Review: LEGO Star Wars 75304 Darth Vader Helmet

Today we are interested in the content of the LEGO Star Wars set 75304 Darth Vader Helmet, a box that allows, as the title suggests, to assemble a LEGO interpretation of the most famous helmet in the galaxy.

Since the official visuals of this product became available, opinions are rather divided about this exhibition model. Some see it only as an approximate reproduction with too visible studs where others consider that the product should mark its difference and its belonging to the LEGO universe thanks in particular to these studs visible on most of the exterior surface of the construction. Tastes and colors cannot be discussed and all opinions are legitimate.

Star Wars fans know that Darth Vader's menacing appearance relies heavily on the play of lights, shadows, and reflections on the character's helmet. This is also the case here with a reproduction which has a little trouble convincing me from certain angles and which "exists" more easily when adequate lighting allows it.

The designer has obviously chosen to insist on the contrast between the smooth surfaces and the visible tenons which on this scale necessarily penalize the level of finish of the model. The staircase effect only fades a little when you distance yourself from the product, for example placed on a shelf. The contrast between the front face of the helmet mostly made up of smooth textures and the overall coverage of the exposed stud-based thing will not be to everyone's liking but above all it is an artistic choice that can hardly satisfy everyone. the world.

The construction process and the techniques used to achieve this result on the "face" should, on the other hand, be unanimous: the assembly of this product is a real pleasure with many very original solutions which make it possible to propose a reproduction. rather faithful to this part of the helmet.

So far, this helmet is the one that offers the most complex construction challenge and by extension probably the most interesting. The substantial inventory of 834 pieces sells the wick, the public price of 69.99 € also, it is for example 363 elements and 20 € more than in the set 75305 Scout Trooper Helmet (471 - 49.99 €) which nevertheless offers a product with similar measurements. If you do not want to spoil too much the assembly phase of the internal structure on which the various blocks that make up the external texture are plugged, do not click on the thumbnails that I suggest to you.

Some of the product details are based on shadow effects that fill in the few empty spaces a bit, similar to what is offered on Tony Stark's helmet in the LEGO Marvel set. 76165 Iron Man Helmet (480 pieces - 59.99 €), but without going as far as totally empty cheeks. This helmet being completely black except for a few details, these empty spaces blend easily into the structure and the effect will remain contained except by auscultating the model very closely.

The dome of the helmet is crossed by a smooth band which in principle is there to emphasize the curves of the object. Depending on your perception of the matter, this band will also have the effect of emphasizing the lack of volume of the rest of the surface, especially at the level of the forehead. At certain angles you might also feel like Darth Vader is squinting a bit or smiling slightly, it's the lower edge of the gaze that will cause this feeling from certain angles or lighting.

There are four stickers to stick on this reproduction, including one on the chin of the helmet which is only really visible when the product is placed high up and three on the "face". The one to stick on the "nose" is a joke in bad taste, LEGO could have cracked a pad printing there. The last two stickers to put on the respirator here embody more reflections than real details and I would have preferred a slightly darker shade of gray.

I'm not a big fan of the plates which are supposed to enhance the collector effect of these helmets, in my opinion they don't add much to the product with their big logos and the name of the character, all not even centered on the l 'element. The object is also a magnet with fingerprints and dust, I have done my best to present it to you in its best light but it will have to be taken care of regularly to keep it reflections and shine. Then it's up to you to find a place for it that will highlight it.

In short, this helmet is like many products that reflect purely artistic choices, we see that it is LEGO and this surface based on visible studs will not be to everyone's taste. The scale chosen for this collection of helmets also has its constraints which influence the final result, it's up to you to see if you want to put up with it or not. This model in my opinion offers a slightly more accomplished build experience than some of the other helmets in the range, if you are in doubt this may be the argument that will convince you to check out.

Note: The set presented here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at April 11th next at 23pm. 

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.