Star Wars Advent Calendar: Day 23
Posted by CapnRex101,
The festive Moisture Vaporator which emerged yesterday appeared to divide opinion so I hope that the latest item will be more popular as we near the conclusion of this Advent Calendar.
Let's open the door and find out...
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendars represent an opportunity for the designers to include a minifigure who would be unlikely to appear in another set, such as U-3PO from 75146 or Major Brance in 75184. Antoc Merrick is therefore a perfect addition to this set. The leader of Blue Squadron first appeared in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and occupied a fairly prominent role. However, it seems quite unlikely that LEGO would produce a Blue Squadron X-wing so I am delighted to see the character here!
The minifigure's dark blue uniform has appeared on a couple of other Blue Squadron pilots but it looks superb and the legs are similarly detailed. His double-sided head is decorated with two different smiles and a dark tan moustache which looks brilliant. In addition, the dark tan hair piece has not appeared in this colour before and it compares very favourably with the source material. Merrick is equipped with a black blaster pistol.
Overall - 5.0 - Exclusive minifigures are always a highlight of the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar and this example is marvellous. He lacks a helmet at the moment but I get the feeling that might be coming soon!
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14 comments on this article
I think everyone knows what tomorrow is but I won’t say it in case of spoiling it for someone who doesn’t know but it should be obvious by looking at the front of the box.
^ I believe that it is something Star Wars related.
I might be wrong...
I believe that was U-3PO in 75416. Though to be fair, I imagine the LEGO version of both droids would look very similar if not outright identical.
I don’t have a huge draw to the character. It’s a nice minifig though! Hopefully tomorrow’s build as a useful element for this fig, yeah??
On a separate note... I think I’d buy a Lego Batman (Movie) Advent!
Love the figure!
About time, this calendar offered an exclusive, like we’ve come to expect...
I am a naughty boy, having built them all, way back in October. Knowing what the future holds, I’m disappointed that I have to share something with a certain snow person and that we’ve not seen a true ‘holiday’ exclusive print, since White Chewie.
It’s figures like Darth Santa, Jango Santa, Yoda Santa, Frosty R2, Christmas Tree Astromech, etc, etc... that drew me to the Advent theme. Lost opportunity to have not had BB-8 as a red or green ornament, given his profile, last year.
I hope they return to these types of holiday print exclusives (more than 1) in 2019. Actually, I’m still waiting for the 1979 Holiday Special Advent Calendar Tribute... imagine that Special’s Annimated Version of Boba, a Lumpy and more...
Or, how about Santa versions of Hoth Han, Luke or Leia. Such a natural fit...
Oh well, for those who celebrate, as my family does, Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night!
Perfect minifigure, my personal highlight from the calendar and my favorite gift!
Been looking forward to this one.
A Lego Batman Movie advent? Sign me up for that one!!
Literally got the advent calendar just for this guy.
This was the reason I wanted the calendar (well, also a bit from tomorrow's). Still couldn't justify just grabbing it for that even when it dropped to £11
I must admit that I cheated and pulled him out early. But I had a good excuse. I needed him for my Mike Psiaki X-wing done as Blue 1 from Rogue 1. Had it on display at a fund raiser brick show in early December.
I cannot fault any of the minifigs in this Advent calendar. Special thanks to Brickset for informing me who is today's minifigure.
This year’s SW advent calendar is the only one I haven’t got. I’ve read all reviews and comments for this year’s and I honestly don’t understand myself for not having bought it?! That will change first thing tomorrow!
I actually really like the 2018 calendar (except for the weapons rack...) and today’s surprise is surely one of the highlights of it!
Thanks for the detailed reviews, always a pleasure to read!
@ronvining I was planning on posting something like this tommorow so thank you for taking the time to do my job for me!
I have the exact same thoughts as you! The BB-8 last year was a huge let down and for some reason the trend has continued into 2018. It really needs to return because at the moment these calendars are just a collection of rare figures which could be opened any time of year.
This particular calendar has been absolutely awesome but will always have something missing. I think they should have not included that freemaker adventures ship and replaced it with a festive figure which would occupy day 24.
The ones that I always like to use as examples are Santa Kylo Ren and Christmas Tree General Grievous.