Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,260: Rebel Fleet Trooper (The Retro Collection)

REBEL FLEET TROOPER Kenner Debut
The Retro Collection Target Exclusive 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure Set
Item No.: No. G1082
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: DH-17 blaster pistol
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $59.99
Availability: April May 2025
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Star Wars Retro Collection features design and detailing inspired by the original 1970s Star Wars figures and features original figure design and detailing! Continue your collection from a galaxy far, far away. (Stolen from the marketing copy. Packaging has no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: I'm a fanboy for The Retro Collection, but the Rebel Fleet Trooper is my least favorite. It's not awful - just undercooked. It's a trooper that has had some weird issues with almost every official release. Kenner made one in 1997 that was taller than Darth Vader. A few years later Hasbro made one with a unique twisty joint for the knees that kind of, sort of, let him kneel. Pretty much every figure before Vintage was just, in some way, different. This one continues the tradition.

The color picks are right-on. The face is pretty much perfect. The hands are a smidgen too small so the blaster may rotate itself a bit. It's not a great grip, but Kenner's figures didn't always have the best grip either. The arms are posed bowed out in a way that feels unnatural and maybe just a bit short. The legs seem a little too straight. The vest feels like it was sculpted digitally, and this might be a first draft. It's not awful - but compare it to Han Solo or Dr. Evazan and it just seems very (I know, I know) plastic. It's oddly lifeless when compared to other figures of even the old eras of toys. The colors and proportions are good, the face paint is great, and I don't mind the unusual helmet shape - weird is good, after all! I just don't buy it as a real Kenner figure. It's a little too smooth, and maybe a bit more care going into the blue arms pose or giving the knees a bit more of a flourish to make it seem lively would make all the difference. Perhaps a few more wrinkles near the crotch on the legs would help, or some bunched-up fabric at the end of the sleeves. His butt is almost comically flat with no definition whatsoever, it just looks like a curved but generally flat badonkadonk-sans-donk.

The helmet is much smaller than the prop, and is molded separately from the figure's head. That's different than the Death Squad Commander. I would have loved some hair peeking out the back of the helmet, like we got with the aforementioned Commander. It feels like someone turned in a work-in-progress and someone else said "perfect, let's run it." Another greeblie or two on the side would be nice, a little antenna vestige or some tiny bit on the side box. There's no chin strap, but as the Death Squad Commander didn't have one I am not going to hold it against anyone emulating that style. The movie helmet also has an extra shell on it that was left off of this design - but they did the same thing with the Death Squad Commander. The Empire's Star Destroyer Commander helmet from Kenner was very simple with the wrong silhouette, so I can only assume the design choice was an intentional nod to the 1970s. If you look at 1979 X-Wing Luke's helmet, it wasn't very detailed either and when I got one second-hand as a small child, I was not aware it was supposed to be Luke or a generic pilot. It could be better, it could be worse.

Functionally, the figure is OK. The hands are a tiny bit too small for the blaster - a common problem in this line - but he can hold it without dropping it. The head and arms turn nicely, but my sample's legs don't swing fully forward. You can get him in a vehicle, but it's a little weird the left leg doesn't want to swing all the way up. If I were a kid, I would assume the figure to be in some way broken - but I was a weird kid. I want those legs swinging forward all the way.

If this were the first "new" "Kenner" "figure" out in 2019 instead of Tarkin, I think fans would be cranky but a bit more forgiving. It's an interesting first attempt. Several years in, it's just not something that makes me go "wow!" Perhaps it's just the general softness of detail across Hasbro's Retro that hurt it, as there's no real texture on the Trooper clothing, very few interesting pleats or wrinkles, and the pleather vest just seems kind of lifeless. And the butt is just so, so flat. As a carded collectible, it gets the job done. As a standing figure on a shelf, it is real. It doesn't compare favorably to competitive Kenner-inspired toy lines from fans, Super7, or other manufacturers. Get this set anyway, but maybe don't bother to build an army of the Rebel Fleet Trooper.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Target.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,260: July 22, 2025

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,505: Rebel Trooper (The Black Series 6-Inch)

REBEL TROOPER Fleeting
The Force Awakens The Black Series 6-Inch Figure
Item No.: Asst. B3834 No. E1210
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #69
Includes: Blaster Pistol< Death Star Plans Data Card, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: April 2018
Appearances: Star Wars and/or Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Bio: Drawn from many homeworlds and species, Rebel troopers were the Alliance's front-tier soldiers in the war against the Empire.  They defended the Alliance's leaders on countless worlds and during many operations, changing uniforms and tactics to meet each challenge.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: We've seen this one for a while, so the release of the Rebel Trooper is one of those "it's about time" things.  We first saw it at Comic-Con a year ago, and Hasbro had a whole display of them at HasCon that made it look like they were ready to go - and then we waited.  The data disk is from Rogue One, but I think the human head might not be - I'm not sure.  The costume continuity was great, and if there were any changes I don't know what they are yet.  Vader had some differences, but his documentation was better.

I like this figure a lot.  The blaster tucks in the holster behind the vest, and he can hold the data disk. Getting the helmet on right is a little tricky, and a little uneven - I assume variant human heads might be in the works for no good reason.   The colors and detailing are consistent with the movies, and the hip joints are some of Hasbro's best.  He can kneel!   Hasbro cut this figure up nicely, with so much articulation to ensure he can assume a variety of combat-ready poses.  Hasbro clearly intends on you buying a lot of these, which you probably can't, because you know how "classic" characters get snapped up and tend to go away quickly.   I hope Hasbro does another run of these.

I love the glossy boots and the shiny helmet - the data card is an excellent bonus with printed circuit board bits and some nice gold markings.   Old guy fans want this - new fans might too.  It's one of the best figures in this line with a lot of flexibility and options to army-build down the road, plus an expertly cut vest hiding the one part of the figure I don't like.  That mid-torso joint is ugly and needs to go.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.  

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,505: August 7, 2018

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,753

REBEL TROOPER Capture of Tantive IV
30th Anniversary Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87503 No. 87212
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, removable helmet, 4 other figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: February 2007
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Though inexperienced in combat against trained and determined fighters like the Imperial stormtroopers that swarmed onto their ship, these troopers were utterly loyal to Princess Leia and the Rebel Alliance. They fought to the last man in defense of their ship. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' boxes

Commentary: After skipping him entirely for the first 20 years of the franchise (imagine that-- 20 years!) the Rebel Trooper began getting more releases than anyone expected. This mold alone has had no fewer than 5 unique head sculpts, plus a comic book-themed redeco. It has also been eclipsed-- the 2011 Vintage Collection version of the figure is really sharp, but for the purposes of dioramas and cannon fodder, the older ones are mostly quite good too. Based on the late 2001 mold, this figure came out in 2007 with a new head sculpt and a removable helmet to set it apart from previous releases. The Capture of Tantive IV Battle Pack was an excellent value in its day, if for no reason other than to throw out the Darth Vader figure and keep the 2 Rebels and 2 Stormtroopers.

Back in 2001, the mold was pretty impressive with its unusual swiveling legs that allowed for the figure to kneel and aim his blaster. By 2007, fans were screaming for a new take on the trooper, and it would take a little longer for one to actually show up. With only 12 joints (and no ball joints), the figure was dismissed as being primitive, but I can't help but like it for what it is. If it means getting a cheaper figure, I don't need 8 ball joints-- sometimes I just need somebody to be shot in the fface, and this figure works for that purpose nicely. He has a bit of a sneer, so I can't say I feel bad about Stormtroopers stomping him. He has a blaster, and little hope of surviving the first wave of an Imperial attack.

If you buy this set, this figure will probably not impress you. The leg engineering wasn't reused on many other Star Wars Hasbro figures, but it was used on 21st Century Toys military figures. (This construction was used on a 2002 Darth Maul.) His vest is removable, if you feel like having that fight, but I would suggest grabbing him if you can get him cheap. I'm hoping Hasbro will make an actual Blockade Runner vehicle in 2015, and I've got about a dozen Rebel Fleet Troopers (not counting the 1997 one, because he sucked then and sucks now) to populate it should the need arise.

Collector's Notes: The secondary market pricing for this set is at (or under) retail, which given inflation is good news. The boxed set looks pretty nice, so you may just want to get one to leave in the box with the diorama-style packaging. I ended up with a bunch of these due to damaged units showing up missing figures, someone got these and stole the Darth Vaders out of them. Which is dumb. Why not steal the Stormtroopers? I'll never understand some forms of thievery.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,753: March 2, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,656: Rebel Fleet Trooper

REBEL FLEET TROOPER With New Hat
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 97568 No. 28620
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC52
Includes: Pistol, scanner, bandolier for leg, cap, helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99-$9.99
Availability: July 2011
Appearances: Star Wars

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's kitchen, with some bad photoshopping.

Commentary: Since 1997 fans have asked for a new Rebel Fleet Trooper, with some versions being better than others. This one is arguably the best. While he doesn't have a working holster (and I don't care), it does have 14 points of articulation, a great sculpt, a non-removable vest, and swappable gear to get more than one figure out of a single release. He can become a tech just by switching his hat, and the included scanner will help make your dioramas more interesting. On his right leg is a small hole which allows a tiny bandolier to plug in, giving you one more easily-lost accessory for your collection.

The blue shirt, black vest, and grey pants are all sculpted nicely and the vest as part of the torso is overall a better look than the removable one. It's a good upgrade of a famous trooper, the best yet, and my guess is Hasbro won't likely get to a better one. It's a shame it's being released now, when army building is both difficult and cost-prohibitive due to current pricing. I'd say get at least one or two-- they'll flesh out your displays of the cheaper Rebel Trooper figures quite nicely.

Collector's Notes: Released over the summer, the figure remains elusive in many markets. He does ship in some current and future assortments, so no worries!

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,656: October 19, 2011

Figure of the Day: Day 164: Rebel Fleet Trooper

REBEL FLEET TROOPER with Blaster Pistol and Rifle
Power of the Force Collection 1, 2
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69696
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster pistol, blaster rifle, vest, Freeze Frame
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Summer 1997
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The men and women serving the Alliance to Restore the Republic and its successor governments, the New Republic and Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, were dedicated to fighting for the freedom of the Galaxy. They were either from subjugated worlds or were Imperials disillusioned by the government's tyranny. Rebel forces were more individualistic and ragtag in contrast to the Imperial military. The Special Forces, or SpecForces, were a prominent part of the Rebel Alliance's ground forces, the Alliance Army. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: The toy shelves of Adam Pawlus.

Commentary: Some figures aged well, but the poor Rebel Fleet Trooper didn't even start off well. The figure was taller than Darth Vader, was ridiculously beefy, and had the wrong color of pants-- but more on that later. With a non-removable helmet, the figure was initially quite exciting as it was another first-ever figure of a character we first saw in 1977. Still, six point of articulation and two good guns weren't enough to make this turkey an exciting figure, and it was one of many figures that caused fans to ask for a new version. It can sit all right, it looks OK, but when you get right down to it, it's a relic-- it's not a figure that you want as a fan, it's a collector's item and really isn't worth getting unless you choose to collect them all.

Collector's Notes: When first released, word of a variant came up that was yet another Internet Hoax-- someone forged a scan with "corrected" pants. Such a figure would never exist, until the Power of the Jedi resculpt was done correctly the first time in 2001. So we can't stress this enough: this is a crappy figure.

Day 164: October 17, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 122: Rebel Trooper

REBEL TROOPER Tantive IV Defender
Power of the Jedi Collection 1; Saga Collection Troop Builder Set
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84658; No. 26816
Number: n/a
Includes: Rebel pistol, Force File (POTJ only), Display Stand (Saga only)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99-$19.99
Availability: Fall 2001
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Rebel Blockade Runner Tantive IV was on an urgent mission to Tatooine. Princess Leia Organa, armed with secret plans to the Death Star, was on her way to find General Obi-Wan Kenobi when the ship was attacked by an Imperial Star Destroyer. The heroic Rebel troopers were the last line of defense as the ship was boarded by Darth Vader and a platoon of Stormtroopers. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's other toy shelf.

Commentary: When first released, the Rebel Trooper was something of a surprise because it used a new form of leg articulation that Hasbro had never used before, but was popularized by 21st Century Toys' 1:18 scale military lines. Here, a cut joint in the knee allowed for a greater range of motion without using a ball joint or a hinge, and I'd say the results are mixed. It isn't bad, but it's not a type of joint that all figures could pull off well. In addition to these unique joints on the knees, he has boot articulation (which is required for any pose with these knees), wrist joints, and the obligatory neck, waist, shoulder, and hip joints. So he's quite posable but not perfect by a longshot. This figure was a long-requested resculpt of the 1997 Rebel Fleet Trooper, a figure with the wrong pants who could tower over Darth Vader. As such, this new figure became a favorite quickly by virtue of it not sucking. The sculpt is good, the face is generic, and the costume is authentic. What more could you ask for? (Well, a working holster probably. But you ain't gonna get one.)

Collector's Notes: This is where it gets complicated. In 2001, Hasbro said they would release variants of this figure and the Imperial Officer figures with new heads. Both figures would each receive 2 new heads when released in the Saga line at the end of 2002/beginning of 2003, but this is the only head released in Power of the Jedi packaging. To make matters more complicated, unless you examine them side-by-side, the two different Saga heads look virtually identical-- really the only easy way to distinguish them is hair color despite their having unique sculpts.

Before that, though, this exact figure would be released in a plain white box Internet-only Troop Builder 4-Pack which also included clear display stands, but was identical to the first figure's release. Finally, this figure was also included in a fairly rare Mexico-exclusive Power of the Jedi 4-Pack with Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and a Sandtrooper. So, in short, you can get this figure in nearly any configuration-- but I recommend the troop builder box.

Day 122: September 5, 2006