Figure of the Day: Day 321: Clone Trooper Commander

CLONE TROOPER Commander
Original Trilogy Collection Clone Trooper Troop Builder Four-Pack Assortment, Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 85688 No. 85775
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster Pistol, collectible poster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $34.99 (part of a four-pack)
Availability: Spring 2005
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars

Bio: Virtually indistinguishable from one another, clone troopers are identical in physical appearance, mental capability and stamina. Part of a clone army, they are grown in the cloning facilities of Tipoca City, a luminescent city of industry emerging from the raging seas of Kamino. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: After patrolling Kamino, the figure takes a moment away from exploring for a photo shoot on Adam Pawlus' stairs.

Commentary: In 2003, fans (including myself) were screaming for more Clone Trooper figures as Hasbro seemed to be going out of their way to make them hard to get, and a real lack of variety didn't help things. So in 2004, Entertainment Earth came to me and said "we want to do some Clones with Hasbro, what should we do?" So after some harassing of many people, I got what I wanted-- four packs of four, with all ranks, and battle-damaged figures too! This yellow Clone has 14 points of articulation, most of which are basically ball joints, and the ability to carry pretty much any weapon. As far as articulation goes, this is one of the best, so be sure to get it if you see it.

Collector's Notes: After three big shipments, this item was discontinued in Fall 2005. The figure was based on a 2003 Clone Trooper sculpt, except this release has foot holes. (The same mold was also used for a Wal-Mart exclusive carry case that had a plain white Clone with no weapons.) This same body was used yet again for the Utapau Shadow Trooper (which got new paint and a new head), and the Target Clone Trooper (which also got the new paint and new head treatment.)

In addition to this figure, there's a Yellow Clone Commander in the Wal-Mart 2-packs based on a different, less articulated sculpt, and another one in the Clone Wars 3-packs that includes binoculars. And, of course, a battle damaged version of this one.

Day 321: March 23, 2007