(NEW YORK, NY, February 16, 2003) 2003 marks a landmark year for LEGO, with the famous LEGO mini-figure celebrating its 25th Anniversary as well as the 30th anniversary of LEGO Systems Inc. (the division serving the United States, Canada, and Latin America). “Building” on the success of their 2002 Star Wars line, which was a sales leader in its respective category, LEGO continues their well-received mini-assortment and debuts a first ever issue of ESB’s Imperial AT-AT Walker. “We’re coming out strong with our mini-models, and the idea there is to really appeal to collectors”, says Melinda Siemionko of LEGO, “what it does is allows them to build these giant battle scenes if they want to or recreate scenes from the movie and in an affordable way. We’re also continuing to bring back the rich history of Star Wars by continuing to offer sets based on all the movies.” For Toy Fair, LEGO showcased all the 2003 sets which were released last month as well as the 6 new sets coming this summer, making a grand total of 17 for the year for the retail assortment (which may or may not include LEGO Direct).
The second wave of mini-vehicles (Retail $6.99, Available July) features the larger ships this time around with more pieces and a slightly higher price tag. The Original Trilogy is represented by the Millennium Falcon (# 4488, 87 pieces) and the mini AT-AT (#4489, 98 pieces), while the mini MTT (#4491, 99 pieces) and Republic Gunship (#4490, 102 pieces) are based on the Prequels. Even at such a small scale, these little rigs definitely impress. And as with the first wave, each set contains the one extra piece necessary to construct a cool mini Y-Wing Fighter!
If you thought the UCS Star Destroyer, Galactic Hunter’s LEGO set of the year, was the zenith of all things brick, the AT-AT (#4483, 1064 pieces, Retail $99.99, Available July) gives you pause for consideration. Although certainly not as voluminous as the Destroyer, this set shines in a big way. Included with the AT-AT are cute little renditions of Luke Skywalker Pilot, 1 AT-AT Driver, and 2 Imperial Snowtroopers. The snow frost detail on the Snowtrooper has to be seen to be appreciated. Features include a detailed cockpit, opening side panel to seat your Imperials, and the ability of your Luke mini-fig to rappel up the lower underpanel and deal the explosive blow and bring down this behemoth.
Last, but certainly not least, the HailFire Droid (#4481, 681 pieces, Retail $49.99, July) rounds out LEGO for 2003 with its high profile hoop wheels and multi-missiled defense system. The vehicle is so well done and nicely designed, you’d have to take a second glance to tell it’s a LEGO set.
We asked LEGO about the possibility of an ethnically accurate Lando Calrissian mini-fig now that they offer more specific LEGO figures with their new NBA assortment. “It’s definitely something we’re sensitive to,” responds Melinda, “With the NBA assortment, this represents the first time flesh toned characters are based on real people, whereas Star Wars are based on fictional characters. We’ve always maintained that the yellow mini-figures are gender and ethnic neutral. It’s something we’re talking about internally and we’re considering, knowing collectors are very interested in a flesh toned Lando character.”
