Figure of the Day: Day 858: Rebel Trooper

REBEL TROOPER (OFFICER) Ultimate Battle of Hoth
30th Anniversary Collection Ultimate Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87565 No. 87566
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, removable helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99 (part of a set)
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: He's a loner. A rebel, Dottie. (Taken from the figure's box. No, really.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: You really can't have enough troops-- even if a Rebel Trooper is really just a repaint of Major Derlin. By taking the 2006 figure and recoloring the outfit, Hasbro gave us all a figure that, while probably not our first choice to be made, wasn't a real problem. (As I get annoyed when I buy a gift set and the figures are identical to those I have. Repaint it, and I'm pretty happy.) As a repaint, there isn't much to say here-- he has the same 10 points of articulation as Major Derlin, and if you have never seen the figures side-by-side, you might mistake one for the other pretty easily. So it's not all that different, but it will add a distinctive look to your ever-growing collection. Oh, and he can't sit. Gotta love those extra plastic pieces around the waist Hasbro enjoys using so much.

Collector's Notes: As a nifty quickie repaint, it wasn't too shabby for army builders and was a great part of a larger set. Many Targets sold through the Battle of Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack before the clearances kicked in, and with good cause-- even at $50, it was quite a deal. As such, this particular figure has been out of circulation for some time, and there are presently no known plans for a reissue.

Day 858: September 26, 2008