Figure of the Day: Day 236: Clone Trooper (ARC Trooper)

CLONE TROOPER The Hunt for Grievous
The Saga Collection Toys "R" Us Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87116
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster and blaster rifle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: Summer 2006
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: These clone troopers are all members of The Muunilinst 10. They will folow their leader, Captain Fordo, to the end, obeying his every command and destroying anything or anyone that gets in his way. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: The tables of Adam Pawlus.

Commentary: In the Hunt for General Grievous Battle Pack, you get three of these Clone Trooper figures, but they're actually ARC Trooper figures to most of us. It's the same as the 2003 figure with new paint and, technically, new guns. You get 3 figures with 2 of the old gun, and 2 of the normal Clone rifle. Basically, all that's new here is deco-- but it's good deco. Almost perfect, actually-- the white top of the rangefinder and the improved blue coloring is great, as is the gear on the arms. One paint app they missed, though, was the stripe that runs down to the visor on the helmet. This was wrong on the first release of the ARC Trooper, as well as the new green Clone Sarge just released. Since you're likely to buy this set for Fordo and the Heavy Gunner anyway, this is a nice addition to your collection-- especially as you're going to get 3 in the box.

Collector's Notes: As far as exclusive Clone figures go, this one has a few good marks for it. They made a whole bunch of 'em, and unlike Target's exclusive Clone figures, you get 3 for $25 (and some other figures) instead of being beaten out of $12.99 each. Snag it if you can see it! (Freak sightings of old exclusives happen, just keep your eyes open.) But take heed: the basically-confirmed plan for 2006 is for Hasbro to put out a comic book 2-pack with General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Alpha, an ARC Trooper, and rumor has it that it'll be different somehow. It might be crazy articulated, have a removable helmet, or be another one of these. This set should set you back $12 or less, so if you just want a single ARC trooper in your collection, it's probably safe to wait. (But if you want a toony one, get this one.)

Day 236: December 28, 2006