Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,912: Omega Squad Demolitions Republic Commando

OMEGA SQUAD DEMOLITIONS Elite Forces of the Republic
30th Anniversary Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive Mandalorians & Omega Squad Set
Item No.: Asst. 87467 No. 87455
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Backpack, rifle, 6 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: Republic Commando novels

Bio:   This elite clone commando squad wears black armor, unlike most other commando squads. They are originally from different squads whose ranks were ravaged during the Battle of Geonosis. Those who survived were combined to form the Omega Squad.  (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam's former apartment's lawn.

Commentary: The black repaint used to be cool.  Heck, it's still cool too, but now it's more of a given that you're going to see them.  The Omega Squad member pictured here is basically the 2006 Scorch mold with less color and way, way more black.   Each of the Republic Commando figures from the Elite Forces of the Republic set is a little bit different, but they're all recolors of the existing Commando tools.  The color selection really works, with a black armor being broken up by a grey body glove and some metallic paint on the helmet and blaster to mix things up.  He has 10 points of articulation and does not meet the "super articulated or it doesn't count" mandate of your average fan on a message board.  In and of itself, it's a really neat-looking group of figures, and proved popular enough that I don't recall many (or any) complaints about their right to exist, as with so many other clones or repaints out there.  People love Commando figures, people love black repaints, and together, you get Voltron.

Collector's Notes: These Entertainment Earth exclusives are climbing in price, with single figures commanding $10-$20.  I don't know if I would say this one figure is worth $20, but it shows just how far pricing has come over a few years-- the boxed set started life at $40 for 7 figures, now individually it's going to go for as much as triple that.  People love black repaints!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,912: October 11, 2012