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'07 | #XX Snowtrooper - The Empire Strikes Back (Reviewed 6-11-2007) 

Includes:
• Blaster  Pistol
• Mail-away redemption form/sticker 

Click thumbnail for large image Spice: I can remember it like it was yesterday. There were a ton of new figures at my local Kmart just before the Empire Strikes Back hit the theater. I was literally mesmerized by the new "snow" characters. I can't remember every single character that was on the pegs that day, but I do remember selecting the Snowtrooper and Han Solo in his Hoth gear as my first two Empire figures.  Even though this version was heat-sealed in a plastic case, the way back machine ride my mind was on could easily be worth the inflated price tag. However the figure inside was most different, and I know for sure sometimes change is for the good!

Click thumbnail for large image It was quite the thrill to see these six figures last winter at Toy Fair but to rip the package open and actually examine the figure was joy in itself. I remember the soft-goods cape appearing sort of jacked up. I guess they remembered to pack in the belt! It was good to see they got that all taken care of before they released them to the mass market. If Hasbro missed something I can not see it, perhaps maybe the chill of Hoth! The armor appears to be incredibly accurate and the weathering is out of this world. The blaster does seem to be a bit small but you can make it work.  It far exceeds the quality of any previous Snowtrooper figures. I really hate to beat this horse to death but I feel this should be the standard or guideline for producing every figure. We deserve the highest quality, the best job, every time we make a purchase.

Click thumbnail for large image Another first is the recoverable helmet feature. Original Trilogy purists, you may throw up now. However as a fan and collector who embraces all six films I find this new aspect very appealing. The only thing I see as a downside is the helmet could fall off pretty easily, as it fits just barely snug. It is great to see they learned from the previous mistake and allow you to use any combination of figures to get the mail-in offer. The fact you can put him in nearly any pose you would like is just another fantastic aspect of this sure to be army builder.

Spice - So far so good. The VTAC is sure looking to be one of the most promising new waves not only in recent years, but the history of Star Wars collecting. I look forward to reviewing the other figures.

(Figure '07 | #XX, Asst. No. 87295, Item No. 87305, Backing Card P/N 6670880200, Window Insert P/N 6670890200) 

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