Review: 75528 Rey

Posted by CapnRex101, 22 Oct 2017 16:35

View image at flickr

75113 Rey was released at the beginning of 2016 and proved popular with fans of the Buildable Figures range so I was a little hesitant when it was revealed that the Star Wars: The Last Jedi selection would include an updated version of the heroine. There are many other characters we have yet to see in this form and improving upon an impressive existing set always presents a difficult challenge for LEGO designers.

Fortunately, 75528 Rey seems to improve upon the few issues that there were with the original figure, making use of some printed elements which considerably enhance the level of detail. Hopefully these improvements will prove worthy of the increased price point.

The Completed Model

Rey stands just over 24cm in height which feels appropriate in relation to other figures. Her attire is almost entirely grey and brown so looks somewhat drab at first glance, although it is distinctive within the range and matches the movie very nicely. Combining fabric components with plastic shells is often difficult due to their disparate textures but it works well in this instance, just as it did on 75113 Rey in 2016.

View image at flickr

The structure of the new figure is quite similar to the original, as one might anticipate. The fabric element has been simplified so now wraps around Rey’s waist and does not cover her torso. Instead, the fabric strips crossing her chest are printed so look more realistic than those on the 2016 figure, although the previous design was a little more creative. On the other hand, comparing them today highlights the detail which was lacking from 75113 Rey and I think the revised figure is a definite improvement.

View image at flickr

Human faces are notoriously difficult to depict on Buildable Figures but I think Rey fares well as the shaping is much softer than it has been on previous models. The printing is somewhat reminiscent of Daisy Ridley, although a few freckles would have more accurately replicated the complexion of the character in the films and her skin tone is too pale in my opinion. However, the hair features some lovely texture which is particularly apparent from the rear.

View image at flickr

Turning the model around also reveals a dial which controls Rey’s right arm, allowing you to swing it up and down. This function works well and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it does not interfere with the ball joint at the shoulder at all. Ball joints are also found at the neck, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles so you can create some really dynamic poses.

View image at flickr

A feminine torso shell was introduced for 75119 Sergeant Jyn Erso last year and appears again on this occasion. The printing looks great when compared with the source material and it lines up beside the textile component nicely. The panels covering the upper arms are also printed with a series of bands as well as some exposed skin around the shoulders. This has been cleverly matched with a pair of light flesh beams underneath the shells which have not appeared in this colour before and help to represent Rey’s bare shoulders.

View image at flickr

Rey wields a blue lightsaber with a metallic silver hilt as well as an LPA NN-14 blaster pistol, the latter of which also appeared with 75113 Rey from 2016. Its colour scheme has certainly been improved as light bluish grey pieces now dominate the accessory, matching the weapon in the movie. However, I think the angled grip of the original blaster was superior so would be inclined to combine the designs. It is worth noting that the light bluish grey globe component beneath the barrel is new in this colour and may prove useful in other models.

View image at flickr

Overall

75528 Rey is not particularly outstanding among other recent Buildable Figures but it has certainly surpassed my expectations. Its design is very faithful to Rey’s attire in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the new head piece has the potential to be useful for your own Constraction creations as we have never seen a generic female head like this before. However, the price point of £19.99 or $24.99 is a little disappointing in my view as the original figure contained the same number of pieces but cost just £14.99 or $19.99.

View image at flickr

75529 Elite Praetorian Guard remains my favourite of the four new figures but I would recommend adding 75528 Rey to your collection, particularly when it is discounted. The articulation is extensive so it offers a great deal of play value and the figure looks marvellous on display when clashing with 75117 Kylo Ren.

I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.

You can read reviews of the other Star Wars: The Last Jedi Buildable Figures here: