Figure of the Day: Day 747
5/22/2008 6:08:40 PM - Adam

IMPERIAL TROOPER with Scanning Box
Original Trilogy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.:
Asst. 84715 No. 85447
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: Scanning box, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Late 2004
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: The Millennium Falcon is caught in a tractor beam and brought onto the Death Star. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca and the two droids hide from the Imperial scanning crew, who are sent onto the Falcon to find and capture its crew. After escaping capture, the heroes continue their mission to rescue the imprisoned Princess Leia. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's shelves.

Commentary: This Imperial Trooper is a repaint of a retool. Starting life as the AT-ST Driver in 1997, this mold was given a new head and retooled arms in 1998 to be a Scanning Trooper. In 2004, Hasbro repainted it to become the figure you see before you. Due to its origins, it has only six points of articulation, and has a slightly bulky body by modern standards. Hasbro gave the figure a new wash with more dark grey, which helps bring out some detail in an otherwise fairly bland release. The 2004 version has blonde hair, and the 1998 one has brown hair-- another key difference to watch for when making a purchase. Between the two, this one has the better paint job, so if you'd have to pick one or the other I'd get this one. There's not much to it, sadly, it's basically another figure to add to your collection. It's not much of an army builder because it won't fit in with your Stormtroopers and whatnot, but hey, someone has to get punched in the face by Han Solo in your dioramas, and this guy is just as good as anybody.

Collector's Notes: This figure was a "Fan's Choice" release of sorts, as fans asked for it to be reissued in late 2004. The problem is that the sculpt didn't quite match the rest of the line, but it was the first way to get this particular kind of trooper without buying one of the big-- and awful-- Millennium Falcon carry cases from 1998.

--Adam Pawlus



Day 747: May 22, 2008


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