Figure of the Day: Day 1,218: Rebel Trooper

REBEL TROOPER Facial Hair Edition, Battle of Endor
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 86980
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 046
Includes: Blaster, backpack, helmet, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Fall 2006
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Hand picked by Han Solo for the mission to Endor, these troopers are the best and brightest of the Rebel Alliance. Survivors of some of the toughest battles of the Galactic Civil War, each one of them is a skilled marksman, expert in demolitions, and an easy match in hand to hand combat for any stormtrooper. Each of these men can survive in the wilderness for weeks at a time, remaining silent and unseen, until the command is given to strike. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' back yard.

Commentary: This Rebel Trooper is a pretty solid release. Unlike a lot of previous troopers, it genuinely looks like a specific person-- who, I don't know-- but it's not a generic army guy. As one of two figures sold under this SKU (the other is a pasty white dude with a headset), this one really looks sharp and has a darker costume. The figure was based on a 2002 Endor Rebel mold, but with new legs. The main improvements are the legs, which now sport knees and ankles, plus improved decoration and a new belt with a holster. The backpack still falls off easily, and the figure has limited arm movement due to the jacket, but it looks nice. And as you can see in the picture, you can still wrangle some good poses out of it, but it's hardly the ultimate final version of an Endor Rebel-- a super articulated version, I hope, is still in the wings. These are all good, but we can always do better. This figure is worth adding to any Endor strike team you assemble, of course, so be sure to get one especially if you can score it for a good price.

Collector's Notes: This excellent figure wasn't around too long, and it was used as the basis of the Rebel Vanguard Trooper in November of 2008. I prefer the Endor version.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,218: February 12, 2010