted not as much as a new & sealed one but still well worth hanging onto.
The box and manual sports the continued 18+ dark design, which I absolutely love, it sets it apart from other LEGO sets just enough to feel like us AFOLs have something to call our own. Adults Welcome and all that!
Most LEGO sets start you off with building the foundations and this one is no different. Starting with the base and layering baseplates and tiles leaving a few spaces open for the transparent bricks, which hold up the build, and the angled 40th Anniversary sign. The base itself is quite sturdy and holds together well, once the build is placed on top there is a slight bend to it but nothing it can’t handle.
It’s broken into two chunks, the main body and the protruding beam/arm. Each section has a ton of detail and some interesting Techniques. I particularly like the use of the stone grey microphones, either side of the banisters.
When popping the main body on its plinth I applied pressure a little off centre and the whole thing tore across the table in a bid for freedom, so be careful when you reach that stage and to press down in the right places.
The second part, which clips onto the main base, does hold quite well for how it’s attached. Using two ridged hinge pieces spaced apart by a single plate is a great idea and not one I’ve seen used many times before. Of course if you apply too much pressure or lean on the arm it will obviously click downwards and put stress on one of the hinges.
The overall construction of the beam is actually really nice to put together and looks somewhat like it’s onscreen counterpart. With the red accent at the end, the cleverly used fencing swords on top, and the stone gray fork finish it off well.
Apart from the two exclusive Minifigures, more on them later in the review, we also get one other element that is only available in this set, and others in this line, the 40th Anniversary sticker. It refers to ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ that was released in theaters 40 Years ago, can you believe it?!
When I did this live on Instagram I just went for it and managed to get it lined up pretty straight, which usually never happens!
The Minifigures:
As with many sets the Minifigures have the most pulling power, none more so than exclusive ones. This set includes two Minifigures and both are relatively hard to come by.
Darth Vader has printed arms and Luke Skywalker has a multitude of new prints. Sadly these aren’t limited this set only and are available elsewhere, bringing their value down somewhat. This particular Luke Skywalker was first seen in last Year’s LEGO Betrayal at Cloud City (75222) set, and most recently an issue of the LEGO Star Wars Magazine!
Luke has an alternate face, which is always a great addition, it opens the Minifigure up to more possibilities in photography and play. Luke Skywalker sports a somewhat confident smirk on one side and a blackeye and shocked look on the other. Darth Vader unfortunately only has the one face, but it is highly derailed and looks great, he does have printing on the back of his scars etc.
The printing is again outstanding by LEGO and their design team never disappoints. From the crisp lines of the pockets and belt to the detail round the blackeye. Vader’s printed arms are truly an amazing addition to the Minifigure and very welcomed. We need more arms prints please LEGO!
Conclusion:
Overall the set is stunning and so happy to have it in the collection. The down side was trying to source and import it, such a struggle from beginning to end, and the extra charges along the way certainly bumped up its cost to more than it’s worth.
For a set that contains 295 pieces it was certainly a great price (RRP $39.99), the construction on the it was easy and straightforward.
Of course the Minifigures are what attracted me to this set, the two relatively exclusive figures (Vader and Luke). Both are excellent and top notch. They will sit pride of place in my collection for sure!
Teaser video:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CH3JM2EpDRH/?igshid=1q1pfn2t08o7u
Build video:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIMGG6NJ18e/?igshid=1foho678xwiy4
Do you own this set or did you miss out? Let us know in the comments, don’t forget to leave a reaction to this set via our LEGO heads below.
LEGO Star Wars Bespin Duel 75294
Overall the set is stunning and so happy to have it in the collection. The down side was trying to source and import it, such a struggle from beginning to end, and the extra charges along the way certainly bumped up its cost to more than it's worth. For a set that contains 295 pieces it was certainly a great price (RRP $39.99), the construction on the it was easy and straightforward. Of course the Minifigures are what attracted me to this set, the two relatively exclusive figures (Vader and Luke). Both are excellent and top notch. They will sit pride of place in my collection for sure!
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