An Anatomy of Star Wars Aliens, Part 1
Posted by The_Rancor,
What Lego fan doesn’t love the humble minifigure? Perhaps you like pirate minifigs, knight minings, or prefer Classic Spacemen? Or perhaps like me, ever since setting eyes on a cantina or two you’ve been a sucker for the more unusual, alien minifigures, more specifically from Star Wars.
Having dabbled in unlicensed aliens & UFOs, the introduction of Star Wars opened up a colourful universe of aliens (humanoid or otherwise) for our Lego characters in 1999. Now the theme is over 20 years old we’ve had over 60 non-human alien species, around 3 new on average each year. I wanted to take a look back at how they’ve been introduced, specialised elements and whether they’ve improved over time – which isn’t always an easy answer.
First off and to address the pedantries, I’m going to note what I’m listing as an alien minifigure in SW. I’m including all non-human sentient species in Star Wars which still have identifiable organic features. So for example the B’Omarr Order could be any species, so I’ve ruled them out, whilst cyborgs like Grievous would be ruled in. I’m also not including pets (e.g. Salacious Crumb), wild animals (Wampa) or beasts of burden (Dewback) in this piece but I won’t rule out looking at them later.
Many aliens have returned multiple times since their first introduction, often for the better, sometimes exactly the same, and sometimes for the worse. This article focuses on species first introduced in the years 1999-2004, when many of our classics arrived and also had the most time to change over the years – which I’ve shown in minifigure lineups.
1999
The first year of Star Wars gave us 4 species, all introduced in Episode I – Gungans, Zabraks, Dugs and Xexto. We’re in the early days of custom minifigure moulds, and they were often left unprinted. Use of Sebulba’s initial dark grey one-piece mould was limited with just a leg clip and a base, but it did capture the Dug’s ‘walking arms’ and long facial features.
I felt Lego later improved on this in 2011 with movable walking arms and a detailed print capturing his skin tones, eyes and clothing. Gasgano, like Sebulba, is also our only ever Lego character of his species. The Xexto’s four arms & thin body were represented, albeit using a white Lego laser tool and droid arms that made the lower body look cut off, mostly due to his intended use sitting in his pod.
Gungans were first represented by everyone’s favourite – Jar Jar Binks as a regular minifigure with a dedicated head mould. The amphibious species are known for their eye stalks, bills and haillus (finn-like ears) and the head mould captured them so accurately that it’s never been changed (bar printing) for a number of warriors including Captain Tarpals since – nor should it need to! Zabraks meanwhile started with Maul but have since been represented as 5 other named characters, with Iridonian, Dathomirian, male and female variants.
Zabraks initially had no dedicated moulds, relying on detailed head printing or hoods – but by 2011 two new horned elements were introduced – one with hair used for Iridonians and one without used for tattooed Dathomirians. I’d say these strike the perfect balance between film accuracy and ‘Lego’ aesthetics.
2000
We had two new species this year, though one was Wookiees in the form of Chewbacca! Much like the Gungan heads, the original sandwich board mould for a Wookiee’s tall furry body with an ammunition bandolier has stayed in use since its introduction, taking brief diversions for Wookiee warriors (such as Tarfful) or Chewbacca’s look in Solo. But I expect to most the original is best, which only used printing to pick out the nose and bandolier without multiple fur colours or armour.
We also had a Glymphid this year in the form of Aldar Beedo. The original ‘Aquanaut Battle Droid’ design captured little of the creature’s body, except perhaps long thin arms and legs – probably regarded as one of the worst ever Star Wars minifigures. A single piece tan mould replaced this in 2001 which captured the Glymphid’s long snout and slender body better, but had no grabbing arms.
2001
The only new species to be introduced this year was Toydarians in the form of Watto. The initial unprinted sandwich board mould included wings and a head with a short ‘trunk’ but combined with full length minifigure legs it made the alien look tall with a small head. This was rectified in 2011 when short legs and a new detailed mould with pronounced belly were used, though I’d still like to see another character like King Katuunko.
2002
This year brought us Episode II, and with it 4 more new Lego aliens – Yoda’s species, Tuskens, Clawdites and Ewoks. Perhaps the most prominent was Yoda who was able to use relatively new short legs plus a dedicated head mould for his wrinkled head and long ears. The head’s since been redesigned twice adding more print detail each time, though (like the puppet) the original felt like the best shape, perhaps bettered with discrete printing.
When Tuskens were first introduced under the guise of ‘that trip’ by Anakin in Ep II, they used a very detailed tan head print to capture their head wraps and facial apparatus. A dedicated head mould was introduced in 2015 showing these features in 3D but I’d say it feels oddly oversized in comparison.
The only Clawdite (that we know of!) we’ve had in Lego form is Zam Wessell, from the Coruscant Chase, a scene also only represented once in a set. Outwardly Zam takes the guise of a human bounty hunter, but using an early double-sided head you could see her true bug-eyed form on the other side which was very effective for a changeling.
In our first year of Ewoks we had both Wicket and Paploo in a dedicated unprinted sandwich board with short legs. I thought the mould was overly bulky making the creature’s heads seem too large, but a new one used since 2009 rectified this and allowed a mixture of different Ewok fur and clothing colours – with another mould for shaman-like Ewoks since 2011.
2003
We saw a wider mix of alien species from 2003, with Geonosians, Rodians, Twi’leks, Hutts and Gamorreans all making their first appearance. The first Geonosians had dedicated insect-like head moulds and fabric wings, but they were a dark grey which matched the ‘zombie’ appearance better than their normal look.
Oddly, although the colour felt better, the Clone Wars head introduced in 2011 felt like a step down in shape. I’d say this was redeemed by more exaggerated wings, and a highly detailed Poggle head in 2013 though. The Rodians meanwhile started with Greedo, and like Gungans and Wookiees before them, established a custom mould that has stood the test of time, perfectly representing the pupil-less eyes, antennae and scaly skin. We’ve since had more characters such as Onaconda Farr and Wald introduced too.
Twi’leks are probably most easily identified by their two lekku (head-tails) and the first we saw was Bib Fortuna, also our only male Twi’lek in Lego. He preferred to arrange his lekku sweeping over his shoulder which was captured well in Lego in a dedicated mould from the beginning. We’ve also had a female mould since 2010, printed differently to capture the skin and headgear of each character, such as Aayla Secura and Jabba’s dancer Oola…
…speaking of which, our first Jabba figure was built around an unprinted single piece body in sand green. It captured his massive slug-like form well in the company of minifigures and was raised slightly to fit on surfaces. A new version in 2012 felt more movie-accurate, with a better skin colour and head printing and his iconic orange eyes. We also had a tiny Rotta mould in 2008 but I’d still like to see Ziro.
To complete Jabba’s posse, we also had Gamorreans, whose bulky frame and hog-like appearance was originally captured in sandwich-board form well in sand green. A later olive green mould from 2012 added much more detail, but perhaps took it too far – I’d say slightly too tall and less muscular.
2004
We didn’t see any new aliens, and indeed many new Star Wars minifigures at all in 2004, perhaps due to a combination of limbo before the next main saga film and the Lego Group’s financial troubles over the previous couple of years.
But fortunately Lego soon came back, and so did the aliens…
Which version or mould of a species do you like best? Which of the species I’ve mentioned do you still want to see more characters from? How much do you like sandwich boards? This piece is just my opinion, so I’d like to see what people think in the comments!
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46 comments on this article
Interesting article! My personal favorites are either the Ewoks or the twi’leks. The former are just plain adorable and the latter I like how colorful they can be. But just out of curiosity, would there be any way to add the aliens not pictured in the article? I have both Jabbas I could take photos of if that would help!
We need a new set with Zam Wessell, it's long overdue.
@The_Rancor, I only have a handful of SW minifigures in my display collection but enjoyed your article a great deal nonetheless. Thank you for that!
@PixelTheDragon, I second your suggestion. Unfortunately, with my paucity of SW minifigures, I cannot do anything to help.
@PixelTheDragon In this part for the pics I tried to focus on the minifgs that have had the most variants or change over time, but I’d be happy to make sure I take a few more photos for the next part to aid the descriptions so thanks for the feedback! There are some small gaps in my SW minifig collection, but they’re mostly human minifigures or droids - both Jabbas are facing off against each other in a high-up display case currently ;)
Nice article. I'm a little confused by the Zabrak selections, though, when I see Asajj Ventress among them. She is Dathomirian (formerly Ratattaki), and the Nightbrothers are Dathomirian Zabraks. So, two species co-habitating on Dathomir. I think they are only genetically compatible through Nightsister magick, so I wouldn't count Asajj as a Zabrak even if somehow a Zabrak contributed to her conception. Just look at the other female fig in your lineup, Sugi (?) if you need further confirmation!
Also, I think that Chewbacca's mold is not the same as it was back in 2000. It was upgraded in 2014, I think, and has been that way for Chewbacca ever since. The main differences being the taller, more rounded, head and the positioning of the bandolier across his chest. The Tarfful and "Solo" movie versions are indeed departures, but mainline Chewbacca (or, when printed differently, a standard Wookiee) nowadays is not the same.
Great article piece and I hope to see more of it.
Next big question: which Star Wars set has the most different species?
The first that come to mind are Jabba’s palace and the updated sail barge, each with four
Nice article, but I would have preferred to see pictures of all the species mentioned (e.g. Sebulba's minifig etc.) as I am not too well versed in SW species. It is getting a bit confusing to read as most of your article talks about minifig aliens that have no picture in the article.
Very interesting. I'm sure there's going to be a list of "not released yet" species at the end of these articles, something to hint-hint nudge-nudge LEGO into making. Want a Kaminoan! Plus Wat Tambor (Skakoan) and Darth Plagueis (Muun), please!
And would REALLY love a Legends - based Yuuzhan Vong or Vergere (Fosh), but not holding out hope.
My favorite is still Max Rebo from the 2013 Jabba's Sail Barge set
@Lego_Lord_Mayorca I thought there’d be a mistake in there somewhere re: the Zabraks as Asajj was a fig I added to the photos paying less attention. It is indeed the overlap of ‘Dathomirian Zabrak’ vs ‘Dathomirian Ratattaki’ that’s the issue, and although there is a ‘merging’ so to speak, it’s worth logging them differently.
Not to worry, when we reach 2008, Asajj and the Ratattaki will be back for revenge! Think of it as her sneaking in early with a little Nightsister magic...
Regarding the Chewbacca mould, I honestly had no idea it was different after all these years when I wrote the article. Funny that Lego felt they needed to change it, but it did look a little like Chewbacca had had a lobotomy on the older version with the more pronounced moulding edge. I just thought it was worse quality moulding.
Great start to a great series of articles! Is it me or are some of the species lineups missing photos? I had to search Bricklink to compare what you were describing, so photos of all species would be appreciated.
I really appreciate to have in my collection Ewoks, Rodians, but my favorite are Togrutas, with special mention and love for Ashoka. I love her adult Rebels version (colors, shapes). And I'm quite impatient to get her last rendition to be honest, which will come in August. And a last one also occupies a special place in my daughter's and I hearts : the tiny and cute Rotta from the underated (IMHO) Twilight set.
Thank you for your articles.
Great article, but I think it would benefit of more images, comprising all species mentioned in their LEGO forms...
I still refuse to accept Asajj as any other species, she's forever a Rattataki to me! Perhaps if I'd followed TCW I'd feel differently; but as it is I just kinda can't accept that particular ret-con at all xD
Neat article, thanks! :D Most of these, I've had the early versions of: the original Dug and Xento, Gungans, Zabrak, Wookiees, Yoda's species, Tuskens, Hutt and Gamorean. I kinda fell out of collecting Star Wars around 2008, though, so I've never laid hands on any of the newer moulds. In hindsight, I most regret not having any of the Twi-leks, I think.
I like the newer standard!Chewie variant, and the new Watto, but otherwise I can't help but feel like I prefer the original versions over their more modern counterparts. Could just be nostalgia talking, though!
The only one I for sure like the older version better is the Ewoks; something about the newer design for them just doesn't look quite right to me, and I liked the more textured original version.
Really neat photos, too; it's always cool to see updated versions of characters side-by-side like this ^^
@Bioniclejedi Don’t worry, Asajj is not retconned, but she will feature again as Ratattaki in 2008 ;)
There’s something I like about the ‘minimal printing’ old Chewie mould that’s better than the printed versions for me - perhaps it is partly tied to nostalgia for the first few Lego Star Wars games where many of the newer moulds didn’t exist yet and the avatars & sounds for Chewbacca and Yoda were iconic!
Great article! I wish I had more aliens from Star Wars than I do now
I like this article series, thanks! I definitely feel that the new Tusken raider heads are worse- oversized and I much prefer heads with studs I can attach silly hats to! I'd love to see more alien minifig heads like Space Police's Brick Daddy (sp114) which allow for fun outfitting.
Is it just me or does Wald have a different mould than the other Rodians? He seems to have bumps on his 'nose' where the rest don't?
^ Good spot on Wald’s nose, but can confirm the mould on the Rodians isn’t different. Wald has some additional spotted printing on his nose that the other Rodian heads don’t, which I think adds some great texture. The latest Greedo from 2018 also has more of the ‘glittery eye’ printing than other Rodians.
So... Rodians, AKA Greedo-- by BrickSet standards, he came out in 2004. But BrickLink says 2003, appearing in set 4501. Is that a BrickLink year error? Maybe the release year was 2003 for Xmas, but it was a 2004 set?
The January 2004 Star Wars wave was released in late November 2003 in the United States.
4502-1 appeared in the US Fall 2003 LEGO.com catalog, but 4504-1 wasn't in a catalog until January 2004.
I love the clone wars Yoda molded head, I looks exactly like he does in the show.
@Huw, you should consider including Dianogas on your species list, as they’ve been established as a sentient species in recent books.
@Vladtheb said:
" @Huw, you should consider including Dianogas on your species list, as they’ve been established as a sentient species in recent books."
Good catch, but I think the author (The_Rancor, not Huw) said they were focusing on minifigs.
I don't like big eyed figures. I also didn't like the menacing look on new Maul figures. The original looks better, silent but deadly type.
@iwybs Ahh, ok, that makes sense. I never know when to trust the BrickLink dates!
Great article, Thanks. I'm ready for the next part now please :-)!
@Lego_lord said:
"I don't like big eyed figures. I also didn't like the menacing look on new Maul figures. The original looks better, silent but deadly type."
He who smelled lt, dealt it!
@davee123 said:
"So... Rodians, AKA Greedo-- by BrickSet standards, he came out in 2004. But BrickLink says 2003, appearing in set 4501. Is that a BrickLink year error? Maybe the release year was 2003 for Xmas, but it was a 2004 set?"
Definitely 2004 because it has new greys in it.
As a non-expert on Star Wars I am able to identify Wookies, Gungans, and Ewoks.
But I am completely lost on the other ones mentioned above.
Is there any chance to add their names to the pictures?
LEGO has not released any new Star Wars species during 2020, thus far. Hopefully the direct-to-consumer set for the second half of this year may yield something new, otherwise LEGO's twenty-year record of introducing new species as minifigures will end!
@CapnRex101 said:
"LEGO has not released any new Star Wars species during 2020, thus far. Hopefully the direct-to-consumer set for the second half of this year may yield something new, otherwise LEGO's twenty-year record of introducing new species as minifigures will end!"
Indeed, that was partially the seed of the idea for this article - don’t let our new Lego species die! (Well, we have had a brick built Bantha for the first time in 2020 but that’s probably the only new alien species at all, no minifigs)
Wait, there are aliens in Star Wars?
Ool feature, thanks
Long time reader, first comment ever:
I love it! Please do another one, it's like a trip down memory lane.
One small correction: The 2003 Geonosian wings were plastic, if I recall correctly, not fabric.
Otherwise this was a great article. I didn't realize Yoda's Species was released as late as 2002, I felt like I always had a Yoda figure. The sandwich board method feels like a good way to make aliens, since they are not the same as humans.
As is the case with Chewbacca, The Gungan head mold did, in fact, change when they switched to printed designs. The most obvious change is that the eyes no longer have a pit to represent the pupil, since paint takes care of that. The mouth also sits higher.
@FlyerBeast:
I got caught by that one, too, but the forehead ridge, the ears, and the antennae...things all seemed to match up to perfectly to be a new mold. Then I spotted what appears to be a chip in the paint deco (center, just a bit above the mouth, there's a patch that's a darker shade of green than anything immediately adjacent).
@rustenrat:
One or two. Well, unless they're all secretly just humans in foam latex costumes...
Is it known whether the Knights of Ren are all human?
The wookies, ewoks, rodians, gungans, trandoshans, the bith (so cool), the ackbarians (don’t know the name of the species) i love sw aliens!
The best part of SW are the aliens and the spaceships and the stormtroopers. Yay!
@560heliport said:
"Is it known whether the Knights of Ren are all human? "
That’s an interesting one - I think like certain other characters it’s not established in a clear way and they’re just classified as ‘humanoid’. The Kessel Mine Worker or Unkars Thugs/Brute are similarly mysterious.
I don't think they've ever gotten Yoda or Chewbacca quite right. Their original molds look pretty good to me, but they need color updates and printing. The newer Yodas look lifeless and the newer Chewies look goofy.
I hope E.T. gets an honorable mention for his cameo in the Prequel Trilogy
My favorite character is Zam Wessell or clawdite which sadly is the only one of it's kind. It coincides with my favorite set, the Bounty Hunter Pursuit. I like it due to its unique color scheme and the manner in which it is depicted in the movie.
I love comparisons like this showing how things have changed over the years.
Wow, thanks for writing this. I’m surprised that I’m only missing 2 types of aliens from these earlier years. Glymphids, which are hideous minifigures, and Hutts, which are just way too expensive. I’m not terribly surprised however as I did pick up 5 sets from the first decade of Star Wars at a garage sale, only to find the boxes contained 32 sets!
I really enjoy collecting the aliens, however I only consider them to be aliens if they have a unique head mold or sandwich board. So as far I’m concerned the early sandpeople aren’t aliens, but the later ones are. Of course this becomes problematic with Darth Maul since he can either have a good or horns.
My favorite aliens aside from Ewoks (I loved Battle for Endor as a kid) both come in a single set, 8098 Clone Turbo Tank, which includes Ahsoka (Togruta) and Aayla Secura (Twilek).
As for 2020 having no new aliens, it’s kind of surprising given Rise of Skywalker introducing quite a few new ones, however only Babu Frik played a significant role in the movie and he would come with a very interesting version of C-3PO that would also be fun to have. But we are getting Baby Yoda so that ought to count for something. I believe it will be only the second baby minifigure in Star Wars history.
One of my favourite Star Wars aliens is Luke Skywalker.
@The_Rancor said:
" @PixelTheDragon In this part for the pics I tried to focus on the minifgs that have had the most variants or change over time, but I’d be happy to make sure I take a few more photos for the next part to aid the descriptions so thanks for the feedback! There are some small gaps in my SW minifig collection, but they’re mostly human minifigures or droids - both Jabbas are facing off against each other in a high-up display case currently ;)"
Add me to the chorus: labeled pictures of every minifig mentioned seem like a must for an article like this. I haven’t a clue who 2/3 of these are by Species name, Though some of those I can figure out by character name.