Brought to you by:

'07 | #02 Galactic Marine - Episode III RotS (Reviewed 2-24-2007) 

Includes:
• Blaster Rifle
• Removable Helmet
• Commemorative Coin 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: This is such a great way to kick off the year 2007 after warming us up with a coin album and the usual Darth Vader. The first thing that will catch your eye on the new packaging is the smaller size. I think Hasbro has finally realized there isn't a collector out there that has too much room to display a collection. The smaller, sleeker  design might be more appealing to most but I think the greatest aspect is they've finally gone back to having the figure sealed tight to the package. This is something they've gotten away from since the first RotS packaging. The only drawback I can see is the sure thing of coins that will come up missing on the retail front. However the overall the new packing is perhaps the most superior we've seen in several years.

Click thumbnail for large image I didn't forget about the figure itself. I'm sure many would agree that they've been hoping for one of these since the first time they saw them wipe out Ki-Adi-Mundi on Mygeeto. The reminder of the famous Empire Snowtrooper ever present in what was a ultimate delight of the removable mask feature. We can only hope they come correct and continue to put out figures with as high of standard as these. I was impressed by the articulation overall and the only drawback I could find was the harder cape preventing some crouching poses. It almost makes me wonder if a cloth cape would have been the way to go. The weapon seems to be a bit smaller in scale, perhaps a little more flimsy but it stays in the hand well so it's something I could live with.

Click thumbnail for large image This isn't your average Clone Trooper and it's quite easy to see they went above and beyond the normal call of duty. The removable helmet was a great start but they followed it up with the ability to remove both back pack and shoulder pauldron. I think this is something collectors want in new figures, more options. The paint job was also fantastic, the weathering was absolute perfection. The shades and ultimately the blend of dirt will have many collectors easily wanting a dozen. While we didn't know what the Marines were in pursuit of until Battlefront II, these Troopers performed one of the most vital missions of the Empire by seizing the plans to the Turbo Laser that would later be used for the Death Star. It's good to see Hasbro gave this one the respect it deserves!

Spice - If this is the way it starts, I'm looking forward very much to what the 30th Anniversary Collection will have to offer this year. I couldn't find anything wrong with this figure and that is something I haven't been able to say in a while! A must have.

(Figure '07 | #002, Asst. No. 87234, Item No. 87500, Backing Card P/N 6606721100, Window Insert P/N 6606730100) 

What's your opinion? Post your feedback here in the Forums.