Figure of the Day: Day 890: Incinerator Trooper

INCINERATOR TROOPERS and Darth Vader
30th Anniversary Collection Wal-Mart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87576 No. 87577
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: September 2008
Appearances: The Force Unleashed

Bio: One of the most devastating of the Empire's specialized stormtrooper units, the incinerator troopers wield powerful plasma rifles to set enemies ablaze. When deployed to a forest world like Kashyyyk, a small squadron of incinerator troopers can level an entire Wookiee village in a matter of hours. Vader and the Incinerator Troopers are sent in whenever an example needs to be made of anyone who dares to question the ultimate authority of the Empire. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: In front of my Mac.

Commentary: Since the Clone Trooper repaint became a cash cow, it only seemed like a matter of time before someone introduced Stormtrooper variants like the Incinerator Trooper. Loosely based on the appearance of the soldiers in The Force Unleashed, these figures take the 2004 Stormtrooper "Vintage" mold and add some color. In the game, they figure had heavier weapons and-- as I suspected-- a shoulder pauldron. (As you can see here, the coloring stops just below the neck, right where a pauldron should cover it.) If anything, it probably should have been a repainted Sandtrooper. Thankfully, the end result is neat enough to warrant a purchase, despite the inaccuracy. The red coloring is distinctive, and the pattern is unlike anything we've seen on clones. The green lenses are also quite distinctive, and with any luck Hasbro will start including more colored lenses on its various trooper repaints. (The green one looked awesome on the 2006 Kashyyyk Trooper.) Incinerator Troopers are a little light on extras, including only a traditional Stormtrooper blaster. Perhaps Hasbro will repackage this figure with some new accessories in the future, as the game seems to be popular enough to warrant additional product.

Collector's Notes: This set, and its companion set featuring the Emperor and the Shadow Troopers, were delayed for months to coincide with the release of the game. There didn't seem to be a firm street date, as some stores put them out early, and others weeks after the game's release. As it stands now, these are still findable in some Wal-Marts, so go out and check your area if you missed these. Not everyone gets their stuff on time.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 890: November 11, 2008