The Good: Looks like it is supposed to, Good balance, Good head detailing.
The Bad: Overpriced, Ridiculous subject, Overly large for the subject.
The Basics:Despite looking like the Lego version of Yoda, Hallmark’s 2013 Lego Star Wars ornament still has some serious problems.
There is something to be said for reviewing objects solely based on what they are with no comparison to others of the same type. In the case of the Lego Star Wars ornament line, the Lego Yoda ornament Hallmark might have received a higher rating had I not seen how the Lego Yoda is the same size (technically larger) than the two prior Lego Star Wars ornaments. This Lego Yoda might look a bit ridiculous, but it does look like the Lego version of Yoda.
The Lego Yoda ornament is the third in the series of character ornaments from Lego Star Wars. Fans of the Star Wars Legos and, perhaps as important, the Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga video game (reviewed here!), will easily recognize the Lego variation on the classic Yoda. Hallmark captures the Yoda, in Lego form, with his little Lego lightsaber in his hand, standing on a Lego-style base!
This is a very typical, very average Star Wars ornament with no bells and whistles, but given that it is based on a video game, based on a toy, based on the movies, it is really only for the serious die-hard collectors of Star Wars merchandise.
Basics
The Lego Yoda ornament recreates the Lego Jedi in solid plastic on a black and gray plastic Lego block base. The ornament, released in 2013, is the younger version of Yoda holding a green lightsaber in his right hand, or socket, given how rounded the hands on Lego characters are. Hallmark managed to get $14.95 originally for this ornament and it is selling slowly locally, which might well mean it is not catching on with collectors (the prior two were locally available well after Christmas at clearance prices). This character ornament is 3 7/8" tall, 2 1/2” wide and 2 1/2” deep. Given that the ornament was designed for fans, this is an ornament that appeals to collectors, though I suspect it is not nailing it with either of its target demographics. It is not detailed and realistic the way most Star Wars fans like their collectibles and it is not small enough or versatile enough to actually appeal to fans of Lego block toys.
The Hallmark Lego Yoda ornament is made of a durable plastic and has him holding a bright yellow-green lightsaber in his right hand. His feet are arranged in a solid stance, attached as they are to a Lego block base. This is a very simplified sculpt of a Lego Yoda, but the essential parts are there: the green skin, giant ears and eyes and the Lego-style open hands.
The Lego Yoda ornament is also detailed with the coloring to back up the sculpt. The front panel is made to look like a classic Lego toy sticker, but it is painted on, which is a nice touch. Unfortunately, the Lego Yoda is a pretty basic character and so there is not much that can be done in terms of detailing, so Hallmark does not need to try to add depth, shading or anything else to the color palate to get this ornament right. However, both the molding and the coloring added to the character’s hair on this ornament is actually pretty cool. In addition, Yoda’s brow ridges are nicely molded into the head.
Unfortunately, the ornament does not have any articulation to it, so fans who want to turn the head or move the arms will be disappointed.
Features
As a Hallmark Keepsake ornament, the Lego Yoda could have a function like a sound chip or light effect, but does not. This is just an ornament, a low-cost (comparatively) option for those who might not want to shell out for the ship or diorama series' of Star Wars ornaments. This Lego Yoda simply hangs.
Balance
As with all ornaments, the intent of the Hallmark Keepsake Lego Yoda ornament is to be hung on a Christmas Tree. And for those creating the ultimate Star Wars Christmas Tree, the Lego Yoda is very much a luxury; this whole concept is more ridiculous than realistic, so this is very much a “luxury” ornament for the serious die-hard fans. The ornament has a metal hook loop embedded into the top center of the character's head. From that hook, the Lego Yoda ornament hangs perfectly level. Somehow, Hallmark managed to prevent the ornament from being frontheavy despite the lightsaber in the right hand.
Collectibility
Hallmark Keepsake began delving into the collectibles market in 1991 with Star Trek when it introduced the exceptionally limited edition original U.S.S. Enterprise ornament (click here for that review!). Since then, they have branched out into other popular franchises like Star Wars and The Wizard Of Oz. The Lego Yoda ornament is very common and one suspects more will sell on clearance after the holiday is over.
This is not a great investment piece and it is unlikely to appreciate for quite some time, if ever.
Overview
The Lego Yoda ornament is a better continuation of the Lego Star Wars than the previous Lego Star Wars ornaments. Given how Hallmark has not been exploiting the Lego line for any other major Lego properties, the Lego Yoda ornament is just as likely to make Star Wars fans feel milked for cash as opposed to truly thrilled.
For other Hallmark ornaments of Star Wars characters, please check out my reviews of:
2013 Boushh Limited Edition
2012 Lego Imperial Stormtrooper
2012 Sith Apprentice Darth Maul
2012 General Grievous
2012 Momaw Nadon Limited Edition
2011/2012 Lego Darth Vader
2011 Jedi Master Yoda
2011 Bossk Limited Edition ornament
2010 Lando Calrissian Limited Edition ornament
2010 Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot
2010 Boba Fett and Han Solo in Carbonite mini-ornament set
2009 Greedo Limited Edition ornament
2009 Han Solo As Stormtrooper
2008 Emperor Palpatine ornament
2005 Slave Leia ornament
2000 Darth Maul
1999 Max Rebo Band mini-ornament set
1998 Princess Leia
7/10
For other ornament reviews, please be sure to visit my Ornament Review Index Page for an organized listing!
© 2013 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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