The LEGO community is in an uproar. Leaked images of the upcoming Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) Death Star, set number 75419, have sent shockwaves through the fan base, igniting a fierce debate that’s as explosive as the space station itself. With a jaw-dropping price tag of $999.99 and a massive 9,023 piece count, this isn't just a new set—it's a statement. But is it a statement of brilliant design or baffling corporate greed?
For years, fans have speculated about a new UCS Death Star, a successor to the beloved, spherical playsets of the past. What LEGO has delivered is something no one quite expected: a gigantic, circular cross-section. A "deep-dish pizza" or "pancake" of the Empire's ultimate weapon, as many on social media have dubbed it. This radical design choice, coupled with its unprecedented price, has cleaved the community in two. Let's dive into the controversy and try to answer the thousand-dollar question: is it worth it?
### A Slice of Genius or a Flat-Out Disappointment?
The most polarizing aspect of the new Death Star is undoubtedly its form factor. Instead of the iconic globe, LEGO has opted for a massive, detailed diorama presented as a slice of the station.
The Case for the "Death Slice"
Proponents of the design praise its practicality. Many adult collectors with limited space appreciate that this version can sit flush against a wall or even be mounted. It solves the display issue that plagued the older, bulkier spherical models. The open-faced design allows for every meticulously detailed room to be viewed simultaneously, transforming it into a "MOC-quality" (My Own Creation) display piece that resembles the incredible cross-section illustrations from Star Wars reference books. One Reddit user noted, "I also quite like the geography of it. Room placement kinda makes sense throughout." For those who prioritize detailed scenes and ease of display, this design is a masterstroke.
The Argument Against
For a vast portion of the fanbase, however, the design is a profound disappointment. The sentiment echoed across forums is clear: for $1,000, they expected a sphere. "For $1000, I expect a full Death Star. Not just a slice of the Death Star," one user lamented. Many feel the "pancake" design lacks the imposing, iconic presence of a true UCS model, which are typically revered for their authentic, large-scale replications. The set is being labeled by some as more of a "Master Builder Series" (MBS) set, which are characterized by being large, detailed playsets rather than pure display models.
The Thousand-Dollar Question: Price vs. Value
Let's address the price. At $999.99, this is a new threshold for a LEGO set, and many find it hard to swallow.
The Reddit thread is filled with comments like "$1000 is still total wank" and "I can't imagine anyone anywhere will agree that it's worth it at that price." Critics argue that it simply doesn't look like a thousand-dollar set, with some suggesting a price tag of $500-$600 would have been more appropriate. The frustration is palpable, with many feeling LEGO is getting greedier.
On the other hand, some fans break down the numbers. With 9,023 pieces, the price-per-piece ratio is around 11 cents, which is in line with other massive UCS sets like the Millennium Falcon (75192). One user calculated, "The price of the UCS falcon was $1050 adjusted for inflation. 30+ more Minifigs and 1500 more pieces it’s a fair price for Lego standards." From a purely objective, piece-count perspective, the price may be justifiable within LEGO's own pricing structure.
The Devil in the Details: Minifigs and Reused Ideas
Beyond the shape and price, other details have drawn scrutiny.
- Minifigures: The set is rumored to include over 30 minifigures, a definite plus. However, for a premium collector's item, many find the quality lacking. Fans have pointed out the absence of dual-molded legs for Imperial officers or detailed arm printing that has been seen in much cheaper sets.
- Recycled Content?: Eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed that some of the set's vignettes, particularly the Emperor's Throne Room and the trash compactor, look strikingly similar to recently released, individual diorama sets. This has left some collectors feeling like they're being asked to pay again for recycled designs.
The Verdict: A Hit for Some, a Disaster for Others
So, will the UCS Death Star be a colossal hit or a historic disaster? The answer is not so simple.
This could be a certified HIT for:
- The Display-Focused Collector: If your primary concern is having a stunning, detailed centerpiece that fits neatly on a shelf, this set is designed for you.
- The Diorama Lover: Fans who appreciate intricate, MOC-style scenes will find a lot to love in the numerous detailed rooms.
- The Deep-Pocketed Fan: For those with the disposable income, the price is just a number for the latest, most talked-about Star Wars collectible.
This is likely a DISASTER for:
- The Purist Collector: If your dream was a massive, screen-accurate, spherical Death Star, this set will feel like a betrayal.
- The Budget-Conscious Builder: The $1,000 price point puts it firmly out of reach for a large segment of the LEGO community.
- The Veteran Collector: Those who already own the previous Death Stars or the recent diorama sets may not see enough new value to justify the enormous cost.
Ultimately, LEGO has made a bold, divisive choice. The 75419 UCS Death Star abandons the established formula in favor of a new, display-oriented concept. It's a high-stakes gamble that will be put to the test when it hits shelves on October 1st, 2025.
What's your verdict? Is this the ultimate weapon for your collection, or will you be letting this one pass you by?