Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,804: ARC Trooper

ARC TROOPER The Red One Who Isn't Colt
The Clone Wars Battle Packs
Item No.:   Asst. 94743 No.  19682 
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Pistols, backpack, shoulder armor, range finder, game card
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $24.99
Availability: September 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio:    The Advanced Recon Commandos are given specialized training that encourages independent thinking and unconventional approaches to problems.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' kitchen.

Commentary:  I don't normally like to come out and say things like "Boy, Hasbro missed the boat!" but in the case of this ARC Trooper figure, Hasbro missed the boat.  Issued very briefly and in small numbers in 2010, the set came and went fast--  but was a recipe for success.  It had Captain Rex, Fordo (close enough), and two new-style ARC Troopers.  This is, without a doubt, the easiest money Hasbro could ever make-- it's mostly repaints and retools, and Hasbro opted to make it tough to get despite the fact that fans love ARC Troopers.   Around the same time was a 4-pack of Mandalorians which Hasbro similarly short-shipped, because, well, I don't know why.  "Hasbro is dumb" is really the only answer I got, because these could've been reissued, or tweaked and put into future assortments-- even if it meant reducing it to a 3-figure set, it's easy money.  Older kids and collectors love cool armored dudes.  

When we first saw this set, a lot of us said "Oh, is this Colt?" and then we found out no, there's a Colt figure later, but this isn't it.  The same mold would later be used for the popular (and expensive-ish) Colt, although Colt had more going on in the paint-and-accessories department.  Still, this particular ARC Trooper has great dark red and silver detailing, swell holsters, and unique silver boots which I can't imagine are particularly practical in combat, but as I've never fought in stainless steel I really don't know.  They look cool, though, and it's proof that Hasbro could probably make good money repainting ARC Troopers in awesome new paint jobs every few months.  I'd buy 'em.  They look great!

The figure is super-articulated and its only real shortcoming is this was one of the first figures with  ball-jointed ankles, but only swivel wrists.  The mold is similar to the 2008 Clone Trooper body, but there were numerous modifications made to make it an ARC Trooper.  I really do love the figure and the design, and it's really unfortunate Hasbro has made the figures based on this mold-- of which there are at least four-- somewhat tough to get.  People will  buy a gift set to get one of these guys, as the 2011 Hunt for Grievous set shows.

Collector's Notes: Unless this set is in limbo in some distribution center somewhere, you'll probably never see it reissued.   The set has gone for as high as $150, but packaged or loose sets remain expensive at nearly $100 either way.  HEY HASBRO: I know you're all about 3-figure Battle Packs now, but you'll sell a ton of this set if you put it out again with one minor change: drop Rex to save money and keep your price point.  I'm sure fans would be delighted to buy it for $20 without Rex rather than pay $100-$140 to get it on eBay, plus, as I'm sure you know, eBay prices on The Clone Wars show what parents are willing to spend for their kids, as a lot of parents will overpay to get their kids toys on Amazon if nobody else has them.  (The chick who cuts my hair? Buys $30 Hulk figures off Amazon for her 3-year-old because she didn't know Hasbro was making new ones for The Avengers.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,804: May 14, 2012