Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,631: Captain Rex

CAPTAIN REX ARC Troopers
The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 94743 No. 19682
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pistols, rifle, bipod, helmet, game card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: September 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Captain Rex is tough, discilpined and always focused on the mission as his top priority. He aims his sharpshooter blaster to clear a path through the droids. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Rex sells. So Hasbro was well within their rights to include him again with the hard-to-find ARC Troopers Battle Pack, one which we all hope they give another run to in the future. Captain Rex has been given a new helmet and the head sculpt is different from the original release, similar to that of Bly. The deco is different, with distinctive blue line "damage" this time around, and a newly-tooled gun which is (to date) exclusive to this figure. It's not a bad Rex, as it has all the articulation of a regular Rex and a newer helmet sculpt which is slightly more authentic to the TV show and the rest of the toy line. With something like 8 versions of this Rex armor available, no one is really any better than the others, but this is probably your best bet. Not because of greatness, but because he comes with three other awesome figures you'll want.

Collector's Notes: Due to seemingly low production and high demand, this set is expensive. How expensive? eBay says $75-$150. This is preposterous. Hasbro: get on a reissue, please. These prices aren't going to make the kids happy, please give them a shot at this surefire hot selling set. The kid-driven Clone Wars line has had a much stronger secondary market presence, as (believe it or not) kids do patronize comic and collector shops to get the figures they want, and sometimes have to shell out extra cash to get the ones they want. I don't care for this happening, but it does, and it shows what a healthy older (or spoiled) kid component can do to a line's longevity.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,631: September 14, 2011