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Packaging - ***
The ROTS packaging is one of the best features of the new line. There might be too many versions of dull characters, but at least they come packaged in nifty looking cardback/bubbles. The Vader head design looks great, the cardbacks are nice and small, and even the bubbles take up less room.
Sculpting - ***1/2
The sculpt is extremely nice, certainly one of the best clone or storm troopers we've ever gotten in this scale. I've included a comparison shot with a variety of others, and you can see how far we've come since the old days.
There's great detail work around the helmet and belt, and the armor matches up with the source material well. The head sits a little high off the shoulders, but that's to
accommodate the kickin' articulation. The hands are both sculpted to hold blasters, although there are some other unique poses you can do with the slightly bent digits.
The figure stands great on it's own in dozens of positions, with a very good center of gravity. The sculpt is designed to work with most of the articulation, and the two compliment each other nicely.
Paint - ***
This version of the trooper varies from the Target exclusive because of the paint ops. He has some added dirt/damage, brushed on
various parts of his armor. It's not excessive, and makes perfect sense considering how difficult it would be to keep clean, what with the mud and the blood and the flying limbs.
The ops aren't quite perfect though. There's some sloppy lines defining the black and white sections of the armor, and some minor issues around the helmet. Still, it's an above average performance in this scale and price range.
Articulation - ****
There are 3 3/4" figures out there with more articulation, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing sometimes. Here, we get just the right amount for fun and play, that will make both collectors and kids happy.
The trooper has a ball jointed neck that works extremely well, ball jointed shoulders, elbows and knees, cut wrists, ball jointed hips, ball jointed waist, and pin ankles. The hips have a very limited range of movement due to the design of the armor, but it's certainly adequate. The remaining joints are all exceptional, and very tight. This is one of those rare ball jointed waists that actually holds a position, and the amount of posing you can do with this figure is amazing.
It's sad that this Clonetrooper can do a better flying pose than any Superman figure twice his size. And those Superman figures cost three times as much - is that the best they can do?
Accessories - **1/2
If he has one failing, it's that he comes with very little in the way of accessories. There's the required blaster, and the radio antenna on his backpack is removable, but that's it. Not that I'm complaining too much, but another blaster rifle would have been nice to give the army some weapon variety.
Action Feature - Bupkis!
Yea! There's no action feature! How often is NOT having something a positive feature? Here, it's definitely a big plus.
Fun Factor - ****
Kids and collectors alike should have a great time with this figure. Excellent articulation along with nice sculpting and paint makes for a perfect all around figure. He's sturdy too, with little chance for easy breakage, making him the perfect choice for kids.
Value - ***1/2
At $6, you can't do much better. He could have had another blaster to make it a perfect killer combination, but he's damn close. I'm certainly glad I picked him up, and he's still a steal at $7 or $8, if you end up having to pay it.
Things to watch out for -
Not a thing. Since you're going to want to pick up 100 or 200 of these, you probably don't want to get too picky about the paint on each one.
Overall - ***1/2
If you were looking for the Target exclusive version, look no more. This is the same figure, except the articulation seems a tad tighter, and he's ever so slightly taller. I like the dirty paint ops, so I'm actually happier with this one.
If you're looking for a fantastic army builder figure, than stock up on these babies. You'll be able to pose them in dozens of ways, so that there will be some visual variation to your massive army of clones. If you need to paint over some to get rid of the dirty, it won't be tough because they didn't go wild with it. This really is the perfect all around army builder, with a great price, articulation and sculpt all in one package.
SCORE RECAP:
Packaging - ***
Sculpt - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ****
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ***1/2
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy -
You can find these at the usual stores, like Target, Wal-mart, Toys R Us, Meijers, and others. Remember, he says 'super articulated' on the front of the package, not 'quick draw action'.
Related Links:
There's plenty of links for Star Wars:
- if you're looking for the best general Star Wars site around, then you're looking for
Rebelscum. All the latest news on all the latest collectibles, run by a terrific group of folks!
- since there was a requirement for every human being to write down their opinion of Revenge of the Sith, you can find mine
right here.
- This is the only smaller figure I've reviewed, but Sean Teeter has kept busy with reviews of
some Jedi, some ladies,
some bad guys, some Clonetroopers, and the
12" Shaak Ti and General Grievous.
- Other guest reviews have covered the Operating Table Vader, and
Count Dooku's light saber and Vader's talking
mask.
- I did review one of the 12" figures myself as well - Darth
Sidious.
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