Quick regard of UCS fig in small set blah blah blah

Millions of scalpers and those buying that UCS Venator only for the minifig cried out as Rex has been placed in this small Microfighter set. But many probably already heard the idiotic rants from both sides about that, and this is just a review of the set itself.

All I'll say is that I don't feel sorry for the scalpers and those who got the UCS only for Rex. UCS does have a long shelf life, and those who just wanted to Rex, should've waited in case something like this happens. I'm glad that we got Rex in such a cheap set, and I hope we see the same for Wullf Yularen and the named clones.

Anyway, with that over, on with the set.

The Y-Wing

There is not too much to say about the Microfighter, aside from that this is the 3rd version of it, with the last two being the Sequel in 2020, and the original trilogy in 2017. As this is the prequel version, the backside isn't designed to have an exposed engine, but instead, more clean like the front.

The shooters it has aren't flick fire at the back, but stud shooters on the side, which makes the design much better for not being in the way.

It's a nice and clean design, while feeling different from the previous two versions.

Captain Rex

We've been given a highly updated version of this phase since 2013, having more printing for arms and legs, with the new version of the phase 2 helmet giving him his Rangefinder. However, there are downsides, such as the cartoonishly large ammo pack and pauldron, which is strange as the Pauldron Fives had were much smaller.

There's also the known kama print over cloth. The only other alternative would raise the price more by giving side printing to all characters with kama.

Despite those problems, it's still a good figure and I hope if they do another update in the future, they'll improve on these flaws.

Overall

It's a very nice Microfighter, despite the only reason of getting this is Captain Rex, which is good that everyone is able to get their hands on him. I do hope that we get a proper version of the 501st Y-Wing, maybe get Hawk in minifig form.

This is certainly recommended for any Clone Wars & 501st fan, especially who knows when we'll see Rex in a set this small again.

Captain Rex is just one of those figures, y’know? He had crazy aftermarket prices, and it took Lego an absurdly long time to properly capitalize on his popularity. At one point, it just seemed like getting a reasonably accessible Rex was a pipe dream. So imagine the hype when this set was rumored and eventually revealed.

The Build

Rex’s Y-Wing: This sure is a chibi representation of Rex’s Y-Wing… It’s fine. I really don’t have much to say about it. There’s stud shooters, a printed control panel and I like the translucent pink dishes to represent the exhaust. It’s perfectly adequate as a micro fighter, and it gets the job done, but I hope we see a proper version of this ship as a set one day.

The Minifig

Captain Rex: Now I don’t know about you, but that Y-Wing was sick as heck. I don’t really see any other reason why this set is a big deal. In all seriousness though, I am ecstatic to finally have a Rex in my collection. The printing is stellar, and you can really tell how far Lego has come since the last phase 2 Rex from 2013. The arm prints and the much-needed addition of the rangefinder are excellent improvements over its predecessor. What isn’t an improvement though, is the printed waist cape. I’m not one to irrationally complain about things like helmet holes, but I do miss cloth kamas. The pauldron, although comically oversized, is nice. The face print features a suitably stern expression with a band-aid on his forehead, showing that he had his inhibitor chip recently removed. Lastly, he comes equipped with his twin blaster pistols. Overall, it’s not a perfect figure, but it remains excellently detailed and satisfying. I’m glad arm printing is becoming more common on Star Wars figs, and it’s great to see Rex get that treatment.

Value for Money

This is my biggest point of criticism of this set. Riddle me this Lego, why has a Microfighter containing one of the most sought out characters received a 3 USD increase from the standard microfighter price? Of course, Lego just figured they could squeeze a few extra bucks and charge that “Captain Rex Tax”. Although ultimately, who cares? A Rex that doesn’t cost a bajillion dollars is a win.

Overall Opinion

I don’t care much about the controversy surrounding this set myself. All I know is that I and an undeniably large number of fans rejoiced at the very existence of this set. Rex is a fan favourite character in one of Star Wars’ most beloved and acclaimed shows, and the fact that he’s no longer heavily paywalled and any fan young or old is able to acquire him is something to celebrate. The set as a whole is nice. The build is cute and passable and the figure is excellent. Basically, I have the same thoughts about it as the Boba Fett Microfighter from a purely objective standpoint. But of course, this one is substantially more significant, and it holds a special place in my heart and collection. It’s a no-brainer if you’re seeking out the iconic clone captain to add to your collection.