Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,010: Clone Trooper Sinker

CLONE TROOPER SINKER 104th Battalion "Wolf Pack" Clone Troopers
Clone Wars Shared Online Exclusive Ultimate Gift Set
Item No.: No. A0793
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster rifle, pistol, rocket, rocket pack, display stand, card, plus Plo Koon, Boost, and Commander Wolffe figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: Fall 2012
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: The famed 104th "Wolf Pack" Battalion serves under Jedi General Plo Koon and is led by Commander Wolffe.  At the Battle of Abregado, the entire battalion was decimated, losing only Wolffe, Sinker, and Boost.  Only luck, ingenuity and the unyielding determination of Plo Koon kept them alive.  The troopers' armor was originally red, but Wolffe, changed it to blue-gray to honor the many comrades who were lost in the battle.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: This Clone Trooper Sinker is a repaint, one of too few to appear with the animated Phase II armor.  There's Sinker, Boost, a plain white trooper, and... uh... that's it.  Because everybody loves the Wolf Pack, Sinker has the wolf symbol on his helmet, a lot of grey, and a symbol on the shoulder.  It doesn't wrap around the shoulder quite like on the show, but it's pretty close.   The helmet's "nose" visor doesn't seem to quite reach the "mouth," and I'm quite happy to say the figure does not have a removable helmet.  Hey, it's OK if the head IS a helmet.

Articulation is good, 12 points await you with no ankles.  As such, it's about as good as the "Stone" mold which we've been seeing on and off since about 2010.  While clean, the figure does look pretty good as a figure for figures' sake.  It could use a couple extra pennies worth of painted detailing, and the hips aren't really conducive to sitting in vehicles, but since this line seems to be winding down anyway it's hard to get too upset.  Oh, and it's worth noting that the belt is not sculpted the same way as it appears on the trading card.  The episode seems to match the figure, but the trading card matches early animation models.  So I guess it's accurate enough for me.

Collector's Notes: The set came out and the price seesawed for the remainder of 2012, dropping pretty low.  I figure this set will get expensive because of both Sinker and Boost, possibly Wolffe too because hey, who doesn't like Wolffe?  Plo Koon was nothing special.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,010: February 26, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,009: Super Battle Droid

SUPER BATTLE DROID with Yoda's Jedi Attack Fighter
The Yoda Line Class I Vehicles
Item No.: Asst. A0918 No. A0922
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Jedi Attack Fighter, cane, lightsaber, booster seat, Yoda, cloth robes
Action Feature: Removable right arm
Retail: $19.99
Availability: January 2013
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Yoda pilots an attack fighter to blast Super Battle Droids. The fighter is designed for hyperspace capability, which allows the Jedi Master to fly across the galaxy on solo missions. The craft's compact size and two missile launchers make it an ideal attack ship for Yoda to use in battle against the ever-present Battle Droid army. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: This Super Battle Droid is a redeco with some history.  The mold originally was part of a Deluxe Yoda figure set from 2002, in which this figure had a red blast effect, and a later release had a swappable arm cannon.  This one just has a removable arm and no real accessories to speak of, as the figure serves as a sort of filler.  Hasbro's plan for the 2013 mini-vehicles was to combine the mini-rig vehicle concept with Battle Packs for a $20 price point.  In other words, Hasbro's mad scientists stayed up all night to synthesize the perfect birthday party present... and I think they nailed it.

This particular oddly-posed Super Battle Droid has only 4 joints, plus his right arm is fully removable.  Getting him to stand without assistance is indeed possible, but it is likely that, over time, he'll  need some support.  Several releases of this mold exist, but this is the only one that's grey.  Another was baby blue, and others are basically the metallic blue seen in the movies.   Because it's a different color, and looks good, and is part of a good set, I'd say go ahead and buy it.  The color looks good, and it's different enough to be interesting... albeit tough to troop-build, if you're fond of it.

I love this vehicle to death, as goofy as the idea of Yoda needing an attack fighter may be.   The play concept is solid - you get Yoda, something for Yoda to fly in, and someone for Yoda to shoot all in one gift set.  It's always a little bizarre to view a figure as little more than a victim for another character, but it is what it is.  And it is pretty good.

Collector's Notes: The "Yoda Line" has been scaled way back in the USA, and a few items are appearing to be overseas-exclusives.  (Meaning I'm in trouble.)  Oddly, a  brand-new Super Battle Droid mold (the first since 2008) will be introduced later this year in "Saga Legends," and it should have articulation similar to this release with a far, far less action-oriented pose.   This wave may be one of the last batches of mini-rig-style vehicles you see for a while, unless Hasbro has a surprise in store, so I'd say go out and get one.  Or order online at the Amazon link above or the Entertainment Earth link below. (Heck, after you click it, order anything.  I get a small cut.) Thank you for your support!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,009: February 25, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,008: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID  Geonosis Arena  Battle
Discover the Force/The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 37822 No. 37826
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, backpack, stand, game cards, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jango Fett
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $22.99
Availability: January 2012
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio:  The Geonosian arena is rocked by an intense battle. On Geonosis, secret factories are churning out hundreds of battle droids and super battle droids for the growing Separatist movement. Obi-Wan Kenobi fights Geonosian warriors and battle droids that overflow into the arena, as Jango Fett takes on the Jedi and clone troopers. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: This Battle Droid mold debuted in Target's exclusive Arena packs with giant saucer eyes which were just plain baffling.  The mold, though, was fantastic.  It allowed the figure to be sturdier than usual, it could squeeze down nicely, but there was no getting passed the deco.  The giant eyes were on many of the 2010-2011 rereleases, which had two of this droid (including an officer) on a single Saga Legends package for less than $9.  It was a spectacular deal, as this figure is significantly better than the 2012 carded Battle Droid from Movie Heroes.

With 12-ish points of articulation (as not everyone counts the same way) the figure is excellent.  It's a little chunky, but that's OK - it stands up pretty well and was one of the first times we saw ankles on a droid.  Well, it was when it debuted.  By its re-re-release in 2012 it was pretty normal, and we spoiled fans probably took for granted that the red deco with the correctly-sized eyes was a fairly decent improvement over previous releases.  (The commander antenna was left out.)  He has no problems carrying his blaster and the telescoping neck is a nice touch.  The deco isn't overwhelming, and it looks less anemic than some of the recent tan droids.  I'm still not sure why Hasbro insisted on doing an all-new Vintage  Battle Droid in 2012 when this version was still quite good and, frankly, underserved in the toy market.  I'd have bought this mold in a few more colorways, given the chance.  Ah well.

Collector's Notes: I'd say if the price is right, say $13 or so, this gift set is worth snagging.  It was not particularly popular, as the other figures were not as impressive as the Battle Droid. It's still quite  nice.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,008: February 22, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,007: Republic Trooper

REPUBLIC TROOPER  The Old Republic
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 37499 No. 39655
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC113
Includes: Pistol, knife, cannon, helmet, scabbard, pauldron, kama/belt
Action Feature: Holsters for pistol, cannon plus removable helmet
Retail: $9.99
Availability: October 2012
Appearances: The Old Republic

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: As one of precious few figures from The Old Republic so far, the Republic Trooper (much like the Republic Commando figures) looks like a product of its time.  The various angles on the armor, plus the camo and overall chunkiness feels like it came from a post-Master Chief world.   Having not played the game I cannot list off the differences in designs, but as a toy, it's pretty good.  Really good, actually.  With 14 points of articulation, tons of gear, and a good paint job, this is what everybody wants in an action figure.  If a Stormtrooper had this much stuff, or even a Sandtrooper, your mind would be blown and it would cost a heck of a lot more on the secondary market.   His belt and pauldron are removable so you could make a squad look "different," were you so inclined, plus the knife, pistol, and giant cannon could make a squad of the same figure look like an army made of unique individuals.  Well, until you pop off the helmet - underneath is a human head, clone-like in appearance but clearly a different person.  The battle scar and facial hair deco is a nice touch, particularly since most people will display this figure with a helmet on and never see what's inside.

The Trooper's armor is white, clean, and sculpted nicely. His black bodysuit has grooves and subtle detailing, particularly around the belt and the waist.  Heck, even his shoes have more paint than most figures these days.  I have to assume that of the assortment, this figure probably cost the most.  You can see Hasbro put a lot of love and attention here, and held back on making cuts.  You don't need a giant two-handed cannon that's as tall as the figure, but you have one!  How often an you say that?  The helmet fits without being too big, and the head inside looks good without looking like a pea.  There's even an orange buckle around the belt which could've been cut and you'd never notice it.  In terms of execution, this figure was one of 2012's absolutely best releases.  It's a pity it remained exclusive to the Internet... unless Hasbro decides to do another run of them, and I do believe that they should.

Collector's Notes: As the only Republic Trooper you don't need much advice on if you should get it.  Do you want it? OK, get it. There aren't any other versions.   For Star Wars gamers this figure should be considered essential.  For everyone else, if you can ignore it and save a few bucks, I suggest that you do so because money doesn't grow on trees and reissues abound this year.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,007: February 21, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,006: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID  The Better One
Discover the Force MTT Vehicle Pack-In
Item No.: No.  37905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 3 more droids just like it, blasters, Obi-Wan figure with lightsaber, 16 less-articulated droids, MTT vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $129.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Battle Droids deploy from massive TRADE FEDERATION MTT vehicle’s motorized troop deployment rack! Includes 20 BATTLE DROID figures: 16 INFANTRY DROID and 4 PILOT DROID figures! 20 blasters! Includes 1 OBI-WAN KENOBI figure with lightsaber. Lights and sounds! Firing missile launchers! Pivoting cannons! Front hatch opens to release troop deployument rack. Side hatch opens to reveal blaster racks. Upper hatch opens to access storage space. Works with Movie Heroes or THE CLONE WARS figures (sold separately).   (Taken from Hasbro.com.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: As Battle Droid figures go, we've had lots of ups and downs with this one being on the happy scale of the lower end.   While some collectors continue to insist a figure must have 14 or more joints to be worthwhile, I beg to differ - sometimes the point of the figure is to be a prop, to fill a seat, or just to be a victim for another figure to destroy.  In the case of this Battle Droid, it was designed as a pilot/gunner for the MTT vehicle so all it needed to do to succeed was sit, hold a gun, or be plugged into a gunner's port.  Armed with a traditional blaster and a backpack, the figure has 5 points of articulation which places it on the lower end of such things.   Still, the sculpt is clean and good, with very thin arms and a slightly wobbly sense of balance.  (Display stands are good if you have them here.)  The level of detail is certainly impressive given the simple nature of the figure, and the eyes are painted well.  Having the figure "clean" and free of damage no doubt brought down the cost, a necessity for a vehicle which includes 21 action figures of varying levels of complexity.

This figure will not impress anyone, but if you're interested in Hasbro's new take on superb sculpts with limited deco and/or articulation, this one fits the bill.  Good, a nice display piece, and honestly if they painted it well I'd hope Hasbro put out a ton of them for $4-$5 each somehow.  (3 for $10?)  Because you need something for your other figures to attack, this is a good figure from a decent vehicles.

Collector's Notes: The figure was redecorated for the MTT Mini-Rig in early 2013, but with  blue pilot deco.   That's worth getting too.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,006: February 20, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,005: Imperial Navy Trooper

IMPERIAL NAVY TROOPER  Star Wars
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 37499 No. 37510
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC94
Includes: Blaster, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: April 2012
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: I've been asked why I review some figures immediately and wait on others, like the Imperial Navy Trooper.   In its case (as of when I write this) I still have some unanswered questions, like why this troop builder was 1 per case in only 1 case so far.   As an update of one of the 12 original figures, I found it surprising that more weren't out there, but its relatively lower secondary market price (compared to other figures with higher runs) may mean Hasbro actually kinda, sorta had the right idea all along.  Or is considering a grey, 1978-style figure.  But I digress.  How's this one?

I had no real problems with the 2007 Death Star Trooper, despite its bulky nature.  It was, to say the least, acceptable.  This one?  Way better.  The thinner sculpt has what feels like more realistic proportions, with a better human face and surprisingly pale hair.  The face has a good amount of personality with glossy boots and gloves over a somewhat unnecessarily shiny outfit.  The Republic-esque symbols on the shoulder seem a little low, but are probably the only part of the figure that isn't really all that fantastic.   Increased distribution and/or slightly better shoulder deco would no doubt have pleased numerous long-time collectors, as the figure is really good!  He can hold his hand, stand, and he has a holster for his appropriately-scaled blaster.

Since it seems less and less likely Hasbro will ever give us a big Death Star or Star Destroyer playset, my own personal need for an army has diminished greatly over the past few years.  One of him is sufficient for my needs, but I'd score one in grey or if there's some sort of troop-builder variant.   Had Hasbro built a large playset or vehicle, I'd probably have bought dozens to populate the various stations... but now?  I'm not sure.  With the announcement of "The Black Series" it's seeming like all of us who picked up the figures for never-made playsets or for a large display probably should have just held off... there's a really big advantage to collecting dead toy lines.  The amount of information you have helps you make better decisions, and it's funny how in 2013 I realize how spoiled I was with the entire original line in the rearview mirror when I was tracking it down at garage sales and collectible toy shows from 1984-1992.  But I digress.  As of now this is the definitive version of this figure.  If you're looking to buy a modern update of every Vintage 1980s figure, this should be on your shopping list until Hasbro puts out a grey one.

Collector's Notes: The figure is sort of an update of the original Death Squad Commander, later Star Destroyer Commander.   (Neither of which were particularly accurate names, but hey, neither was Walrus Man.)   Despite its relative rarity, it's cheaper than the more common (with more coming) Darth Malgus.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,005: February 19, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,004: Green R5-Series Astromech Droid

R5-SERIES ASTROMECH DROID White Dome with Green Panels
Star Tours Droid Factory Customizable Figure
Item No.: No. ???
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Head, 2 legs, torso, central third leg, optional hat
Action Feature: Comes apart
Retail: $10-$12
Availability: 2012
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These figures do not have specific packaging or configurations.  As such, we will be treating each dome as a unique "figure" as that part is the most plentiful.   At this time there are 25 domes and while Hasbro sometimes seems to indicate they are not Hasbro product, they do have Hasbro copyright markings and as such we are classifying them under the Hasbro banner.

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: It's a Green R5-Series Astromech Droid!  I approve of this one because it's fairly distinctive.  With R5-D4, R5-D8, and the red R5 from this very line I was pretty happy to see a very different, previously unseen color enter the mix.  Green!  How novel.  I like it.  There's not a lot to it, it's basically a factory-fresh sculpt sans antenna with a little silver and a green stripe around the top.  I selected a matching body, although a green body (rather than white) is also available.  This one looks vaguely 1970s though, minus the specific shade of green.  The Mrs. has dragged me to a few retro furniture stores and let me tell you, their green plastics from the 1970s? Wow.  This is almost too pretty.  I like how it adds a definite air of personality to the R5 class (which has historically not had a lot of variety) but like with all figures from this line, it's a huge pain in the neck to get.

Collector's Notes: It's funny, I love these more and have more contempt for how they're sold every time I do one.  I got like three more lined up.  I adore the concept, the pricing ain't bad, and frankly I'd be buying these all day long if it were a build-a-droid station in, let's say, Toys R Us.  Heck, even the big one in New York, this would be a nice thing to have there.   Thanks again to the kindness, patience, and general fearlessness of my near-breakdowns from Shannon, Mike, and the fine cast of Disney Hollywood Studios Orlando for helping me with these.  (But seriously, could you just sell a sack of parts so I don't need to dig through bins like some challenge on Double Dare?  I think the last 18 years have proven I don't have much personal dignity when it comes to toy hunting.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,004: February 18, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,003: Ikopi

IKOPI  Swamp Creatures
Episode I Battle Bags
Item No.: Asst. 63349  No. 63353
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Tool, bag, Falumpaset, Kaadu, Mott
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: May 1999
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The ikopi was a fleet-footed ungulate with telescopic legs for fast locomotion. They lived in the plains and swamps of Naboo and its moon Rori and they traveled in herds.  ( Stolen from Wookieepedia. )

Image: Adam's photo dump.

Commentary: I'm a big fan of creatures and those of you who know me understand that I'm on a minifigure kick right now.  I dug out my Ikopi and other Battle Bags figures from 1999, and I gotta say I'm somewhat impressed.  I didn't pay the $10 at the time ($2.24 clearance = yes), but by modern standards these small, non-articulated, ambiguously scaled creatures are pretty much worth the asking price on the secondary market.  $5 or less for 4 painted alien creatures?  Yes please!

Either not in scale, or a juvenile example, the 2-inch-ish Ikopi is a fraction of the size that a 3.5-meter-tall adult would be when compared to the action figure line.  The drawings from the super-cool The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide (which I have and adore)  show this as a very tall creature with a stretchy, frog-like tongue. Freaky!  The Naboo space antelope can stand fairly well and has a little bit of paint.  The figure has black horns, eyes, and hooves with a little bit of brown on his fuzzy body.  As a creature with very few representations in the toy world, I'd suggest grabbing this figure from this set.  If you want a full-size, action figure-scaled toy though... this ain't it.  And there isn't one.

Collector's Notes: Minifigures offer a cheap thrill like no other.  Painted or unpainted, tiny or smallish, they're fun and are great desk toys.  This particular series also happens to not be worth much, so you really have no excuse for not buying these... unless you don't want them.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,003: February 15, 2013

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,002: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI  Wait, What?
Discover the Force Darth Maul Line Look Vehicle Pack-In
Item No.: No.  37905
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, 16 Battle Droids on the cheap, 4 more articulated droids, MTT vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $129.99
Availability: August 2012
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio:  Battle Droids deploy from massive TRADE FEDERATION MTT vehicle's motorized troop deployment rack! Includes 20 BATTLE DROID figures: 16 INFANTRY DROID and 4 PILOT DROID figures! 20 blasters! Includes 1 OBI-WAN KENOBI figure with lightsaber. Lights and sounds! Firing missile launchers! Pivoting cannons! Front hatch opens to release troop deployument rack. Side hatch opens to reveal blaster racks. Upper hatch opens to access storage space. Works with Movie Heroes or THE CLONE WARS figures (sold separately).   (Taken from Hasbro.com.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary:  When I heard about the MTT being made for release in 2012, my first question was "Really? Why?" My next question was "And why is Obi-Wan Kenobi in here?"  I understand the need for a hero figure in a set like this, but wouldn't Jar Jar Binks make more sense?  Anyway, he's here.  So how is he?  Pretty good.   The figure has 8 points of articulation, with swivel elbows.  Those have been out of vogue for a while, but they make sense when you understand that this body was originally used for a Power of the Jedi figure from the year 2000.  The head was from a CommTech Chip version of Kenobi from 2000.  This combination was previously sold in 2006 with slightly different deco, as the carded SAGA 047 figure in The Saga Collection.  The pants and boots are a smidgen different, complete with the increasingly out-of-date old-style lightsaber.   The "real hair" braid is a good fit for the figure, as it doesn't get in the way of neck movement.  The skirt, though, remains plastic and as such gets in the way if you'd ever have him sitting somewhere.  As he is, he's designed to attack a giant, super-huge tank packed with robots.

This figure is not sufficiently different to warrant the purchase of an MTT, even on clearance.  (I'd argue the MTT itself combined with the droids is well worth it.)  It's not bad.  But it's not as awesome as the five-jointed Obi-Wan from the 2012 Naboo Battle Pack.

Collector's Notes: Clearance is likely for the MTT, so check your local stores for a deal.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,002: February 14, 2013