Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,660: AT-TE Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER AT-TE
The Clone Wars Vehicles
Item No.: Asst. 87629 No. 87603
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, AT-TE
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $99.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: The All-Terrain Tactical Enforcer (AT-TE) blasted its way into battle for the first time at the Battle of Geonosis and proceeded to unleash its aggressive power all through the Clone Wars. This armored assault vehicle moves with unyeilding intimidation toward enemy fortifications, plowing through energy shields and firing its six laser cannons and a heavy projectile cannon all the way. Its interior can hold a squad of clone troopers that can be quickly deployed for ground combat. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' puzzles.

Commentary: In 2008 Hasbro managed to launch its Clone Wars line with a large selection of toys, thanks in part to the infinitely repaintable Clone Trooper mold. The version with the AT-TE was unique in that he had two insignias on his arm, one on each shoulder, plus a gunmetal silver blaster. Other than that, he's quite similar to the normal first-release "dirty" clones, right down to the unique pattern of grime and the wonderful range of articulation we've come to love. (As you can see, he has the swivel-and-bend wrists.) A similar Clone was sold in a Target-exclusive battle pack, although it only had one shoulder marking-- so it's different, you see. It's a good, durable figure which works well as a pilot, although it would be nice of the hip articulation was designed to be more conducive to being in the seated position. Given the variety of Clones out there there's really no reason to go after this specific one-- unless you want the AT-TE, which I have to say, I think you kinda do. If you're a clone fanatic, it's just different enough to be interesting.

Collector's Notes: The AT-TE hit closeout stores in 2009, as low as $25. This is a familiar trajectory with large toys. They start expensive, get blown out, and later, shoot back up on the secondary market. A clean (without dirt) version of this figure has surfaced on eBay but has never been released officially by Hasbro in the USA (and presumably nowhere else either).

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,660: October 25, 2011