Star Wars Black Series Orange Wave
The complete guide to the Star Wars Black Series Orange Wave — the 13 numbered figures and SDCC exclusive that launched the 6-inch Black Series format in 2013. Every figure covered with buying advice and collector context.
The Star Wars Black Series Orange Wave is where it all began — the thirteen numbered figures and one San Diego Comic-Con exclusive that launched Hasbro’s 6-inch Black Series format in August 2013. Before the Orange Wave there was no premium 6-inch Star Wars figure line at mass retail. After it, there was a line that would grow to 671 figures across twelve years and counting. Understanding the Orange Wave is understanding the foundation of the entire Star Wars Black Series.
The Orange Wave takes its name from the packaging — a predominantly orange card and box design that distinguished Phase 1 from the Blue Wave that followed in 2014. The figures are numbered #01 through #14 (skipping #13 as unlucky), with the SDCC exclusive sitting outside the numbered sequence. The numbering resets to #01 in the Blue Wave — a decision that still confuses new collectors — meaning there are two figures numbered #01 through #14, one Orange and one Blue.
The Launch Figures
Hasbro made deliberate choices about which characters to lead with. The first five Orange Wave figures — Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) at #01, Darth Maul at #02, Sandtrooper at #03, R2-D2 at #04, and Princess Leia (Slave Outfit) at #05 — established the line’s priorities instantly: Original Trilogy heroes, a Prequel Trilogy villain, an army builder, and a droid. The spread told collectors this was a serious saga-spanning format rather than a single-film cash-in.
Boba Fett at #06 confirmed it. His inclusion in the launch wave — the character collectors most wanted in 6-inch scale — sent a clear signal about Hasbro’s ambition for the format. Greedo at #07 added cantina alien variety. Han Solo at #08 completed the core Original Trilogy trio alongside Luke and Leia. Then the launch pace slowed into 2014 with Stormtrooper at #09, Obi-Wan Kenobi at #10, Luke Skywalker (Bespin) at #11, Anakin Skywalker at #12, and Clone Trooper at #14.
The SDCC 2013 Exclusive
The Boba Fett with Han Solo in Carbonite two-pack released at San Diego Comic-Con 2013 sits outside the numbered Orange Wave sequence but is considered Phase 1 given its production era. It is the most valuable standard-production Black Series figure — the combination of limited SDCC production, iconic characters, and twelve years of secondary market demand has maintained its premium status throughout the line’s history. Collectors who own one typically paid well above the original retail price.
Orange Wave Quality — Honest Assessment
The Orange Wave figures are pre-Photo Real — the technology that transformed portrait accuracy wasn’t introduced until 2019. By current Galaxy Collection standards, the human character faces look notably dated. Luke Skywalker’s likeness, Han Solo’s portrait, Princess Leia — all use hand-applied face paint rather than photographic printing, and all have been significantly superseded by Galaxy Collection versions.
The armoured, alien, and droid figures hold up considerably better. Sandtrooper, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, R2-D2, and Greedo don’t rely on Photo Real technology for their visual quality — the sculpting and paint application on these figures remains display-worthy against modern releases. The Stormtrooper and Clone Trooper similarly hold up since fully armoured designs don’t expose the face printing technology gap.
Why Collect the Orange Wave?
The Orange Wave appeals to three distinct collector audiences. Historical completionists who want the full Black Series history from the first figure onward — the Orange Wave is Phase 1, the foundation, and the only way to have the numbered sequence start at its true beginning. Carded collectors for whom the distinctive orange packaging is a specific aesthetic choice, distinct from every subsequent phase. Character collectors who want every version of specific characters across all eras — the Orange Wave Luke, Han, and Boba Fett are chapter one in a twelve-year story.
For collectors who only care about display quality, the Galaxy Collection versions of every Orange Wave human character are better display pieces. But that’s not what the Orange Wave is for.
Collecting the Complete Orange Wave
All thirteen numbered Orange Wave figures and the SDCC exclusive are available on the secondary market. The human character figures (Luke, Han, Leia, Obi-Wan, Anakin) are widely available at modest prices — their pre-Photo Real quality limits demand. The armoured and alien figures (Sandtrooper, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Stormtrooper, Clone Trooper) command slightly higher prices given continued display utility. The SDCC 2013 Boba Fett with Han in Carbonite commands the highest premium by a significant margin and requires a dedicated secondary market search.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first Black Series figure ever made? Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) at #01 in the Orange Wave — released August 2013.
Are Orange Wave figures worth buying? For armoured characters and aliens, yes — the sculpt quality holds up well. For human characters, the Galaxy Collection updates are better display pieces. For completionists and historical collectors, the Orange Wave is essential regardless.
What number did the Orange Wave skip? #13 — considered unlucky by the production team, skipped deliberately. The sequence goes 12, 14.
Is the SDCC Boba Fett worth the premium? Only you can answer that, but it is genuinely the most historically significant single Black Series figure and the most valuable. Secondary market prices reflect twelve years of demand.
Part of Star Wars The Black Series. Related: Blue Wave | Red Line | Phases Explained | Boba Fett | Luke Skywalker.