Figure of the Day: Day 449: Commander Bow

COMMANDER BOW Order 66
30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87356 No. 87359
Number: 3 of 6
Includes: Pistols, rifle (and Darth Vader)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Commander Bow carries out Vader's orders with alacrity and unquestioning obedience as Vader tightens the Emperor's grip on the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Hasbro isn't stupid-- actually, they're geniuses. They know we love Clones, Darth Vader, Order 66, and the whole concept of the 501st Legion (in the movies and outside the movies), plus we're fiends for the Expanded Universe. Commander Bow works on all of these wonderful things, and manages to create a new, compelling figure with a little bit of blue, orange, and brown paint and an old mold. The figure is based on the 2005 Clone Commander figure, which was itself very popular, and adds blue 501st markings, a little brown (and seemingly orange) battle damage and presto-- new character. In the movies (as stated by extra-filmiccular sources), Commander Bow was one of the clones on the Jedi Temple assault who helped "apprehend" Zett Jukassa during Bail Organa's visit to the building. Of course, in the movie, he was just a normal looking 501st trooper-- the extra gear and gizmos is off-screen, and if you want to get nitpicky, there was some confusion on Hasbro's part as to who was Appo and who was Bow (another Commander figure released earlier.) Of course, if you ask me, it doesn't matter-- a cool clone is a cool clone, you can call them whatever you wish-- I can rename them as I see fit, and since they're all clones anyway it's not like two or three of them can't look alike anyway. The figure is essentially super-articulated with a posable set of binoculars on his helmet, and his kama/skirt is removable too. Of course, he won't be doing much sitting while wearing it, so keep that in mind. For fans of Clone Troopers from beyond the movies, this is an excellent addition to any collection and because I'm a sucker for all things 501st, I can't say enough nice things about buying it.

Collector's Notes: Needless to say, despite some hardcore fan complaints, anything associated with the 501st Legion of clones is a big hit. This figure was packaged with one of the best Darth Vader figures of all time, leading it to frequently sell out first when these items first hit in early 2007. You can still get this clone/the set on eBay for $10 or less, so if you've been thinking about getting it and missed it at Target, do not wait. Get while the getting is good.

Day 449: July 29, 2007