Figure of the Day: Day 1,460: Scorch

SCORCH Republic Commando
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85987
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #021
Includes: Stand, backpack, hip ammo, holographic mini figure, blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006
Appearances: Republic Commando

Bio: When the battle begins on Geonosis, clone trooper Scorch is ordered to engage the Separatist droid army. Scorch's Delta number is Six-Two, but he is well known for his humorous mishaps. Although he is a competent soldier and an excellent explosives technician, "Scorch" earned his nickname after an ordnance accident that left him without eyebrows for a short time. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: What Hasbro says and what actually sells regarding the Expanded Universe is tough to reconcile-- we're told these aren't popular figures, but then you rarely saw Scorch, Darth Malak, and so many others hang on the pegs more than once if at all. This particular Clone proved so popular that despite fan complaints regarding articulation, it consistently sold through and was quickly redecorated and repackaged as part of a boxed set with the entire Clone Trooper Delta Squad commando team. This is a true success.

Scorch was produced in 2006, when not all figures were expected to be super articulated just yet but most were approaching that level of detail. With 10 joints, and non-ball-jointed shoulders, many fans saw him as a disappointment even though all he's likely to ever do is stand around and aim his gun, which he could do without too much trouble. Had Hasbro not released a super-articulated clone in 2005, odds are people would have been more accepting of his unjointed knees and ankles, but well, we have high expectations. The figure matches his Xbox appearance nicely, plus a good amount of dirt adds a little life to this armored release. Back in 2006, he was a Big Deal and proved difficult to find, that is until the boxed set with him and his brothers.

Collector's Notes: The individually carded Scorch and the one in the Delta Squad boxed set are effectively identical, with minor changes so small I don't consider them unique. If you have one, aside from the missing display stand in the boxed set, you're good to go. You should have no problem getting the individually carded version (which sports an awesome Xbox-inspired backdrop) for $5-$10, although the complete boxed set of Delta Squad may be closer to $80. (It started life at about $40.) Good hunting!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,460: January 18, 2011