Figure of the Day: Day 914: Snowtrooper (Target Exclusive)

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

Bio: Snowtroopers, also known as Cold Assault Stormtroopers, were Imperial stormtroopers trained to operate in arctic climates. Some snowtroopers were deployed under Death Squadron's Blizzard Force, as well as other arctic forces. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Last year, the Snowtrooper proved so obscenely popular that Hasbro went back and did up cases of the vintage figures that were 50% Snowtroopers-- and then later in the year, included two more with new dirt markings in Target's Ultimate Battle Packs. As you can see, it's the same mold as the original 2007 "vintage" figure, complete with blaster, cloth kama, and removable helmet. It's a wonderful release, and now you get to have even more of them. The figure can sit, stand, (more or less) crouch, and be posed to fight Rebels, wookiees, or whatever you'd like. Based on the generic troops and not the commanders, the figure has all the details you might hope for. Really, the only thing the figure doesn't have is some form of holster for his blaster, but that's OK-- he can carry it, he's a big boy now. While it's always a little unsettling to see a prequel character's head under the helmet of an original trilogy trooper, it's not like it's the end of the world. The end result is a figure that looks a little muddy, but is largely Hoth-accurate and should work just fine in any AT-AT cargo hold you're looking to fill. Nice job! (Especially for the original price of the set.)

Collector's Notes: If you decide to get the Ultimate Battle of Hoth Battle Pack, you'll enjoy this figure. It's not really all that more special than a regular Snowtrooper, but it's an excellent addition to the set and the set itself is neat enough to warrant your money.

Day 914: December 15, 2008