Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,013: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER Blue Variant / Lieutenant
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85661 No. 85655
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Rifle, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Early 2005
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: Third verse, same as the first: this Clone Trooper was one of three uniquely colored repaints to come later down the line, which gives you a nice figure based on a good sculpt with some excellent panel lines.  There's not a lot of articulation here, but it does show that when Hasbro has a white plastic figure, and then paints it white, it looks better.  It really does - it's almost ridiculous what a difference a coating of paint makes, although I'm sure these sort of cost-adding measures will never be seen on a Hasbro toy again.  Actually outside the Tartakovsky clones, I don't think I can name a white plastic figure that was also painted white on top of it.  I think Jorg Sacul had orange paint on an orange figure, and it really did make him look and feel a little more expensive.

With swivel shoulders and elbows, there isn't a lot you can do with this guy other than have him stand around and look cool.  As a line of mini maquettes rather than toys, this was another great experiment in action figures from Hasbro.  The company wasn't shy about making things that looked cool but were terrible toys from 2001-2005, and it really is neat to see something like this come to life and exist in a closet in my basement.  It's not exactly a grand fate, but it's better than being in a box somewhere.  I like this figure for what it is, but I've never had any urge to futz with it.  You open it, you take a picture of it... you've done all you can do with it.

Collector's Notes: The bulk of this sub-line is pretty easily obtained on eBay on the cheap, and as such it's worth it.  While by no means an impressive toy, it represents part of a really cool, really under-represented TV project and I'm a big sucker for Star Wars on television in any form.  If you can get it cheap, do so.  You probably can.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,013: March 1, 2013