DEATH STAR TROOPER Imperial Soldier
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87209
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3013
Includes: Helmet, blaster, coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: April 2007
Appearances: The Original Trilogy

Bio: Wearing black uniforms and distinctive helmets, Death Star troopers are chosen from the ranks of the Imperial Navy Troopers to defend key installations. When not in combat, these well-trained soldiers and guards provide security, handle hangar traffic control, and monitor sensor arrays. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: The first modern Death Star Trooper in 1998 was a good figure, but it was surprisingly difficult to get. Thankfully, the much improved 2007 version was a cinch to find. Packed in numerous case assortments at 1 or 2 pieces, this super-articulated figure righted virtually all the wrongs of the original. Not only was it super-articulated, but it had a sensibly sized firearm, a holster, and significantly more sculpted detail. Unfortunately, he's also a little taller than many would have liked. Still, it's a great figure with a removable helmet that's ready to make your collection better, and populate the Death Star playset that Hasbro will likely never actually make. While not perfect, the figure comes close-- had Hasbro packaged it on their $10+ vintage assortment cardbacks, fans wouldn't have ever guessed that it was meant to be a basic action figure. That said, the shoulders are a little beefy, but you can probably get past that. As this is now the definitive Death Star Trooper, you should probably snag one or six-- just in case we get some decent Imperial playsets down the road.

Collector's Notes: Let it not be said that Hasbro doesn't learn from what we refer to as their mistakes. The 1998 figure had a gun almost as long as the figure is tall, and was standing in an action pose best described as "taking a dump." So nevermind the fact that the POTF2-era figure was good (but not great), just get this new one and be happy.

Day 658: February 23, 2008