Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,636: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER Damaged White Style 3
Original Trilogy Collection Clone Trooper Troop Builder Four-Pack Assortment, Entertainment Earth Exclusive (and others)
Item No.:
Asst. 85688 No. 85777
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster Pistol, collectible poster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $34.99 (part of a four-pack)
Availability: Spring 2005
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars

Bio: Virtually indistinguishable from one another, clone troopers are identical in physical appearance, mental capability and stamina. Part of a clone army, they are grown in the cloning facilities of Tipoca City, a luminescent city of industry emerging from the raging seas of Kamino. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: Having since been eclipsed in terms of articulation and sculpt quality, the former gold standard for a good Star Wars figure was this Clone Trooper. Painted many, many different ways, this particular version was one of four "battle-damaged" versions. Hasbro really came into its own with fantastic damage deco in late 2005... but this came out in early 2005, and big black burn marks were what were called for early on. A large black spot on the right shin and just next to the right shoulder set this apart from the rest, sharing the same sculpt with numerous other clones. It ages fairly well, but the exclusive clones from these sets were before Hasbro made new discoveries in white plastic-- so it's possible these will discolor over time, like other Vintage white figures from the 1970s and 1980s. As such, don't display them in the sun. For dioramas and the hardcore Clone fan, you already know that this is a great addition to a display. It's unique and there aren't many white damaged clones out there, so this is a wonderful way to mix up your shelves. On the other hand if all you want is the best example of a given character, well, the 2011 Vintage clone is tough to beat!

Collector's Notes: Time seems to be bad for most Star Wars pre-2008-- which is good for you on the secondary market. A recent eBay sale on this very set closed for $0.99 before shipping... which was $12, but still, that's a freaking bargain.

--Adam Pawlus


Day 1,636: September 21, 2011

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