Mini Steps: The Evolution Of The Mon Calamari Minifigures

While core characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader have had numerous minifigure versions released, there are many roles that have received far less attention. Admiral Ackbar is one of those characters that most Star Wars fans know by name, and with his prominent appearance in Return of the Jedi he has had his fair share of screen time.

The problem with some characters, however, is that LEGO has to choose sets that have playability or disability and unfortunately Ackbar wasn’t in enough scenes to warrant many set options. For this reason, this Mini Steps feature will cover all of the members of the aquatic species from Mon Cala.

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Admiral Ackbar first appeared in LEGO form in 2009 with the introduction of 7754 Home One Mon Calamari Star Cruiser. The minifigure required a specially molded head to capture the look. That same year he was also included in one of the San Diego Comic-Con exclusives. This version would appear once more the following year in 852843 magnet set with C-3PO and Princess Leia. Although Bricklink and Brickset do not recognize it, there is a variant of this figure included in 75003 A-wing Starfighter. This version comes with darker brown printing on the head.

Also included in set 7754 was a Mon Calamari Officer. This figure used the same head as Admiral Ackbar but had a dark tan suit to signify his rank and set him apart. Nahdar Vebb, a Jedi from the Clone Wars who was released in 8095 General Grievous’ Starfighter, made good use of LEGO’s effort on the mold by becoming the second minifigure to reuse Ackbar’s head. Again the torso printing was unique to this minifigure.

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It would take seven years and the release of a new movie in order for a new Admiral Ackbar minifigure to be created. While the head mold remained the same, the printing on it was updated this time with a more detailed pattern. Along with his head printing, he also a unique torso print to capture the look from The Force Awakens. He was also the first Mon Calamari to come with printed legs. This version was found in 75140 Resistance Troop Transporter.

As the Star Wars films continued to expand, the opportunities for new characters – and subsequently new minifigures – to be created increased. With the release of 75172 Y-Wing Starfighter came Admiral Raddus who was the first Mon Calamari to come with a head in a color besides dark orange. Molded in pearl dark gray, this head featured much more printing than its predecessors. Raddus’ look was completed with a uniquely printed dark blue flight suit.

Serving as the only non-traditional Mon Calamari, Quarrie from The Freemaker Adventures got an entirely new head sculpt to recreate his look. He was given a uniquely printed torso and is the only member of the species to have short legs. Quarrie was found exclusively in 75186 The Arrowhead.

Rounding out the field is Lieutenant Bek from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Coming in 75293 Resistance I-TS Transport, Bek was given a light bluish gray head with a similar amount of detail as Raddus received. The torso printing was once again unique to this character.

All in all the Mon Calamari have a good representation in terms of LEGO Star Wars minifigures especially when compared to other species that have yet to be released. Are you happy with the figures we have received? Are there any sets that could be made to include new variants? Let us know in the comments below.