Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,758: Clone Trooper

CLONE TROOPER 212th Battalion
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 30018
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC38
Includes: Helmet, rifle, blaster
Action Feature: Removable Helmet
Retail: $8.99
Availability: January 2011
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

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: Adam Pawlus' G.I. Joe backdrop.

Commentary: OK, so this Clone Trooper is basically the 2010 TVC release, except with some paint. The plain white one was pretty bland, particularly since many samples came missing a few markings. This one makes up for it, and while his helmet isn't a fan favorite, it's nice to have a super-articulated 212th Clone Trooper with hip joints. I like the guns-- the smaller, basically more authentic ones-- but they aren't painted. The armor itself has black and orange, and lacks the slick battle damage of the 2006 release... of which I have many. This figure is a great addition to a squad to mix things up and add some variety, but visually it doesn't look better than the cheaper 2006 ancestor.

If you like figures which work well with vehicles, or are pretty neat at being posed, this is worth snagging. Just don't overpay for it, there are more 212th clones out there from other releases, gift sets, and so on.

Collector's Notes: Of the token "repaint" wave of early 2011, this one seemed to disappear the fastest-- and Hasbro got this weird "oh no! Troopers don't sell!" attitude around the same time, not taking into account that it's because they just came off of two very plain, very boring troopers during a price increase and neither of which were particularly interesting to look at. So yeah, this dude suffered. Will the same happen with the much-delayed TVC 501st Trooper? (Probably.) I'm so old I remember the days where Hasbro would make a trooper and stick it in cases for months to come, I reckon.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,758: March 9, 2012