ARC TROOPER Elite Forces of the Republic
30th Anniversary Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive Mandalorians & Clone Troopers Set
Item No.: Asst. 87467 No. 87454
Number: n/a
Includes: Helmet, rifle, 6 more figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These elite troopers receive the same training as all clone troopers, then get specialized instruction from Jango Fett himself. Although genetically engineered, ARC troopers retain Fett's independent and daring nature for their leadership roles. (Taken from the toy's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray, standing in the 2007 Hoth Turret.

Commentary: When you need a quick exclusive, just add black. This ARC Trooper is an amusing pastiche of fan favorite elements. You've got the red pauldron and kama as seen on Fordo, you've got black armor (which everybody loves), there's a removable helmet, and the figure's helmet sports conceptual markings from the early days of Boba Fett's development nearly 30 years ago. What's more, fans seemed to really like the ARC Troopers, so just releasing another one is something if a good thing. This figure is a redeco of the 2007 Comic Packs ARC Trooper, which itself was a retooled version of the Evolutions Clone Trooper. So is it cool?

Pretty much. Were it based on an existing character, it'd be cooler-- but as an original Hasbro design, it really does fit in with the rest of the line nicely. It's very Star Wars-y, and fans tend to enjoy black repaints for no good reason. (I include myself in this group of fans.) The figure is essentially super-articulated, but beware-- the head is on a ball and will often pop off when you remove the helmet. I especially like some of the added detail Hasbro crammed in here, like the glossy black visor which contrasts with the matte black helmet. Also, the body suit is a lighter grey color which contrasts nicely with the pitch black armor. Nicely done, Hasbro!

Collector's Notes: This is a new release which sold out from Entertainment Earth pretty much immediately upon receipt of the first shipment. Another shipment is coming in early 2008, so it's up in the air if this will be a hot commodity in the future. There are no known plans to reissue it individually, and when you buy the Elite Forces gift set, you get two of these in the box. (In the interests of full disclosure: I work for the company that offered this as an exclusive but I was not involved in its design and cannot take credit for the final product. Which I dig.)

Day 585: December 12, 2007