Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,589: Clone Pilot (Warthog)

CLONE PILOT Y-Wing Scout Bomber
The Clone Wars Class I Vehicle (Mini-Rigs)
Item No.: Asst. 29960 No. 28634
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: I
Includes: Blaster, stand, bombs, Y-Wing Scout Bomber vehicle
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $18.99
Availability: July 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: A new Y-wing scout bomber goes on its first mission. Assigned to Jedi General Plo Koon's Hunter Squadron, clone trooper pilot Warthog flies the prototype bomber on a mission to bring reinforcements to a Republic outpost. The bomber is armed with proton bombs and laser cannons, and its rotating engines provide increased flight agility. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen, in front of his vehicle.

Commentary: While not named specifically on his package, this Clone Pilot figure matches the design of one "Warthog," a pilot which appeared in the comics and in the second season of the TV show. As it's a clone, it's not like it breaks too much new ground but it is notable for being the first-ever Clone Pilot to include the same kind of ball-jointed hips we saw on Clone Trooper Jesse. By using Jesse's body with a new helmet, this figure has a ton of articulation and while there's no ankle movement, that's OK-- the leg joints as they are, are ideal for getting him inside the cockpit. So really, as pilots go, this is Hasbro's best effort to date in terms of actually being able to get the figure in a vehicle and sitting down without damaging the hip joints. Hopefully they'll continue to use the same body for all future pilots.

I wish I could say more about the figure, but it's the vehicle that's the real star here. (See below for more.) The figure has a nice ornate helmet design but other than that it's about as plain as a plain clone can get. The all-white body sports a nice sculpt and 12 points of articulation, short of the ideal but certainly good enough to interact with his vehicle. I like the figure a lot, but the real reason to buy this set is for the awesome vehicle.

Collector's Notes: A new item, I have not seen this figure (which was not part of the first wave) on shelves yet. I expect it will be hot, looking at the assortment breakdowns. If you want to know more about the vehicle, find my write-up here.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,589: July 18, 2011