Han Solo - Hoth Parka Outfit (7879) Lego Star Wars Minifigure Review

“There isn't enough life on this ice cube to fill a space cruiser”  

Han Solo was conspicuous in the Hoth scenes in Empire Strikes Back in his dark-blue heavy weather parka.  While other rebel personnel and soldiers wore cream/tan uniforms Solo’s attire set him apart.  I remember having the Kenner figure of this back in the 1980’s, and have now developed a soft spot for the Lego minifigure.

It is no surprise that there have been a number of variants of Han Solo in his Hoth attire over the years.  Today we will look at the unique minifigure variant from the 7879 Hoth Echo Base set.  Whilst opinion can be divided over the quality of the set: playabiity vs film likeness etc there were some great minifigures in the box. Han Solo in his cold weather Hoth gear has also appeared in:

• 4504 Millennium Falcon (2004);
• 6212 X Wing Fighter (2006) – without parka hood;
• 7749 Echo Base (2009);

The Han Solo Hoth – Heavy-Weather Gear/Parka Outfit (whatever you want to call it) has also been captured in Lego Minifigure form in a promotional polybag (5001621) released as part of Lego’s annual “May The Fourth” promotion in 2013.  The head piece was double-sided, one side showing Han with goggles with the lower part of the face covered up, and the other depicting Han with a grimace.  Whilst this version had a touch of exclusivity to it and was superbly detailed, it was predominantly dark brown in colour which departs significantly from what we see in the film.

Our subject for today is composed of 5 pieces and is equipped with a blaster pistol.

There is a simple print to the front of the face with a slight curl to the mouth on the right side of the face.  Simple, but it has an element of ‘scoundrel’ to it: “You should have seen us alone in the South Passage. She expressed her true feeling's for me”.  There is quite heavy reddish-brown eyebrows above simple rounded black eyes with white pupils and finally a brown line to accentuate the chin.

On the head we have a choice of standard reddish-brown hair or a detailed parka hood.  The parka hood is done very well and is on my minifigure the majority of the time.

The torso is printed to the front only, with details on the torso including: white Macrobinoculars/Electrobinoculars with black line detailing hanging from a brown strap slung over his right shoulder;  Insignia on his left chest; and printing continuing the parka hood theme tied around a v-neck coat opening showing a dark brown undergarment.  The overall torso has a dark blue base colour and arms and flesh coloured hands. 

The legs and torso are identical to the 2009 variant, with the principal difference being the parka hood (and head piece).

The legs are tan coloured with dark blue hips showing brown belt and silver buckle detail.  A holster print is present on his right upper leg, with orange-brown and silver buckling detail consistent with the belt.  Overall the legs have evolved little from the reddish-brown legs and hips seen in the 2006 variant.

Whilst the small blaster pistol that Han is equipped seems commonplace in Lego sets of recent years, this set and figure from 2011 was the first time it was seen.  Probably a bit of useful trivia, but QI.

Based on the current standard of minifigures in 2014, it is easy to look back at this minfigure and expect double printing to the torso and a second facial expression on the rear of the head piece.  I’m sure given the significance of the Battle Of Hoth that Lego will no doubt release another variant at some point in the future.  But this is a perfectly satisfying minifigure that looks great astride a Taun-Taun.   An enjoyable little minifgure!

Did Lego get it right?  We are always interested in your thoughts on the Lego minifigures we review, please add your comments below and give the minifigure a rating on a scale of 1-10: