Figure of the Day: Day 882: Naboo Trooper

NABOO SOLDIER Royal Naboo Army
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87649
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3052
Includes: Blaster, helmet, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Bio: These highly trained bodyguards are assigned to the Royal Palace, where they guard the Queen, the Advisory Council, and other members of the court. Their exceptional combat skills are acquired on direct battle experience on other worlds. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Some figures come out because they're a great idea. The Naboo Soldier exists basically because Hasbro didn't make one yet, and had the mold leftover from the weak seller yellow version from 2006. This figure is essentially identical to the yellow version, except now the yellow parts are red. No attempt was made to make the skin color or hair color a little different, nor was any attempt made to change the lettering on the helmet or scuff it up a little. It's just a redeco, one you can put in your Naboo playsets or Naboo Royal Starship if you're so inclined. As such, it's not too exciting.

The figure has 12 points of articulation, a too-small head, and a removable helmet. It can basically sit without problem and because of the overall awkwardness of the sculpt (big hands, tiny head, limited detail work) it should fit right in with the Episode I figures you bought in 1999 and 2000. It isn't really a bad figure, but there seems to be no effort made to make it great. Including an old, very large blaster mold didn't help things. This is a figure that fans of the first prequel need, or anyone who wants a decent Naboo army of figures. Everybody else can just keep right on walking, unless you want the figure's coin to complete your collection.


Collector's Notes: The yellow version in 2006 sold so poorly you can still find it in some retail stores in 2008. The red one, however, was made in lower numbers and sold through quite quickly. It's unlikely you'll find one at retail today, but then again, maybe you're a very lucky person or someone with access to a time machine.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 882: October 30, 2008