Thursday, June 17, 2010

Figure of the Day: Day 1,307: ARC Trooper

ARC TROOPER and Anakin Skywalker
30th Anniversary Collection Order 66 Series 2
Item No.:
Asst. 87356 No. 87667
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 2 of 6
Includes: Blaster, helmet, kama
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2008
Appearances: Clone Wars

Bio: As a general in the Grand Army of the Republic, Anakin commands highly skilled Advanced Recon Clone troopers during the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' yard.

Commentary: The ARC Trooper concept went over like some sort of flying pancake when introduced in the cartoon series of 2003, and Hasbro was sure to have a figure of dubious quality ready to go. Since then we've seen countless improvements, and this unique release combines the kama of that very first figure with the body of the one from 2007. At first glance this was the exact same figure as the 2007 Comic Pack release, but it turns out that Hasbro did make some notable modifications. First, there's the kama-- so instead of a tattered, wind-swept garment it just sort of hangs there. Second, the paint job was altered to include a different smattering of fake dirt. The blue coloring was also a little different, plus Hasbro added some paint on his shoes. The main audience for this figure is completists, and the audience who wants a lot of different (but still similar) ARC Troopers for a raid or an army or something. I wouldn't say this one is superior to the other releases, but if you're going to buy a few ARC Troopers anyway you may as well make it a point to include this one in your stash.

Collector's Notes: The mold sold briskly as a 2-pack, and Hasbro repackaged it in 2008 as a Saga Legends figure where it continued to do just fine.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 1,307: June 17, 2010

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