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INTRODUCTION
With a line titled the Militaries of Star Wars, you would think the Stormtrooper would have come along much sooner than it has. There is no doubt fans have been waiting for quite some time to see a decent large scale figure. The vintage figure was fine for the time but
I'm sure most would agree Hasbro could never seem to get the size of the head correctly. This might have jumped out at me as soon as I opened the window of the package. In fact what I was really looking at was one of the best figures ever to grace the Sideshow line.
In fact I don't think we could have been so thrilled to see a Stormtrooper since the first time you saw them blasting through the doors of the Tantive IV in the opening scenes of A New Hope. Once again Sideshow did a great job of creating a piece so that if you did not happen to catch the exclusive in time, you really would have no problem if you had to settle for the standard release. The blaster pistol is pretty insignificant, as most fans would be happy with the standard issue
E-11.
PACKAGING:
Once again Sideshow did an amazing job with the packaging concept. There were several great, iconic shots that really capture the Stormtroopers at their best.
The only thing I'd ask is to see a photo with the exclusive blaster.
Another great aspect is the more slender box that will take up less room on your
over-crowded shelves. While these figures might be far superior to anything Hasbro ever made, I think many collectors of this line are having a hard time figuring out where to store all of the boxes! However the fun
doesn't start until you remove this one from the packaging.
SCULPT:
As I mentioned in the introduction, the accurate head sculpt might be the first detail to snap you to attention. They certainly are unloading the armored character at a record setting pace now that
they've finally gotten started. After comparing the Stormtrooper to other Sideshow figures, it appears to be remarkably scaled to other characters such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.
PAINT:
It's really hard to give them bad marks in this category seeing as you really
can't screw up too bad with it being mostly white. There are quite a few intricate details that they
didn't miss on, specifically in the helmet. The tear drops are lined and the same for the markings on the back of the bucket. They even nailed the one stripe ranking on the earpieces. The frown and abdomen also have quite a bit of heavy detail as well. Last but certainly not least, they did scuff the boots up a little bit. It was good to see they didn't leave out that detail, even if he is a
"shiner"!
ARTICULATION:
As with just about every release in the line, the Stormtrooper offers a very high level of articulation. The only problem or issue I would question is how much play is in the elastic straps underneath the shoulder bells and such. You would think too much pull and
you'd have issue for the returns department or your tube of
super-glue. The nice thing is, there are plenty of poses you can generate without having to go extra crazy to create a decent action shot.
ACCESSORIES:
The accessories are simply amazing, as the E-11 is heavily detailed with maybe the exception of the clip not being
removable. The magnet in the holster is a nice touch as well. It's weathered and you can even see the tiny ring hanging on the butt of the blaster! Another great aspect is the ammo belt, as Sideshow wasted no time in the correction of the detonator that somewhat flawed the armored Obi-Wan Kenobi. The elastic waistband makes for excellent sizing, and the clips on the back of the detonator will insure it doesn't break off. The elastic helps the drop-boxes align in the proper position. My only question is where the commlink is or instead of the blaster pistol why we didn't see the rifle that so many Troopers on the Death Star were seen with? I would have rather seen the long blaster vs. the extra set of hands, which really seemed to serve no true purpose.
OUTFIT:
In this case it's the armor, as there is not too much clothing to the black under suit. The only thing that lacks on this figure versus the real deal is the white plastic is not as shiny. The abdomen, knee plate, belt, and several other details simply leave nothing to be desired. I would have to guess Sideshow not only contacted the people at Lucasfilm but also perhaps consulted the knowledge of the 501st Legion. One thing that should be noted is the tiny strap (s) that holds the chest and back piece together; you might want to pay close attention to how much play you put on these as well. You just can't be sure how much is too much, and you don't want to break it!
VALUE:
This is a category where I really have to struggle with the economy in the shape it is in. In the case of the exclusive I'd say there isn't as much value, seeing as the blaster pistol is so very plain and offers very little to the piece. The standard release might be the exceptional deal, as you get everything you could want in a
Stormtrooper.
OVERALL:
A must have, and I'm really hoping Darth Vader is just as nice. There really isn't too much not to like and the wait was really worth it. The price was a bit cheaper than the Medicom version, and whether you've been collecting the entire line, or grabbing one here and there I've no doubt you'll want to add this one for sure.
RATINGS RECAP
Packaging- 9.3
Sculpt- 9.8
Paint- 9.3
Articulation- 8.9
Accessories- 9.5 For Reg 8 For Exclusive
Outfit- 10.0
Value- 8 For Reg 8.5 For Exclusive
Overall- 8.5
SPECIFICATIONS
Edition Size of the Stormtrooper
is 1500. SOLD OUT!
Regular 6000
PHOTOS
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