Republic Clone Trooper (Phase I Armor) - 1:6 Scale Figures

At the time of their introduction, the Republic clone trooper represented the future of galactic warfare. Far superior to the battle droid armies of the era, the clone troopers formed the backbone of the Republic's new military initiative that battled against the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. So pervasive and symbolic were they of the times, the galaxy-wide conflict that saw their debut took its name from their ranks: the Clone Wars. It would be a long and bloody conflict in the years to come, but the efficiency of the clone trooper infantry would be proven time and again on many scattered worlds.

According to Jedi investigations, the clone army was apparently commissioned by one of their own a decade previous to their introduction on the battlefield. Using the original genetic code of bounty hunter Jango Fett, the Kaminoans carefully tampered with the material to produce clones with diminished independence and accelerated growth. For a decade's time, the clones were constantly trained in fighting techniques, vehicular skills and battlefield tactics. Yet, they still maintained a spark of independent and creative thinking, making them far better suited than droids to handle the unexpected turns of warfare.

Identical in form, physical prowess, stamina and mental capacity, each of the first generations of clone troopers were fully encased in hard white armor, each identical face concealed behind a t-shaped visor. Eventually, color-coded flashes on the armor denoted rank and later came to signify individual units, who often became more customized with mission specific gear and armor modifications.

Sideshow Collectibles’ first 1:6 Scale Figure of 2010 is the Republic Clone Trooper (Phase I Armor) from their very popular Militaries Of Star Wars series. For the layman out there, this simply means the clone trooper from Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones. Sideshow has done it again and has given us a beautiful high end and fully articulated collectible who is an important and key member of the Grand Army Of The Republic. It is an absolutely stunning figure that will enhance so many of the Jedi 1:6 Scale Figures Sideshow has already made. Because it utilizes the Armored body type, the figure looks tall and lean and the armor doesn’t look bulky. The armor set isn't perfetc yet, but Sideshow Collectibles is off to a great start. Likely never to be outdone by another license, we believe that Sideshow will be the only ones able to deliver a definitive 1:6 Scale version of the Episode II Clone Trooper. Sideshow showed-off this beauty at San Diego Comic Con 2009 and collectors of this mesmerizing line cheered gleefully (and started to drool) as it is very nice and refreshing to get the clone trooper that started it all. Interestingly, the clamoring didn’t match the pre-orders for this piece and it is one of the lowest edition sizes that the Militaries Of Star Wars line has ever seen. Perhaps it was due in part to the small amount of accessories that came with him. Sideshow really needs to increase the amount of accessories for their Star Wars figures. The other lines they make are loaded and the Star Wars figures get the short end of the stick unfortunately. (This should not be interpreted as a negative for this figure.)

The Episode II Clone Trooper is cast in a brilliant white without any dirt or blemishes. It isn’t too white, but he does look fairly pristine. Obviously, this clone trooper is based on how he appeared on Kamino, before battle and before any of the dirt could get on his armor. And it is important to know that every detail has been perfectly matched. As a bit of trivia for you, Lucasfilm, Ltd. has never explained how the phase I clone trooper helmet comes on and off the clone’s head. The neck area is too small to fit over the head, yet there are no obvious places on the helmet where it could split open (almost like the Scout Trooper helmet does for example). Interestingly, Sideshow imitated this “mistake” as the helmet comes close around the next, but doesn’t allow for any interpretation of how the helmet gets removed. This may be looking into this figure too deeply, but we think it is kind of cool that Sideshow has replicated the “issue” that has yet to be explained. The helmet is an exact replica of what was seen in the film and the tail (or “mohawk”) has the red “light” on the back. It looks splendid and we couldn’t be happier with the overall likeness and faithfulness to the costume props. If you have any of the other 1:6 Scale Clone Troopers so far from Sideshow, you are mostly familiar with this armor. It hugs very close to the body (except for the thigh armor – we hope Sideshow irons this out a bit more) and gives the figure a lean silhouette. Underneath this armor is a black body glove with a pinstripe pattern we have seen Sideshow previously use on all the clones so far. It looks wonderful and it is a great ingredient to the figure. And, the joints on this figure are very tight. This is a near answer to prayer and we are so thrilled that Sideshow has listened to the complaints and tightened up the joints on their military figures!

There was not an exclusive version of this figure released but the regular edition was set at a mere 2500 pieces. We bet that over time, this figure will fetch a hefty price. This is a shame and the economy has forced many collectors to bail. But the Republic Clone Trooper (Phase I Armor) is without doubt the best 1:6 Scale Figure representation of the character and we think many people who passed on this will have some serious regrets. While the MSRP is a steep $89.99, it is still affordable quality. The Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes interpretation of this figure was a disaster and it sold for $149.99. To be honest, we don’t think it is about the final price you pay for something though. You purchase something because it is a brilliant collectible and something that you enjoy. We enjoy it thoroughly. We believe you will too. And we do expect to see the captain, commander, sergeant and lieutenant in the very near future. These are “no brainers” since it is basically one of the simplest repaints Sideshow could ever do to this now established clone trooper. Attack Of The Clones is a source of Star Wars that doesn’t get too much time (in one-sixth form) by Sideshow Collectibles. But this 1:6 Scale Figure is craftsmanship at its finest and the final product is unbelievable. This Republic Clone Trooper looks fantastic next to the Episode II Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Clone Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi (as well as many of your other 1:6 Scale Jedi). If Sideshow could branch out a little bit more and deliver a few more key 1:6 Scale Figures from Episode II, we think it will even do more for these figures. Completely SOLD OUT at Sideshow, we suggest you check out after-market sources for the best deals possible before these figure jump up in price. This figure is accuracy at its best and if you love clone troopers, you will adore this figure!