STORMTROOPER 2011 EditionThe Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 30241
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: VC41
Includes: Pistol, rifle, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$10.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back
Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Fore be with you! (Taken from the figure's packaging. There is no bio.)
Image: My kitchen, on some red box I found.
Commentary: By mixing and matching various parts, this Stormtrooper has amazing articulation and can actually kneel down to be a sort of a sniper. His legs are taken from the 2009 Dewback (and 2010 Vintage) Sandtrooper, while the rest of him is largely derived from the 2007 30th Anniversary Collection Stormtrooper, right down to the removable helmet. I've heard reports of the figure's bucket falling off his head, but my sample tends to stay on just fine-- maybe I got lucky. While not necessarily a figure you'll want to pay out to army build, it's absolutely worth getting a few of these to add to your ranks just to add some variety to the weaponry and the poses these figures can make. The longer rifle is rarely packaged with a Stormtrooper, so seeing it included here was a really nice touch. The deco is good, but not perfect-- for example, there are some added grey paint apps on his shoes that we rarely see on these figures, but the little grey dots on his torso were not painted-- so it's both a step forward and a step... well, sideways. I don't think anyone really misses the belly dots.
He has no problems standing or sitting, but it's worth noting that the belt is loose. Not "it's going to fall off" loose but "it easily swivels around the figure's waist" loose. The blaster can be crammed into a holster, although it's not really a good fit-- despite being sculpted to fit the gun, it hangs out sort of funny. If you're looking to add some action to your dioramas, this is a good one to get-- it's just kinda expensive.
Collector's Notes: For whatever reason, Hasbro decided to include this one on an Empire Strikes Back card like the 2004 release, rather than give it a spin on Star Wars or Return of the Jedi. Hopefully we'll see them decide to mix up the logos to make things interesting for carded collectors, but I'm not too hopeful. And hey, if you like the column and still need this (or other) figures, go ahead and click on the link below-- it helps us out and we get a little something from each sale!
--Adam Pawlus
Day 1,520: April 12, 2011
The original 2004 was on a ROTJ card. So no all we need is a Star Wars variant to have a version from each movie. C'mon Hasbro!!!
ReplyDeleteThis figure is impossible to find at retail, so thanks for the link on where to buy one at a (semi) reasonable price.
ReplyDeleteStormtroopers never hang on the pegs too long. WHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYY doesn't ship a full case of them every now and again, to satisfy army-builders, as well as those of us who would like at least one?
Sorry, I meant to say, "WHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYY doesn't HASBRO ship..."
ReplyDeleteI would have happily bought several of these, but have passed on over a dozen now. The helmet is a step back in my opinion - they should have used a better mold. Do you not agree? And let's not forget most of these are yellowing. Unfortunately, the helmet is filled wtih flaws and for $10, I feel we deserve better.
ReplyDeleteChewie's on the money. That helmet wasn't good in 2007 and it's not good now.
ReplyDeleteIs the belt ridged plastic like the Vintage Sandtrooper? Cuz that belt sucks.
I must amend my earlier comment. Since I wrote it, I have found TWO at retail (and bought them both!).
ReplyDeleteIs Hasbro finally distributing much-wanted figures in adequate quantities? The mind boggles! If I see a Gamorean Guard at retail, I may faint (after I buy it)!