The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six - STAR WARS Death Squad Commander

STAR WARS Death Squad Commander

Has Hasbro added this character’s card art and figure into THE VINTAGE COLLECTION?

No. And it’s possible Hasbro may never offer it to collectors either. Lucasfilm has deemed the “all black” Imperial Navy Commander the modern equivalent to Death Squad Commander/Star Destroyer Commander. To date, 2012’s THE VINTAGE COLLECTION Imperial Navy Commander (VC94) serves as the closest placeholder.

Does THE VINTAGE COLLECTION release completely satisfy the modern counterpart to 1978’s SW Death Squad Commander figure?

No. 2012’s THE VINTAGE COLLECTION Imperial Navy Commander (VC94) is a different character from A NEW HOPE. Reference exists to prove that the Death Squad Commander with the gray outfit (without a ranking badge – a Kenner construct) controlled the console on the Death Star and has a headset with a cord hanging down, as seen in the reference image used for the Kenner card art. The character also doesn’t wear gloves. (Yes, the Kenner figure is evidently inaccurate.) Click HERE to see the proof. (Look to the far right of the image.)

If Hasbro didn’t release the figure yet, do we have a near-definitive to definitive release of this character that can be added to THE VINTAGE COLLECTION with little updating?

The 2012 THE VINTAGE COLLECTION Imperial Navy Commander (VC94) figure provides a decent template to extrapolate on to give us a genuine Death Squad Commander update. But perhaps Hasbro should create a figure from the ground up since there are enough differences in the style of the costume and the helmet that would warrant new tooling. Lucasfilm needs to be persuaded that it’s a different character first.

What does Hasbro have to do so we can check off “Death Squad Commander” from our Vintage Vs. Modern checklists?

Hasbro will need to plead its case to Lucasfilm and get the Death Squad/Star Destroyer Commander with the gray-outfit approved and viable candidate status. We need this figure desperately in the 3.75-inch basic figure line. It’s been neglected for much too long. Hasbro will also need to ensure they use the proper teal color for the nameplate and figure backer.

The year and years elapsed (through 2021) since we last had this character in classic Kenner packaging?

2012’s TVC Imperial Navy Commander (VC94). (Not a direct update.) 9 years ago.

1978’s SW Death Squad Commander. 43 years ago.