Figure of the Day: Day 1,045: Clone Trooper Pilot Odd Ball

ODD BALL Clone Pilot
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87813
Number: #11
Includes: Blaster, rocket, launcher
Action Feature: Firing rocket launcher
Retail: $7.99
Availability: Fall 2008
Appearances: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Bio: Clone Pilot Odd Ball, who received his nickname during advanced training, has participated in many significant missions in the Clone Wars. Odd Ball is a starfighter pilot trained in flying V-19 Torrent starfighters, ARC-170 fighters and other standard Republic fighters. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: So how many clones are we going to get? That was the question asked by fans when we heard about The Clone Wars toys, and this Odd Ball was one of the first unique figures. Not only does he have a distinct name, but he's generic enough to act as your go-to figure to pilot any vehicles from this era. Factor in that he's as articulated as they come so far, and Odd Ball is one of Hasbro's better action figures.

The figure makes use of the standard Clone body for the animated line, meaning he has the extra wrist articulation and a grand total of 14 points of movement. He can sit, stand, crouch, get shot in the butt, anything your heart desires. His armor is mostly pure white, except for a few key black markings and, of course, the yellow striped helmet. There's a small device that hangs down over the chest, which effectively makes this the animated equivalent of the Attack of the Clones pilot costume. It's great-- it's better than any of the movie pilots from this era, and it should probably go into your collection. In multiples. Because you've got gunships to fill, too.

Collector's Notes: I haven't seen any variants of significance yet, which is kind of a shame. I'd have liked to see dirty or damaged pilots, but so far this is it.

Day 1,045: June 16, 2009