Concept Snowtrooper (Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series) - TAC - Basic (30 42)

The stormtrooper's uniform was modified for different environments, yet retains the featureless uniformity captured by McQuarrie in his art. Snowtroopers have additional head, chest, and leg coverings to insulate them against the cold and help them to blend into snowy surroundings.

Hasbro really gave collectors a treat when they decided to revive the concept art figures that were based on the brilliant mind of Ralph McQuarrie in the 30 (77-07) line. We were teased with the very first one in 2003’s Star Wars line and it got fans chomping at the bit for more. Hasbro delivered big time and not only completed a healthy selection of figures based on the art of A New Hope, they also looked to the concept art ideas of The Empire Strikes Back as well. The most obvious choice was the Snowtrooper and this figure immediately became the number one most sought after figure in the entire wave. In fact, many collectors never even saw this figure in the wild. But if there was one figure that deserved to be so difficult to find and so sought after, we think that award definitely should have gone to the Concept Snowtrooper. Not one detail was spared making this figure. From the insignias on the helmet to the tiniest hints of color on the uniform, the Concept Snowtrooper is easily one of the best concept art figures in the entire 30 (77-07) line and perhaps one of the greatest action figures of all time. Snowtroopers are seemingly adored by all Star Wars fans, so to get a variation on one (especially a variation that served as the blueprint for the on-screen character) is something that just makes collecting extra special.

In our opinion, the Concept Snowtrooper is flawless. But we are sure some of you out there will whine about the lack of ankle joints. But we have to agree with you that the ankle joints would have done a great service to this action figure. But if you can move beyond this, you will hold in your hand a stunning piece of craftsmanship that was clearly created with tribute to McQuarrie in mind. Complete with 18 points of articulation, the point of this figure is not his ability to move, but how accurate the artists at Hasbro made a 3-D sculpt from a two-dimensional drawing. Simply put, they excelled. While the figure has been cast in an off-white plastic, portions look to be more of a light gray than anything else. But what thrills us the most is the very subtle yellow wash on various portions of the figure. The Concept Snowtrooper has a lived in look and the final figure just wows us beyond expectations. The “armored” portions of the figure are cast in a purer white and then they have silver flecks to simulate battle-damage. It just looks absolutely stunning. The harness is removable as well as the “face plate” and this will allow you to essentially create an all-new figure. Hey, maybe it’s the Concept Snowtrooper commander, or something. This is just one magnificent figure and we hope more concept figures based on The Empire Strikes Back are shortly forthcoming.

The Concept Snowtrooper also has unique gloves that give him an alien persona. It looks as if he only has three fingers and it is quite peculiar to say the least. But the way they have been designed allows the figure to hold its weapons very well. And speaking of the weapon, it is quite an awesome sculpt too. Lots of weathering has been incorporated into its very nostalgic design and it is the absolute perfect weapon in a cold-weather setting. The thing that most astonishes us about the concept Snowtrooper is that it is believable, no matter that he is from another world. There are familiar elements that make it relatable. We think that is a testament to the ingenious artistic ability of Ralph McQuarrie. And artist that can never be overrated, if it wasn’t for him, we may not have a lot of the favorite Star Wars characters that we adore today. Perhaps his masterpieces have overshadowed some other great artists like Joe Johnston for example, but Ralph McQuarrie undoubtedly deserves center stage. If you don’t yet own the Concept Snowtrooper, it is our opinion that there is a very big and ugly hole in your collection. And since this figure is irreplaceable, you won’t fill that hole until you pick him up. The concept art figures of the 30 (77-07) line were an amazing way to celebrate 30 years of Star Wars. We hope that they keep a subset of concept art figures going in the line for a good while. Hardcore collectors love them and it is we who are keeping the main line strong at retail. While we wait for more concept figures to come our way, we hope you will be enjoying the Concept Snowtrooper in the meantime.