One Of Our Favorite Sets Is Getting A Rebuild…But What Does This Mean For LEGO® Investors?
As the highly anticipated premiere of the live-action series, “Ahsoka,” draws near, Lucasfilm has given us another treat to look forward to: an official release date! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 23, 2023, and prepare to tune in exclusively on Disney+ to catch the maiden episode. Then, keep your Wednesdays free as subsequent episodes will be following on a weekly basis.
In conjunction with this announcement, LEGO® is set to wow fans with a brand-new set straight from the Ahsoka universe. The LEGO® Star Wars: Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II 75357 playset is here to let you recreate your favorite Star Wars scenes and narratives right at home. This isn’t just any regular LEGO® set; it’s a buildable toy playset, offering a meticulously detailed model of the Ghost and Phantom II starships (which happens to be a LEGO® fan-favorite).
What New Or Existing Minifigures Will Be In LEGO® Star Wars: Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II 75357?
It features four LEGO® Star Wars minifigures, including General Hera Syndulla and Lt. Beyta, each equipped with a blaster pistol. Joining them are Jacen Syndulla and First Officer Hawkins, along with a LEGO® droid figure, Chopper (C1-10P), to complete your starship crew.
What Is Star Wars LEGO®: The Ghost Like In Set 75357?
The Ghost, the main starship, is a sight to behold with its 2 lever-activated spring-loaded shooters, a dual LEGO® minifigure cockpit that has a removable front for easy play, two opening hatches, and a detachable turret with space for a LEGO® minifigure. It’s designed to provide hours of imaginative play and exploration for Star Wars enthusiasts.
What Is the Second Iteration Of The Phantom Like In LEGO® Set 75357?
The Phantom, a versatile shuttle, is no less impressive. It’s equipped with an opening LEGO® minifigure cockpit, a storage compartment for all your space gear, and it can even connect to the Ghost, increasing the scope of your cosmic adventures.
What Is the Piece Count Of Set 75357?
LEGO® has designed this set to cater to a broad demographic of Star Wars fans. With its 1,394 pieces, it’s the perfect gift for any fan. It’s not just a toy, but an exciting build-and-play experience that can serve as a wonderful birthday present, holiday gift, or a special treat to Star Wars enthusiasts of all ages.
What Are The New Dimensions For The Ahsoka Ghost & Phantom II 75357?
But the fun doesn’t stop there. The Ghost starship measures over 4.5 in. (12 cm) high, 13.5 in. (34 cm) long, and 10.5 in. (26 cm) wide, making it a sizable centerpiece for your LEGO® Star Wars collection.
A Tech-Oriented Build Process
LEGO® is also bringing an innovative approach to the building process. The LEGO® Builder app offers intuitive instructions, allowing you to zoom in and rotate a 3D digital version of the real-life construction models as you build. This tool lets you track your progress, save sets, and makes it easier to assemble your starships, ensuring an enjoyable and smooth building experience.
What are the similarities and differences with the discontinued 75053 Ghost I and 75048 Phantom I sets to set 75357?
Key Similarities Between Sets 75053, 75048,75357:
Star Wars Themed: All sets belong to the Star Wars universe, recreating vehicles and characters from the franchise.
Starship Features: Both Ghost versions include unique starship features like spring-loaded shooters and detachable components, including the Phantom starship. The Phantom I and II also share these attributes, although with design and feature variations.
Minifigures: Both versions of the Ghost and Phantom sets come with minifigures, each equipped with weaponry. Hera Syndulla features in both Ghost I and II, while Chopper (C1-10P) appears in Phantom I and Ghost II sets.
Build and Play: The LEGO® philosophy of ‘build and play’ is evident across both versions of the Ghost and Phantom, offering not only a construction project but also a toy for imaginative play.
Key Differences Sets 75053, 75048,75357:
Set Design: The most noticeable difference is the design alterations between the two versions. Ghost II has a dual LEGO® minifigure cockpit with a removable front, two opening hatches, and a detachable turret. While Ghost I includes a cargo hatch, container holding a Holocron, and detachable escape pods. Phantom II primarily features a storage compartment, while Phantom I has fold-out wings, two-way spring-loaded shooter, and a rear cargo compartment.
Character Inclusions: Ghost I and Phantom I are based on the “Star Wars: Rebels” series and include characters like Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios, and Ezra Bridger. In contrast, Ghost II and Phantom II, inspired by the “Ahsoka” series, feature characters like Lt. Beyta, Jacen Syndulla, and First Officer Hawkins.
Piece Count: Ghost II, part of the 75357 set, contains 1,394 pieces, making it a larger and more complex build than its predecessor.
Instructions: The newer 75357 set incorporates the LEGO® Builder app, offering 3D digital instructions, a feature not included with the Ghost I and Phantom I sets.
How Will this Affect LEGO® Investments Into Older Ghost And Phantom Set Iterations?
I Will Give You All The Info And Let You Decide!
Scarcity and Demand: As LEGO® has discontinued the Ghost I and Phantom I sets, their scarcity may increase, particularly for collectors seeking to complete their Star Wars collection. Increased demand can drive up investment prices.
Unique Features and Characters: The unique features and characters in the Ghost I and Phantom I that do not appear in the newer sets might attract collectors interested in those particular attributes. This uniqueness could potentially increase their value.
Nostalgia and Sentiment: Older sets often carry nostalgia and sentimental value, especially those related to the beloved Star Wars: Rebels series. Such nostalgia might make these sets more desirable and therefore increase their value.
Condition: Sets that are still in their original packaging and in excellent condition are likely to be more valuable than those that have been opened or played with.
However, there could be factors that might not increase or even decrease the value:
Innovation and Design: The Ghost II and Phantom II set 75357, with their improved design, more pieces, and use of the LEGO® Builder app, could overshadow the older models in terms of popularity, potentially reducing demand for the older sets.
Character Appeal: The new Ahsoka-themed sets might attract more attention due to the hype around the new show. If the new characters become fan favorites, they could decrease interest in the older sets.
All-in-all…I am preordering this set!