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'06 | #37 Sandtrooper - A New Hope (Reviewed 05-23-2006) 

Includes:
• Blaster Pistol
• Dewback Prod
• Backpack
• Detonator
• Base 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: It can get any better than this. Of course how could we not take one look at this guy and be a little bit biased! Upon first inspection, the background picture is probably not what I would have gone with. I think the interpretation of Dave Dorman, if not the added footage itself instead of the scene from Docking Bay 94 would have been better choice. In any case with another super-articulated Sandtrooper to add to your collection? How can you really go wrong? After inspecting fifty percent of the wave, I can tell you this one will more than likely be the rough one to get a hold of.

Click thumbnail for large image They went a step above the Evolutions Sandtrooper with the paintjob on the helmet. Upon my enlistment with the 501st Legion, I learned a great deal about the subtle differences in the Sandtrooper vs. the TK we all know and love. The helmet is a little more bug-eyed. They even painted in the famous "tear drops" as they are often referred to. There are only a few minor differences; however Hasbro had enough foresight to include them all. There is heavy detail in everything. The backpack, which you can also swap out for the thermal detonator, has an above average amount of detail that you usually do not see in the accessories. This is in part thanks to the Evolutions kit, which they originally packed it. From the abdomen plate to the diamond shaped knee plate, they almost did it all correct. They missed on the knee-plate or it could have been much better. The only other trick missed may have been the green lenses Sandtroopers were rumored to have, but I don't know how you could put that to this scale.

Click thumbnail for large image If they did fall short anywhere is would have to be the weathering, as the dirt stopped at the feet. If I ever would ask for a repaint, I guess this would be the time. My only question is the obvious, how could you not have the part of the body that touches the ground not the dirtiest? Another problem is the soft goods gun and the hard goods hands. It is very difficult to get anything in the left hand, I'm not sure if it's just this one or a production flaw. The thumb does not want to move at all, and I really can't see it breaking. G.I. Joe fans from the 80's are screaming why couldn't they have this technology in 1983? Overall there is literally articulation everywhere, and the hands don't snap out like the Evolution Sandtrooper did. They did step it up with the torso movement. They heard our cries, and delivered!

Spice - Overall I'm very pleased, and not just because this is Sandtroopers.com. They have made every other Trooper several times over, so why not? I really like the added choices of accessories, which again puts fuel to the fire of this figure flying off the pegs. The prod, backpack/detonator and even with some manipulation you can get that blaster in the holster. This is more than likely another great way for Hasbro to push repaints, just by pauldron color and dirt schemes alone. However a variant that may get hunted down. Give me a break, it's a Sandtrooper! How could I put my thumb otherwise?

(Figure '06 | #037, Asst. No. 86830, Item No. 85770, Backing Card P/N 6495803000, Window Insert P/N 6548510000) 

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