Figure of the Day: Day 1,462: Kashyyyk AT-RT Driver

AT-RT DRIVERS AT-RT Assault Squad Battle Pack
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87376
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, two AT-RTs, another AT-RT driver, Clone Commander
Action Feature: Oversize blaster fires, squeeze legs together to raise arms
Retail: $29.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These clone troopers are specially-trained to ride AT-RT walkers and are outfitted with armor and helmets designating them as drivers. AT-RT drivers are part of the 41st Elite Corps that is sent to Kashyyyk during the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: In another case of getting the carded sculpt right the first time, the AT-RT Driver was a mold that Hasbro figured out they could squeeze a few uses out of, and they certainly have. The 2005 basic release kicked things off, followed by an orange repaint, this camo repaint, an all-white version, and in some cases matching AT-RTs. OK, one case. The design isn't exactly from any existing fiction I've found, but it is super-articulated and that's always worth something. The figure has a symbol on his chest, a lot of green, and green lenses on his helmet which I happen to find super rad. There's a lot more color here than usual, plus he'll flesh out your Kashyyyk squads nicely. Gree needs more men, and these guys certainly fit the bill. With 12 points of articulation each, these guys hold up well to the advances in toymaking but will likely be upgraded sooner or later. Now that we have improved hip joints that can bend outward, these simple swivel hip figures are antiques waiting to be replaced. (The animated The Clone Wars ARF Troopers have effectively crushed the older AT-RT Drivers in terms of articulation and are effectively the same style of armor, just a phase earlier.)

Collector's Notes: This set-- like most Target exclusives since 2006-- showed up on the closeout shelves. The current going rate is $20-$30, so it actually held on to its value a little bit. This is sensible, because you get three figures and two vehicles for a pretty fair (by modern pricing) deal.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,462: January 20, 2011