Review: 75530 Chewbacca
Posted by CapnRex101,
Almost exactly two years have passed since the very first wave of Star Wars Buildable Figures was released and the range has expanded to include 23 different characters. Some are very well suited to a model of this nature due to their cybernetic or armoured design while others are less impressive as the building system is often unable to faithfully depict organic forms.
I therefore imagined that certain characters would never be seen as a Buildable Figure simply because they would be very difficult to depict. 75530 Chewbacca is one such character so the release of this figure surprises me, partly because I thought that a Wookiee would be unsuitable for a Buildable Figure but also due to the model's remarkably impressive design!
This article was originally published on the 29th of August.
The Completed Model
Chewbacca's thick fur is represented by several printed panels which cover almost every surface on the front of the figure. This is remarkably effective and the large shells lend appropriate girth to each limb, although it still doesn't quite match his appearance in the movies. The design is more reminiscent of the animated character model from Star Wars: The Clone Wars which is absolutely fine in my opinion as it would be impossible to recreate Chewbacca's flowing hair perfectly without compromising the articulation of the figure.
Adult Wookiees stand considerable taller than humans and I expected Chewbacca to tower over most figures as a result. However, the full height of 30cm still surprised me once construction was complete, surpassing even 75111 Darth Vader which measures an imposing 28cm tall. Chewie looks equally intimidating and is accurately scaled in relation to other characters so you can create some brilliant displays using multiple figures.
The head sculpts have been a consistently impressive feature of the Buildable Figures range and Chewbacca maintains the high standard we have come to expect. The texturing of the hair is fairly simple but fits with the established style of other models and I like the combination of reddish brown and medium nougat which is very faithful to the source material. Two beady eyes, a black nose and white teeth complete the design. An angrier visage might have better suited certain displays but this neutral expression is very versatile.
The printed arms and torso feature a similar colour scheme, with medium nougat hair printed on reddish brown pieces. A few grey hairs are also visible, although these are fairly subtle so do not overwhelm the brown tones. Chewbacca action figures from other manufacturers have often suffered from poor articulation but I am pleased to report that this model includes a splendid array of ball joints throughout, most of which offer a wide range of motion. The head is somewhat restricted by the flowing hair around the neck but it still moves a short distance in all directions.
Chewbacca wears a bandolier filled with charge packs for his bowcaster and other equipment in the films. This is represented here using a flexible ammunition strap cast in dark brown and five 1x1 clips are attached on either side. The bandolier looks great to me and I like the satchel attached to the Wookiee's right hip which is also joined to the bandolier via a single Technic pin. The entire assembly is surprisingly sturdy and does not hinder Chewbacca's articulation at all, thankfully.
Unfortunately, the bandolier does not continue onto the back of the figure, instead terminating at the left shoulder. Printing is also absent from the panel covering the back of the torso so it looks very plain and I would be reluctant to display the model from this angle. The shape of this large armour component looks rather odd but at least it properly conceals the Technic skeleton within, improving upon many other Buildable Figures in that respect. Nevertheless, a second printed panel would have been ideal.
Removing the torso coverings reveals a comparatively complicated internal structure that demonstrates the versatile geometry of Technic liftarms, securing the shoulder joints at an angle which lengthens the arms to ensure the utmost authenticity of the model. 75111 Darth Vader set an impressive precedent for the building techniques used within these models and 75530 Chewbacca is undoubtedly impressive as well, although the Sith Lord and 75112 General Grievous remain the most complex of all.
Four more printed panels cover the legs. The lower shells lack the grey hairs visible on the thighs and upper arms which shows pleasing attention to detail and I like the large size of the feet too, although the claws look slightly awkward. A new foot might have been appropriate here but I think this is the best of the existing options. It is worth noting that a section of the dark bluish grey skeleton is visible above the knees which is a shame, although I am not sure how this could have been rectified without using a larger kneepad and potentially obstructing the articulation.
Chewbacca is armed with a bowcaster constructed around a spring-loaded missile launcher which can be fired by pressing a button on top. I like the skeletal stock and the bow looks reasonable using rows of Technic connectors, although a curved shape like that of the lightbow belonging to 75524 Chirrut Îmwe would have been even better. Larger polarising spheres at either end would also have been beneficial as they are far more prominent in the movie. Nevertheless, I think this weapon is recognisable as Chewbacca's unique bowcaster.
Overall
The hairy nature of a Wookiee seems entirely unsuitable for the Buildable Figures range but this figure is excellent! The numerous printed elements look marvellous and the proportions of the model are almost perfect, as is the design of the bandolier which runs across Chewbacca's chest. I love the shaping of the head sculpt too, particularly since the matted hair fits neatly over the torso but still allows some range of motion, a quality not possessed by many Chewbacca action figures.
I think the bowcaster is probably the weakest aspect of the set but the gaps around the knees and the lack of detail on the back are also slightly disappointing. Nevertheless, the good aspects of this model overwhelmingly outweigh the bad and l would certainly recommend adding it to your collection. The price of £24.99 or $34.99 seems reasonable in relation to the size of the figure and I hope that a similarly impressive set based on Han Solo will be released at some point to complete the crew of the Millennium Falcon!
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
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53 comments on this article
No way! How did you get it?
Besides the parts of the weapon - there is not a single (standard) LEGO part visible to the pure eye.. I wouldnt dare consider this "LEGO" set.
I'm surprised you're publishing the review since you are all so heavy focused on the embargo that you won't even upload images of the episode 8 sets yet you'll do a review on one.
YES that last picture is great!
This looks fantastic, and as someone who has almost all of the buildable figures so far, I can't wait to pick this one up!
And I really don't see why it looks strange...? I'd assume it's because a lot of people have an inherit bias against constraction, but this one looks really realistic and captures the character quite well.
The top half looks great, the legs look really really weird. IMO its Finn that still looks the weirdest . . . He's got the face of a 10-year or something . . . It just seems off.
@crayxmp: *sigh*17 years and people still don't respect constraction. How can you determine what a "real" LEGO piece is? A tile has no studs, so is it a LEGO piece? A wheel can connect to studs, so wouldn't that mean it's not a "real" LEGO piece? Technic sets don't have "real" LEGO pieces but I don't see anybody complaining about those.
@Trigger_ - The set was purchased from a Sainsbury's store in the UK but has also appeared at Target in the US I believe.
@Glacier Phoenix - As soon as we are able to acquire a set through legitimate means we are free to review it. However, official images remain property of LEGO so we are bound to publish them only when the embargo is lifted. Every reputable LEGO website should adhere to those rules.
This figure is terrible! Come on! Like a low budget chinese action toy from the late '90s...
Although this particular figure was meant for the sequel trilogy it can fit into a variety of themes people are recreating.
The feet look very reptilian to me,and rather small.
By Coson: I just expressed my opinion - and to me it still doesnt look like an "ordinary" stuff.. Perhaps its the studs you mentioned or the lack of geometrically regular pieces etc.
simply anybody anybody is entitled to their own opinion. You have yours - I have mine. From my asthetic point of view this (in my opinion) does not qualify as regularly looking LEGO set.
Thanks for the review.
I like that they went back to reddish brown instead of the dark brown used in the most recent minifigure version of Chewie. Seems like a much better color match.
@Crayxmp: It's one thing to say that you don't like it. Whether or not it's an actual LEGO set isn't an opinion, that's a fact.
I really hate the face.
Coson: Id say that this is an expression of my views: " I wouldnt dare consider this "LEGO" set.".. There is nothing to suggest that its not a LEGO set. Just that I wouldnt call it that.
I'm surprised that Lego is still making these...or maybe its just my locale as these don't seem to sell or the market is just oversaturated with them as there are tons on the shelf. Plus I routinely see these on sale for steep discounts (close to 50%).
Usually the head is the weak point but in this case I'd say its the strongest.
Chewbacca just looks way to emaciated in relation to the head proportions.
Awesome!!!!!
U G L Y.
Hmm... I've quite liked many of the figures offered by Star Wars (my bias, BIONICLE was one of my first LEGO themes, after all) but something's just not right about this figure. I like the use of the large thing plate to make him look larger, his bandolier is perfect, but that FACE! The large, almost mated look of those massive locks of hair on his head, the too white eyes, and that doofy grin of his... I'm going to have to think about purchasing this fellow.
Your last picture of the upset Wookiee is changing my mind a little, though XD
@Crayxmp: Well it is a LEGO set. Made by LEGO and released by LEGO, so yes, it is factually a "real" LEGO set.
Side note: Has anybody else noticed that everyone complains about buildable figures looking inaccurate, and at the same time complain about it not looking LEGO?
Lego, not Lego, hate it, love it... can't we all just come together and agree that the picture of the Chewy figure ripping the arms off the Stormtrooper is freakin hilarious?
Haha and this time I am not going to complain- I love the design and I am glad we finaly get unique and MOVABLE Chewbacca figure!
It is hard for me to consider this Lego. 90% of its parts are one-purpose parts. Lego is about building something from more or less universal parts that can be rebuilt and reshuffled millions ways into something else. This fails to fit in this. Lego logo does not make it Lego. IMO
^Please take the time to Google or look up some pictures of Bionicle MOCs and then come back and tell me that "not much" can be done with them.
My god this is horrible...these figures only work for me as long as they do not directly represent a human or are in full armour like the stormtroopers
This is a horror show, plain and simple.
@campagnolo: The only "one-purpose part" here is the head. Literally every other part has been used before, and most of them in other ways. But congrats on broadcasting your own poor observational skills and lack of imagination to the whole Brickset community.
Anyway, this guy looks alright, and would make a good reddish brown parts pack. Star Wars has been pretty good about giving us lots of parts in earth tones that were once rare in constraction, though I miss having more brightly-colored constraction themes like Hero Factory and Bionicle. Design-wise, a character like Chewbacca was inevitably going to be a challenge to realize in LEGO, both on account of his proportions and general fluffiness, but I think the designers did pretty well all things considered. It would have been nice for a figure this size to have more action features than just a blaster, though.
So glad Lego finally made a Five Nights at Freddy's version of Chewbacca! Lol... seriously this thing is creepy.
Warning: I was just issued a takedown notice & lawsuit threat by LEGO for my reviews of legally-purchased, release version SW:TLJ sets from US retail sources.
I'm not really a fan of Buildable Figures, but while characters like General Grievous and the Stormtroopers make sense for constraction, I think the parts are too angular for Chewbacca. It still looks fine for something a little more cartoony e.g. Clone Wars or Rebels.
And on the topic of comments here... JangBricks states that he's been legally threatened by Lego, and nobody bats an eye. Someone says they don't personally consider Constraction to be "real" Lego, and everyone loses their minds!
To be honest, this look kinda weird. :/
@Jang: Wait, seriously?? That is beyond ridiculous.
Okay, let's see if anyone gets this...
"HI! What happened to your FACE?!?! That's not how I remembered you at all... we must do something about this! What say we get rid of that dusty old thing and find him a new face! Right? Yes. Oh what fun! The old gang, back together! You, come with me, and I'll give you a crash course in face removal!"
Ah... Creepio's words have never been more fitting than for Chewie's situation here XD
theJang:
fingers crossed that you fight this off.. sometimes I just thirst for the kind of justice that your FBI / justice can do.. but this is not one of them. something like that would be totally unheard off in EU.. IF any national authority (police, justice, sort of NSA) tried to pull this off in Europe - they would have no chance and had to suffer the consequences.. good luck to you!
As someone that doesn't really care much for the constraction style figures, I have a surprising number built on display.This will be one. Vader, grievous and phasma all look pretty good. I love the look of this one. It just feels fun to me. No, it doesn't look like traditional LEGO, but it's not supposed to. I appreciate that bionicle was a major factor in LEGO's survival and thus accept these figures as a natural evolution.
Be careful brickset. This is jangbricks's latest video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn6l6PCEc5o
@theJANG, THAT IS AWFUL!! Are they going to sue the shops that are selling the sets as well!?
I'm actually really drawn to this set! I just wish the shell on the back was printed.
So we're just gonna forget that Mortal Kombat-like shot?
Hideous.
I quite like the figure. He's certainly well-proportioned. I think the bandolier (or what there is of it) looks nice, although I expect it's a bit tedious.
Hang on, so was this taken down until now? Didn't think Lego would go that far :/
As an avid collector of buildable Star Wars figures, I must say that I'm quite amazed that Chewbacca has beaten the likes of Boba Fett and C-3P0 to the production stage. I don't really think the constraction method of building lends itself very well to Wookkies. This method of building works far better on droids and armoured figures IMHO.
@Baby Yoda - We did not receive any communication from LEGO or Disney but chose to withdraw the article temporarily as a precaution.
@theJANG: WTF?
I hardly know any one person who has done more to help Lego sell sets to me as well as many others.
Why would they do this? These sets are available in stores as well as on Lego LEGO.com. Why on earth shouldn't the usual channels like yours post reviews of them? I just don't get it.
I think I will write an email to Lego themselves to complain about their behaviour or at least ask to clarify why they do this. This is so annoying and completely unneccessary! Shame on you, TLG!
I know it's been said above, but great picture with Chewie ripping the arms off! Thanks for the review as always.
Its not for me, but I know my son is looking forward to this one! I quite like it though, but more aligned with the cartoon series than the movies, which will attract the younglings.
>It is hard for me to consider this Lego. 90% of its parts are one-purpose parts. Lego is about building something from more or less universal parts that can be rebuilt and reshuffled millions ways into something else. This fails to fit in this. Lego logo does not make it Lego. IMO
I mean, you're mistaken, but I can definitely see why you'd think that. Here's a link to check out if you're not familiar with Technic, the building system that this set uses: https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Technic
As far as the set goes, I purchased it from a small non-chain retailer on the 19th, and I have my review up on YouTube as well. It's a little rough as far as the printing and the price point are concerned, but I do feel like it embodies the general look of Chewbacca pretty well. I have no doubt that TLG can do better, of course. Thanks for the review, CapnRex101!
Love Chew-ee!!! Just ordered mine. btw, (U.S. LEGO store) price is $34.99. Was it originally set to $29.99?
This is probably the most ugliest buildable figure ever. Poor chewie.
The TIE Pilot is probably the only one of this series I will get...I honestly like the trooper figures better than any of the Black Series or other action figures out there.
A lot of these complaints would be solved by a few more pieces added. The back should be printed and the bandolier should be continued. His knees need something put there. I still like this figure and would even get the extra parts to make him look better.