Star Wars Advent Calendar: Day 24
Posted by CapnRex101,
The annual LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar always concludes with a seasonal minifigure, some of which are based upon classic Lucasfilm Christmas cards while others have been created by LEGO designers. Let's find out what the 2017 set has to offer on its final day...
BB-8 is one of the most popular characters from the Sequel Trilogy so it makes perfect sense that he would be the subject of the 2017 seasonal minifigure. However, the figure lacks any festive printing, instead wearing a Santa hat and riding a dark blue snowboard. This is very disappointing as past minifigures have always included some unique designs and it has been fun to assemble a small collection of festive Star Wars characters over the last few years. BB-8 looks plain by comparison, featuring a standard array of metallic silver and orange panels printed on his spherical body and head.
These designs look marvellous in relation to the movie but unique printing would have been welcome. A traditional red coat with white lining might not have been suitable for BB-8 but I would have loved a snow version of the droid to match R2-D2 from 9509 Star Wars Advent Calendar. Alternatively, the figure could have been printed with Christmas wrapping paper covering the body, perhaps with BB-8's head having emerged from the top! In any case, the hat and snowboard are not what I was hoping for.
Overall - 3.0 - BB-8 is an incredibly popular character so I am certain that many fans will be delighted to add him to their collection today. However, the absence of any exclusive festive printing is disappointing when compared with previous years.
I have not been very impressed by the last couple of gifts but am still happy with this year's LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar. The standard of mini models continues to improve and the minifigure selection has been excellent, offering plenty of army building potential as well as some rare figures. The exclusive Major Brance from day five remains my favourite gift but I have been particularly pleased with the miniature First Order Transporter, Rey's Speeder and the Imperial AT-ST from a few days ago too.
Which gifts have been your favourites and have you been impressed with the Advent Calendar as a whole? Let us know in the comments and have a Merry Christmas!
43 likes
27 comments on this article
BB-8 as a bauble would have been fun.
BB-8 has grown on me during the recent movie.
The Dark Blue snowboard is a great additional snowboard, but not really of any use to BB-8.
Considering the way he moves, no costume would have been correct or cuter than his own pattern.
Minifigs selection was good for me this year. Krennic's shuttle, Rey's speeder and the Ghost are among my favorite mini models. But overall I find this edition better than last, with new ships, imaginative designs for never seen references. Thank you Cap'n for sharing each day surprise with us, and good Christmas celebrations to you all.
So who do we want to see next year? Santa Ren? Santa Phasma? An angelic Rey?
Someone had mentioned that the tray in the SW calendar was made of some sort of white cardboard this year and not the useful black plastic of prior years. I only just noticed as I opened my day 24s that while SW is indeed white cardboard, the City and Friends trays are the standard black plastic. That said, while the white cardboard may not be as durable, it'll probably make it easier to see the pieces in them if using for sorting.
I don't mind the lack of festive printing on BB-8, but they missed a trick by not printing the snowboard with some festive SW design.
Not the worst figure, but not the best. But a solid way to end off an excellent calendar!
^^^ My City calendar had the white insert.
The white paper tray is probably better for the environment.
It would have been a fun addition for earlier in the calendar but doesn't feel equal to Santa Yoda/Vader/Fett etc.
Perhaps a bauble printing or Christmas pudding? But don't know if these would translate worldwide.
I'd score todays as a 2 at best. Very "meh"
In the past, they included a trooper with a Santa hat. But as the final figure? As much as I like BB-8, I’m sorry but this is lame!
Eh, sorry to fans who are not pleased. It's a 5 for me. This is my first BB-8, and one of the reasons why I bought this calendar. I'm grateful to have it and I don't have a dark blue snowboard and I do now. Bought calendar also because TFA and Rogue One are included.
As someone who has done all the previous SW advent calendars, this "Santa" is only 1.0 for me. All they had to do add some holiday-themed printing to BB-8...
I don't have a BB-8 or a dark blue snowboard so from that point of view, it was welcome. From the point of view of looking at all the past day 24s, it's disappointing.
The highlight for me is probably Rey's Speeder. I had completely forgotten about it before I opened it so it was a complete surprise & I think captures the vehicle well.
The Imperial Officer is a close second as I don't have enough non-stormtrooper Imperials
I needed the BB-8 to go with my Rey, but it fails for me as a holiday figure.
I love my Sabine, Imperial Officer and Ground Crew for figures. And I really like the Ghost, the Y-wing, and Rey's Speeder.
Thanks again CapnRex101!!! These reviews and Comments are half the reason I enjoy the Advent Calendars so much!! Keep up the good work sir! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Thumbs up for CapnRex101 for the daily reviews!
Thanks for the very comprehensive calendar reviews and here's for more great articles in the run up to the new year!
But in the words of Comic Book Guy - Worst... SW Door 24... Ever.
Personally I did not care for the Abominable Chewie last year, but just like with this year Im happy when Santa isnt a bad guy. I thought with all the EPVII we were sure to see a Kyloclause. BB-8 joins R2 and 3PO now. Happy Holidays Bricksettlers!
Blehhh! Whilst the BB-8 minifigure itself is good, this is disappointing as the day 24 special. This reminds me of The Simpsons' 'Malibu Stacy's new hat'. "BB-8's popular right? Let's put a 'Santa' hat on him and they will buy that, no need for any festive printing this year." What a wasted opportunity, where is Kylo Claus?
Disappointed in the final figure. I too always look forward to a unique exclusive Xmas fig. to add to my collection. I've loved the ones from the past but this is just ok. Not terrible, fun with the snowboard and Santa cap but it would've been awesome with your suggestion...his head sticking out of his xmas wrapping paper designed body. That's would've been a hoot to have. Or like a snowman type design. I think Lego dropped the ball on this one unless Disney said; keep our icon characters unaltered. Don't mess with the look/brand?
A really bad choice. And I don't like the festive figures at all. But just a plain droid everyone has already? That's a no go. In my opinion it would have been great to get a festive Sabine with phoenix-printing on HER snowboard. Because, be honest, who else should this thing belong to? What should a rolling ball droid do with it??? It's ridiculous.
I opened the door and thought that a festie BB-8 is awesome then i wrapped the plastic open and I was very sad this is in no way near to the quality of all the other christmas figures.
No love for Sabine Wren? Come on, that hair piece ROCKS!
Great models this year. I was amazed by the Y-Wing personally.
The exclusive imperial officer and resistance leader were my biggest favorites. The snowblower was a fun idea. While creative, most of the builds are not meamorable and will be parted. Biggest miss of 2017 was not having a BB-8 with Christmas print (like an ornament) or as a Snowman. Totally wasted opportunity!
I think that a version with red instead of orange would have been perfect. It would have looked like a Christmas version of BB-8 without limiting it's use in a Star Wars setting, where you could use it as another droid of the same make.