March 21, 2006
Story by Chris Rhoads (dustrho)
Photos by Unknown

EXPANDED UNIVERSE IN STYLE
Hasbro hasn't gone too deep in the world of Expanded Universe in the past, and from past conversations with them they've explained that the core characters (i.e. Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, etc) are the ones that are purchased the most.  Kids would much rather have a Darth Vader figure instead of a Grand Admiral Thrawn figure, because kids would have no idea who that person is unless they read the books he was in.  However, Hasbro has a hidden card up their sleeve!

Coming to this year's San Diego Comic Con is a totally brand new figure, one that has never been done, and the exclusive Star Wars figure for the show is the Expanded Universe Shadow Stormtrooper!  Well, it's sort of a new figure, since there's never been a black-painted stormtrooper before.  However, it's still a new figure, regardless if it's the same sculpt as the white-painted VOTC stormtrooper that was released in 2004.

The black paint job on this elite stormtrooper is very well done, to the point that you'd almost expect that the entire figure was black plastic.  Something I like quite a bit about this particular figure versus the VOTC stormtrooper is that the individual pieces of armor stand out much better, which to me makes it more like authentic stormtrooper armor.  The light blue highlights and the helmet are also nicely done and look like they were applied with great care.  I just hope that what you see here is exactly what you get.  It even comes with a chrome colored stand to support the figure (if you choose to open it up), which is a nice touch compared to the dull gray color that currently comes with all new figures.

This was a nice surprise by Hasbro, and I think there will be a lot of happy Star Wars collectors after hearing of this exciting new exclusive.  I do hope that I'll be able to get one of these for myself.  Check out the super high resolution images below, and be sure to voice your opinion about this great looking figure in the forums!

NOTE: For those of you who won't be attending this year's San Diego Comic Con, you might be in luck with the assistance of fellow troopers in the forums.  Some of those troopers might be able to pick up extras for those not attending the show.