LEGO Star Wars Slave I
Collectors will find this rendition of Boba Fett’s ship fromStar Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Backto be the best one yet when compared to previous incarnations of Slave I. It’s bigger than the original Lego model (7144), which was released in 2000, and its bricks have truer colors. In addition, this version has about 100 more pieces than the 2002 release (7153) and is offered at a lower price point, plus has a much sturdier chassis. Features of this Slave I include a rotating and self-leveling cockpit and foils, a trap door that opens up to drop space mines, a top hatch that opens and launches a large missile, two side cargo compartments that store and drop rockets, and a cargo rack door that opens to fit a stenciled brick of Han Solo frozen in carbonite (a favorite piece among collectors). Other minifigs in this set include Boba Fett, a Bespin guard (with African-American skin tone), and two new figures--bounty hunters, IG-88 and Dengar--who are not found in any other Lego sets. The 537-piece Slave I takes anywhere from three to five hours to build with some help from the illustrated instructions. The manual also contains a full inventory of all pieces with part numbers in case a piece is lost and builders need to order a replacement.--Cristina Vaamonde