Review: 75390 Luke Skywalker X-wing Mech
Posted by CapnRex101,
A trio of Star Wars mechs arrived last year and drew a mixed reception. 75369 Boba Fett Mech was broadly well received and includes a highly desirable minifigure, but the other mechs seem lacking in personality, borrowing only superficial features from their drivers.
75390 Luke Skywalker X-wing Mech appears far more interesting in that respect, translating the famous features of an X-wing Starfighter into mech form! The combination appears effective and the Luke Skywalker minifigure is welcome, rarely appearing in such small sets.
Summary
75390 Luke Skywalker X-wing Mech , 195 pieces.
£12.99 / $15.99 / €15.99 | 6.7p/8.2c/8.2c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
75390 Luke Skywalker Mech provides fantastic play value and its design is creative
- Clever translation of the X-wing to a mech
- Distinctive among Star Wars mechs
- Appealing minifigure, especially for children
- Wrist articulation was needed
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Luke Skywalker has appeared many times before wearing his classic X-wing pilot fatigues, although this particular minifigure is only available in two other sets. Furthermore, his earlier appearances have been limited to larger and more expensive sets, so I am glad this essential version of the character is now more readily available.
The minifigure is highly detailed too. The life support pack and connected hose look excellent, with the hose even continuing across the hips, alongside an intricate belt design. Similarly, the flares around Luke's leg are accurate to the movie, as is his relatively simple helmet, decorated with Rebel Alliance symbols. The chinstrap on his alternative face is partly visible from behind, but this element is otherwise superb.
I like the double-sided head as well, showing the visor down on one side and retracted on the other. Admittedly, the minifigure from 75355 X-wing Starfighter is even better, featuring printed arms and dual-moulded legs, although I think this version suffices in a small set. As usual, Luke comes armed with his blue lightsaber and a blaster pistol.
The Completed Model
The previous Star Wars mechs were constructed around a 4x7x1 body element, defining their size and proportions. This addition to the range is the same and measures 13cm in height, but its silhouette is distinctive, thanks to the S-foils attached to the back. Also, the colour scheme of white with dark red and bright light yellow accents looks excellent, matching normal X-wings.
As well as the aforementioned body piece, these mechs include specialised limb elements, so they lack elbow, knee or wrist articulation. Poses are therefore limited, especially for lightsaber users. Working around the absence of functioning knees or elbows is fairly easy, but articulated wrists are essential for dynamic lightsaber duelling poses.
Luke looks perfect in the cockpit, standing out in his orange attire. I love the contrast between the minifigure and the mech, although the open sides are not ideal. However, the shape of the chest armour is effective and reminiscent of the X-wing starfighter's angular features. Based on the recent video produced for LEGO Star Wars' 25th anniversary, it looks as though this chest armour piece may actually appear on the next minifigure-scale X-wing!
The printed 2x2 round tile mounted on the chest recalls elements featured in the Action Battle series, although the Rebel Alliance symbol was blue in those sets. The cockpit opens to reach Luke Skywalker, who stands on a 1x2 foot plate inside. I wish the minifigures driving the mechs were fitted more securely because they tend to wobble on these foot plates.
Clips are available for Luke's minifigure-scale accessories on the hips, while the mech is also armed with a lightsaber and a blaster. I think the shape of the stud shooter makes it difficult to integrate with weapons like this, so the blaster looks awkward. The lightsaber is superb though, re-using the blade element introduced with 75368 Darth Vader Mech, albeit in trans-light blue.
A third clip for storage is found on the mech's back and this is probably the best place for the lightsaber, so it does not interfere with the leg motion. The S-foils are attached with ball joints, which makes them tricky to spread evenly, although the extra movement is useful to move the wings out of the way, depending on how the arms are positioned.
The trans-pink 1x1 round plates representing the engines look good, much like the bright light yellow and sand blue highlights on the legs. These accent colours have appeared on previous X-wing models and I am pleased to see them here, beneath a pair of dark red 1x2 grille slopes, which are only otherwise found in 76223 Nano Gauntlet.
Overall
Although I still find the concept of Star Wars mechs unoriginal, 75390 Luke Skywalker X-wing Mech provides a little more creativity than its predecessors. The iconic features of the X-wing are immediately recognisable on the mech, avoiding the bland designs of 75368 Darth Vader Mech and 75370 Stormtrooper Mech from last year.
The articulation is underwhelming though, particularly since moveable wrists are important for lightsaber wielders. Otherwise, I am quite satisfied with the set. The price of £12.99, $15.99 or €15.99 feels fair and this is a perfect opportunity for children to collect a popular version of Luke Skywalker in a relatively affordable set.
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56 comments on this article
This set is just plain stupid fun. And it's amazing and unique for that. 5 year old me would've had so much fun with a X WING MECH!! I mean that's just plain crazy and cool
In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept.
Make it a Mona Lisa mech and you're talking...
So great. I really want a Leia mech and a chewy mech and a YODA mech. Now please! No Han mech. I am good for him.
Um...Where's R2?...Seriously, if this is supposed to an "X-Wing" (albeit 'transformed'), it should have R2's dome behind Luke's head...also, I think the wings should be a little longer, as the arms really obstruct the laser-cannons.
It's such a dumb concept... I love it!
I feel like this would be very easy to mod into a small general grievous figure... I might have to get this just for that reason lol
Lego goofiness at it's finest
I’m not sure which of the many iterations of Rebel pilot minifigure designs (different prints for the torsos and legs) is/are my favorite, but having collected LSW to the best of my cash-strapped ability for over two decades now, I do have multiples of different designs, But if I had just a handful from across the years, and I decided I wanted this latest Luke design as the basis of my Rebel flight forces, I’d be tempted to pick up multiples of this one set, and swap out the heads and helmets for ones from other sets to have matching Luke, Wedge, Biggs, Hobbie, Dak, etc., while parting out the mechs to use in any number of things (love those printed emblems!).
As a set in and of itself, it’s a fun and funky little build that embraces the sense of fun at the heart of the franchise. I kind of want to use it as inspiration and a partial parts source for a larger, Transformers-esque full X-wing build that can transform between a mech and a “regular” X-Wing (which itself could also transition between the closed S-foils and open “X” configurations).
So silly and stupid. Good to be reminded that this is a toy, afterall.
"This is highly sophisticated, interlocking brick modeling system."
"But, it says, ages 8 and up on the box."
"They have to put that there."
The concept has some room for improvement, but I do like this set.
Looks childish and somewhat silly with Luke inside because of his face. Boba's mech is still the best, with the clone's one being second. I wouldn't buy this one as well as Veider's one.
@sjr60 said:
"Make it a Mona Lisa mech and you're talking..."
Oh no… you’ve unleashed a horrible evil. Now someone is sure to do it.
Smash-cut to a 3ft Mona Lisa mech featured on Brothers Brick.
Would be cool if it could also transform into an X-Wing. Like a robot... in disguise!
@kingalbino said:
"In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept. "
They are made for little kids. They are very popular among them It seems.
@kingalbino said:
"In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept. "
I get where you're coming from, and I personally have mixed feelings on these. On the one hand, they're incredibly detailed and make fun use of character color schemes. But on the other, they're kind of overpriced and make absolutely zero sense within the Star Wars universe (well, except maybe 75370, which is a vehicle I can see the Empire mass-producing to strengthen their troopers)
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Would be cool if it could also transform into an X-Wing. Like a robot... in disguise!"
Point all its limbs forward and squint.
A Star Wars fan bemoaning the lack of wrist articulation ................. no I mustn't :-)
@sjr60 said:
"A Star Wars fan bemoaning the lack of wrist articulation ................. no I mustn't :-)"
A Star Wars hater bemoaning anything Star Wars.....no I mustn't :o)
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @kingalbino said:
"In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept. "
I get where you're coming from, and I personally have mixed feelings on these. On the one hand, they're incredibly detailed and make fun use of character color schemes. But on the other, they're kind of overpriced and make absolutely zero sense within the Star Wars universe (well, except maybe 75370, which is a vehicle I can see the Empire mass-producing to strengthen their troopers)"
If these bother you, I'm going to need you to look away in a couple of months...
I own the 3 mechs and not only they include excellent figures (Boba and Vader with arm printing), they look better um person than in pictures. I agree, there's room for improvement like the lack of articulation on the hand but they're cheap, decent and look good together. I expect Han, Chewie or Yoda in the future. This Luke is on my wishlist to be put against Vader mech.
Wait. What? This is such a weird non-canon thing.
...
...
...
...
...
...I'm gonna buy it.
It does look cool and I wholeheartedly agree that the X-wing aspects are well represented in the mech (unlike the Vader and Stormtrooper ones), but part of me wonders what could they do at this price point that feels like an actual Star Wars set relative to the movies (and associated properties). For many years it seems like this tier of set is solely for Microfighters / Weird mech things. Do the designers struggle to find something that can be produced to the fidelity expected of modern design and is still a viable set? I assume most vehicles are out, even the Landspeeder in today's style wouldn't command ~ 190 parts and a minifig. Maybe the STAP hoverbike the droids ride in Episode I?
These sort of sets feel both creative and yet creatively bankrupt at the same time. I am sure there is more to be done with the setting than this.
It reminds me of those strange Star Wars Transformers Hasbro made in in the late 2000s, only a LOT better engineered.
This makes me wish the Darth Vader mech had one of the TIE wings as a shield for the figure. Like that old Transformers figure. It would work very well with the saber dueling. Suppose I'll just hope for a TIE Pilot version in the meantime.
Putting the weirdness of a Star Wars mech aside, I really hate how Luke's shoulders poke out of the cockpit. He should've either been fully inside it standing up, or been seated. This is literally the worst-looking option possible and it just makes him look like he's wedged into a tight space.
@yellowcastle said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @kingalbino said:
"In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept. "
I get where you're coming from, and I personally have mixed feelings on these. On the one hand, they're incredibly detailed and make fun use of character color schemes. But on the other, they're kind of overpriced and make absolutely zero sense within the Star Wars universe (well, except maybe 75370, which is a vehicle I can see the Empire mass-producing to strengthen their troopers)"
If these bother you, I'm going to need you to look away in a couple of months..."
Wait, what's coming up? Lord of the Rings mechs?
@Graysmith said:
"Putting the weirdness of a Star Wars mech aside, I really hate how Luke's shoulders poke out of the cockpit. He should've either been fully inside it standing up, or been seated. This is literally the worst-looking option possible and it just makes him look like he's wedged into a tight space."
Somehow, the exposed shoulders make it look more “realistic” to me. I’m not sure why.
I love it! Make more, Lego! Especially a Yoda Mech! I already have around 20 of the Stormtrooper ones :)
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @Graysmith said:
"Putting the weirdness of a Star Wars mech aside, I really hate how Luke's shoulders poke out of the cockpit. He should've either been fully inside it standing up, or been seated. This is literally the worst-looking option possible and it just makes him look like he's wedged into a tight space."
Somehow, the exposed shoulders make it look more “realistic” to me. I’m not sure why."
I don't know, I was getting a paralyzed Captain Pike (STTOS) feel from his positioning.
@B_Space_Man said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Make it a Mona Lisa mech and you're talking..."
Oh no… you’ve unleashed a horrible evil. Now someone is sure to do it.
Smash-cut to a 3ft Mona Lisa mech featured on Brothers Brick. "
Are you two talking about the "painting" or the TMNT version of Mona Lisa?
@kingalbino said:
"In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept. "
If they don’t appeal to you, I suggest you look at all of the other Lego sets you might be interested in and just… ignore these.
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @kingalbino said:
"In all honesty I don't like this line of mechs. They feel forced (pardon the pun), almost shoe horned in to squeeze a few more pennies out of the fans. I wouldn't mind but these aren't even a Star Wars concept. "
I get where you're coming from, and I personally have mixed feelings on these. On the one hand, they're incredibly detailed and make fun use of character color schemes. But on the other, they're kind of overpriced and make absolutely zero sense within the Star Wars universe (well, except maybe 75370, which is a vehicle I can see the Empire mass-producing to strengthen their troopers)"
Technically it's already in Star Wars as Zero-G assault stormtrooper is kind of similar to that Stormtrooper mech.
Half this comment section: This is non-canon and stupid.
The other half: This is non-canon and awesome!
@shedjed said:
"So great. I really want a Leia mech and a chewy mech and a YODA mech. Now please! No Han mech. I am good for him. "
How about a B1 battle droid mech or a General Grievous mech?
I can't believe they made this instead of Classic Space or Castle -- two things they haven't touched in decades.
;)
I really wanted to hate this.... but it's a lot of fun, isn't it?
@Faust said:
"Looks childish and somewhat silly with Luke inside because of his face. Boba's mech is still the best, with the clone's one being second. I wouldn't buy this one as well as Veider's one."
Surely you mean 75370 Stormtrooper Mech? That one is not a clone lmao
I would love to see a TIE Pilot mech in this style! Maybe with https://brickset.com/parts/6252956/round-plate-%C3%B832x6-4-tr-j-f on the front of the chest?
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
"I would love to see a TIE Pilot mech in this style! Maybe with https://brickset.com/parts/6252956/round-plate-%C3%B832x6-4-tr-j-f on the front of the chest?"
Too big; use https://brickset.com/parts/4657615/parabol-element-%C3%B816-tie-nr-1
Friends mechs, next?
@Modeltrainman said:
"Friends mechs, next?"
Like I've said before, Olivia is the obvious choice.
@Modeltrainman said:
"Friends mechs, next?"
Nah, Harry Potter would be much better. Or maybe Minions?
i would sue but i think they have me beat on stability testing alone
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUnBbpLlL0r/?img_index=1
@Torrent_Studios said:
" @Faust said:
"Looks childish and somewhat silly with Luke inside because of his face. Boba's mech is still the best, with the clone's one being second. I wouldn't buy this one as well as Veider's one."
Surely you mean 75370 Stormtrooper Mech? That one is not a clone lmao"
Yes, this one. All clones for me, and the word is shorter.
Well I think this is brilliant, and a lot of fun.
The Boba Fett one is great too.
@theJANG: Before I start, really like your videos.
That said, I think/feel that TLG is use the 'mech-thing' with only licensed I.P.s, which lends to jokes like 'when are the L.o.t.R. mechs coming'.
But I do see your point: A SPACE (sorry, that's how they write it on the boxes :))...although, I do still have my Exo-Suit (21109 of course) and TLG put out 60428: Space Construction Mech (which I.I.R.C. you reviewed, and I'm debating in my head). For Castle, I'd rather see TLG make the mechs more like statues, 'mythology' rather than 'technology' as it were; and I'm kinda' holding out that TLG uses that idea for a Wonder Woman mech (though, not holding my breath)...but thanks again for the 'food for though':)
@Agent_Brick_007 said:
" @Modeltrainman said:
"Friends mechs, next?"
Nah, Harry Potter would be much better. Or maybe Minions?"
30387.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Agent_Brick_007 said:
" @Modeltrainman said:
"Friends mechs, next?"
Nah, Harry Potter would be much better. Or maybe Minions?"
30387 ."
Then Harry Potter is the obvious choice. Maybe Patronus Mechs?
@brick_r said:
" @theJANG: Before I start, really like your videos.
That said, I think/feel that TLG is use the 'mech-thing' with only licensed I.P.s, which lends to jokes like 'when are the L.o.t.R. mechs coming'.
But I do see your point: A SPACE (sorry, that's how they write it on the boxes :))...although, I do still have my Exo-Suit (21109 of course) and TLG put out 60428: Space Construction Mech (which I.I.R.C. you reviewed, and I'm debating in my head). For Castle, I'd rather see TLG make the mechs more like statues, 'mythology' rather than 'technology' as it were; and I'm kinda' holding out that TLG uses that idea for a Wonder Woman mech (though, not holding my breath)...but thanks again for the 'food for though':)"
Who ordered the yappacino?
@Faust said:
"Looks childish and somewhat silly with Luke inside because of his face. Boba's mech is still the best, with the clone's one being second. I wouldn't buy this one as well as Veider's one."
Totally looks childish.....
I wonder why?
Oh wait.
Dude that is awesome, Totally got a new follower out of me.
I know it's a pain. But do you sell instructions for these?
I'm gonna message you on instagram hopefully you do, if not amazing work either way.
@TJDeets16 said:
"Dude that is awesome, Totally got a new follower out of me.
I know it's a pain. But do you sell instructions for these?
I'm gonna message you on instagram hopefully you do, if not amazing work either way."
Dude, this is not a private message board. But thanks, I take cashpants and walletzing.
This is so daft it's amusing.
@theJANG said:
"I can't believe they made this instead of Classic Space or Castle -- two things they haven't touched in decades."
Classic Castle and Space mechs!
@Fandabidozi said:
" @theJANG said:
"I can't believe they made this instead of Classic Space or Castle -- two things they haven't touched in decades."
Classic Castle and Space mechs!"
Well, we have 21109 for Space, at least.
@Andrusi said:
" @ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Would be cool if it could also transform into an X-Wing. Like a robot... in disguise!"
Point all its limbs forward and squint."
That only works if you do the sound effects, too.