Figure of the Day: Day 1,289: Clone Trooper (Space Gear)

CLONE TROOPER Space Gear
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 87941
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #21 (2008 series) or #02 (2009 series)
Includes: Armor, rocket, breathing gear, blaster rifle, blaster pistol, backpack
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: Early 2009-present
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Clone troopers are outfitted with additional gear when a battle calls for them to leave their ships and venture into the vacuum of space. Wearing specialized breathing equipment, they can move through space to board enemy ships for attack or seizure. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's living room.

Commentary: One of the neat things about The Clone Wars is the specialized Clone Trooper figures. Unlike many of Kenner and Hasbro's other figure lines, the various "space" and "snow" variations on the standard trooper actually appear on the TV show. This one was one of Plo Koon's men, and the armor basically looks like it does on the show-- a couple of the marks are a smidgen off, but hey, close enough. The canine-esque markings on the helmet are pretty nifty, but what I really like about this figure is how Hasbro managed to augment the basic Clone mold without resculpting it. You may not want the Space Gear on at all times, and it slips right off if you'd prefer. Score one for variety.

The body is the 2008-style sculpt, with the original style helmet and the famous ultra-articulated wrists. As such, you have a pretty good idea just what to expect from the design. The rocket-firing backpack is a nice extra, as is the small holster and bonus pistol right under the breathing gear. Nice!

Collector's Notes: Available for a while, you shouldn't have too much trouble tracking these down. The same basic design was used on Target's exclusive Sinker and Boost figures. (We thought those were out of rotation but saw them earlier this month, too. And on sale as of this week in some stores.) If you're building armies, this isn't a bad one to have.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,289: May 24, 2010