Figure of the Day: Day 1,074: 212th Clone Trooper

212th BATTALION CLONE TROOPERS and Jet Backpacks
The Clone Wars Figure and Vehicle Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 91349 No. 91369
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 figures, 2 jet backpacks, 2 clone blasters, 1 clone rifle, 1 battle droid blaster, 4 rockets
Action Feature: Backpacks spring open with button, rockets launch
Retail: $16.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Bio: Some clone trooper units are equipped with jet backpacks and a variety of weapons. Jet backpacks are used for aerial assaults and are equipped with twin missile launchers. These packs are often assigned to troopers who are deployed to difficult or rugged environments, such as the troopers of Commander Cody's 212th Attack Battalion. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: The two Clone Troopers that come in this boxed set are the third unique incarnation of animated orange troopers. These include the second helmet with the "notch" in the chin, are cast in an off-white plastic, and sport a hole in the back so the backpacks can attach. Other than that, they're typical animated clones with 14 joints and the enhanced wrist articulation you've come to love. They can stand, sit, pose, be ready to fight-- all that jazz. The orange coloring seems paler than on other figures, but that could be due to the contrast with the plastic. Either way, they're quite different in how they look, and their blue weapons are also unique to this set so far. Even if you have every clone released so far, these are different enough to add to your stash. The jet backpacks are revised versions of the ones sold in 2005 with the deluxe Clone Trooper from Revenge of the Sith, but with new coloring.

Collector's Notes: It's new, and one of the few items in this new figure and vehicle assortment which is actually a better value than the other items in the case. A deluxe clone with jet backpack sold for $10 in 2005, and basic figures are normally $8 these days, so $17 for a pair of figures with extra guns and spring-loaded backpacks are actually a pretty good deal.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,074: July 27, 2009