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'06 | #50 Naboo Soldier - Episode I TPM (Reviewed 11-07-2006) 

Includes:
• Blaster Pistol
• Removable Helmet
• Base 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: If there is one thing that is certain, if it's a potential army builder, you can bet it will be one of the more difficult figures to locate in any given wave. It seems if you have been lucky enough to stumble across this wave, number fifty might be one of the few missing. The Naboo Soldier is not only a big breath of fresh air, but an essential figure that was left out of the original Episode I line. The cardback may remind you of the Generator of Theed playset. It seems like that was so long ago, when collectors saw product they could incorporate into their existing 3-3/4 inch collections. While the blaster and cardback seem very familiar, the figure packed inside is an all-new look for those of us who needed a few soldiers to put in front of their Naboo Starfighters!

Click thumbnail for large image The figure itself will really delight you. For those of us who grew up in the eighties, you might feel a little deja-vu and head right back into  the Sci-Fi mini-series "V". It's a good thing we didn't get a visor and a red paint job! The facial expression screams nodding yes man and I really think such a blank look is required for ground forces. I really like the articulation other than the swivel-elbows that many just don't seem to care for. I can say I don't really like the extended flap hanging over the rear end for the simple fact  it might make seating him in a vehicle difficult. I seem to remember the cockpit of that Naboo Starfighter to be a little snug.

Click thumbnail for large image I was flat out impressed when the helmet popped off pretty easy. This is something we didn't see in any of the previous army builders from Episode I. I guess this is how we're compensated for the cheap move on the elbows. However I do think it adds some extra flavor to an otherwise flat character. I wish Hasbro would realize the small things tend to count more. You would think they'd give multiple races as they did with the Rebel Soldiers in the Endor wave simply to make money off of the same molds. We all know how much they enjoy doing that. It would also be nice to see more weapons or accessories in exchange for the worthless hologram figures.

Spice - I have a very hard time putting my thumb to the ground on brand new figures. I can't think of who could be happier than Sergio Marini, the actor featured on the card. I've been told he's been added to the Convention Guests website and is now signing autographs on his 3 minutes! However I'm sure most won't be disappointed by adding this figure to their collections.

(Figure '06 | #050, Asst. No. 87085, Item No. 85770, Backing Card P/N 6495804200, Window Insert P/N 6597300000) 

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