Figure of the Day: Day 487: Clone Trooper (Clean White)

CLONE TROOPER Revenge of the Sith
30th Anniversary Collection Saga Legends
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87422
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, antenna, generic "Episode III" coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2007
Appearances: Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith (I think)

Bio: Equipped for all terrains and environments, the genetically engineered clone troopers combat the relentless droid armies of the Separatists. They are led into battle by the Jedi, who serve as Generals during the Clone Wars. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Fans can't get enough of the Clone Trooper army. I have no doubt this is carved into some form of grand obelisk in Rhode Island when Hasbro is figuring out its assortments every year. We're probably pushing 100 flavors of Clone, between all the commanders, styles, variants, and molds, and this one is one of those just-different-enough releases that you're going to want to get. The figure takes the mold from 2005 with 14 points of articulation, and drops the battle damage markings. That's it, otherwise it's the same freaking release. Battle damage can make or break a figure, as I got to see first-hand in 2005 and 2006 when Entertainment Earth sold clones with and without blaster damage. (The damaged ones were way more popular, selling out first.) These clean clones are pretty nice, although clean ROTS clone figures are available in other configurations, like with a quick-draw attack, or the deluxe 3-packs, or with a jetpack. They just aren't super articulated. The somewhat-glossy visor over the eyes is a nice touch, and I hope Hasbro makes these shiny on all future trooper releases-- it just looks really slick in the right light.

Collector's Notes: This is a great example of Hasbro phoning in another must-buy figure. It's a Clone variant most fans want more of, plus it has a coin with it you'll no doubt want to add to your collection. So you might find yourself wanting to buy a few of these, or at the very least, one just for the coin. So far it's been somewhat easy to get thanks to the heavy case packing, but if repaints don't float your boat, you can pass on this one and not miss much of anything. The plain white Clone Trooper saw the most action during Clone Wars episodes 22-25, so I've been sticking mine with Jedi like Foul Moudama. Hey, even giant hairy Jedi need their own clone squads, even if they have to share with their Ithorian homies. With any luck, Hasbro will keep this figure in rotation for a while as the demand for them seems steady as new trooper fans are born every day.

Day 487: September 5, 2007