Review: LEGO 40591 Death Star II (May 4th GWP)

May 1, 2023 | 8

May the 4th, or Star Wars Day, has always been a celebratory day in the LEGO Star Wars theme, and LEGO has released a gift-with-purchase to commemorate the day ever since 2011, from minifigures to dioramas.

2023’s May the 4th GWP, 40591 Death Star II, takes an iconic Star Wars planet-killing space station and immortalises it in brick form to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi. Let’s take a closer look!

• 40591 Mini Death Star 2 GWP – when you spend US$150 / AU$240 / £130 / €150 on LEGO Star Wars
• 2x VIP Points on ALL LEGO Star Wars sets
• 5007840 Return of the Jedi 40th Collectible GWP – when you spend US$85 / AU$140 / £TBD/ €85 on LEGO Star Wars
• 30654 X-Wing Starfighter polybag – when you spend US$40 / AU$65 / £TBD/ €40 on LEGO Star Wars

This is a guest review from our LEGO Star Wars correspondent Vaderfan. He also reviewed the 2023 UCS X-Wing Starfighter, so go check that out when you can!

Special thanks to the LEGO Group for sending this set for review.

40591 Death Star II Set Details

Set Name: Death Star II
Set Number: 40591
Pieces: 289
Minifigures: 0
GWP Threshold: US$150 / AU$240 / £130 / €150 on LEGO Star Wars
Release Date: 4 May 2023

40591 Death Star II Unboxing

The box has a vertical layout, similar to the Star Wars helmet busts sets, with an all-black design and an 18+ age rating.

The back of the box has the reverse image of the model, an indication of its size and a photo of the in-universe Death Star II.

Inside you’ll find four numbered bags and an instruction manual – it feels pretty substantial for a GWP, as it does include 289 pieces.

The instruction manual has an interesting design with this brick-themed border at the bottom right, plus the LEGO, Star Wars, and Disney logos. No sticker sheet is included.

Completed Model

The model is built around a Technic axle at its core, using several 2×2 parabolic ring pieces and clips to create its external shape. Here’s how the model looks at the end of bag 1.

Here’s the completed model, which stands around 15cm (6″) tall. For its scale I think the designers did a good job approximating the shape and style of the Death Star II.

The enclosed parts of the Death Star uses clips and 1×4 wedge plates to create simple but effective panels that approximate a rounded shape. Small gaps are present but the inside of the Death Star is pretty dark so they aren’t as noticeable.

The “incomplete” or under construction section of the Death Star II uses lots of small parts and greebling for greater visual interest. I like the combination of layered plates and the liberal use of 1×1 plates with bars to add detail.

The top and bottom halves are actually the same build with the bottom section attached upside-down, but at this scale it’s not noticeable and this whole section looks pretty good.

The designers did a good job approximating the rounded shape of the model at this scale, and I doubt it could’ve been done better without using unnecessarily complex or unstable techniques.

The Death Star II’s superlaser is replicated using two trans-light green 4L bars and a green plant element – pretty ingenious part usage! It would’ve looked a bit better if the plant element was translucent too, though, but recolours aren’t usually found in such GWPs.

As the Death Star II’s panels are attached with hinges, they can be opened if you wish. One particular panel is meant to be opened to reveal an easter egg inside.

Inside this section is a microscale depiction of the Emperor’s Throne Room, featuring mini versions of Luke, Vader, and the Emperor! This was a surprise to me during the build as it’s not shown on the box art, but is a delightful little easter egg.

The Death Star II has a classy black stand that features the printed 4×3 Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary brick that appears in the diorama sets too.

Here you can see the construction of the stand, including how the printed brick is attached. Unfortunately, it’s free to spin around which is a little annoying – I’d prefer if it was fixed in place.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts: On the whole, I think this is a fine GWP for this year’s May the 4th, especially as it commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi.

It makes a great mini model that you can display in your house or office to show your love for LEGO Star Wars, and has a clever, detailed design that will please most Star Wars fans.

Perhaps some fans would’ve preferred a new, exclusive minifigure like last year’s Aunt Beru – and I can’t say I fully disagree – but this set as a whole is a great model that should more than satisfy fans this year, especially if you’re planning to pick up any of the new Star Wars releases like  75355 UCS X-Wing Starfighter, 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room, 75353 Endor Speeder Chase or 75356 Executor Super Star Destroyer.

Thanks for reading this review, and hope you enjoyed this preview of the most substantial 2023 May the 4th GWP!

40591 Mini Death Star II will be a free GWP when you spend US$150 / AU$240 / £130 / €150 on LEGO Star Wars from 1-7 May 2023 while stocks last.

Be sure to also check Vaderfan’s review of 75355 UCS X-Wing Starfighter ahead of its launch on 1 May 2023 for LEGO VIPs!

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