Republic Commando Delta Squad - TSC - Exclusives

Collectors knew once 2006’s TSC Scorch Republic Commando (SAGA 021) figure was released that the remaining members of Delta Squad were right around the corner. We just weren't sure when. Thankfully it happened by the end of 2006. What none of us probably expected however was that they would all come packaged together in a beautiful internet exclusive multipack "screen scene" along with three Geonosians. The Republic Commando Delta Squad was very well received by most of the collecting community and the set performed so well at the retail level, a whole other batch probably could have been produced and also sold through just as briskly. People who didn't even play video games were chomping at the bit trying to secure this set for their collections. The figures turned out remarkable. As you would expect, Delta Three-Eight (Boss), Fixer and Sev are all just slight retools of 2006’s TSC Scorch Republic Commando (SAGA 021) while the "new" Scorch is a repaint of that very same figure. What makes the other three Republic Commandos slight retools of the SAGA 021 figure is the fact that the hole in the right thigh (of the SAGA 021 Scorch sculpt) has been filled. (And this is further affirmed by the updated date stamp of 2006 on the bottom of the figure’s right foot.) The paint jobs on all of the figures are quite impressive. Hasbro has included lots of dirt and grime on them and it’s honestly some of the most realistic battle-damage we have seen to date on our clones. The sad thing is their limited articulation. Coming with only ten points each, Hasbro certainly isn't spoiling us in that area. Each Republic Commando comes with a unique DC-17m blaster and all four have distinguishable backpacks. The backpacks fit loosely, but for the most part they stay in place and provide another level of uniqueness to each Rebel Commando.

Because the four Republic Commandos are essentially just all repaints of the original 2006 TSC Scorch (SAGA 021) figure, by definition they look awfully similar when posed together. There certainly isn’t enough diversity (or flexibility) in their respective sculpts to give them their own unique look. But thankfully this problem is diminished because Hasbro more than makes up for that with the incredible and awesome paint jobs each figure has been given. We sincerely mean it that these are some of the finest paint operations we have seen Hasbro give 3.75” action figures. The brilliant coloring has clean lines and shine brightly against the white armor. For this reason alone you should find a way to pick up this set. It appears some liberties were taken with some fine detailing, but overall the Republic Commandos look spectacular and your collection will be lacking should you choose not to get them. Boss’ armor is painted with neon orange details and the dirt on his legs is so realistic. His backpack complements the theme introduced throughout his armor and he stands out loudly to let you know that he is in charge of it all. Fixer too is incredibly detailed. Between the layers of green and the dirt on his legs, you know Hasbro utilized their best resources to bring an effortful result to the collector. Sev may have the messiest paint job of them all, but he’s absolutely one of the most striking clones your eyes will ever see. The magenta red color used to dye his white armor looks a little too pink in general, but you won’t care once you see what Hasbro has done with it. He comes with a weapons attachment that clips to his shin making him unique from everyone else. Scorch is a repaint of the 2006 basic figure, but Hasbro made him different enough, and to quote Adam Pawlus "to make you mad", that you’ll want both versions.

The Republic Commando Delta Squad set comes with three unique Geonosians as well. While probably most will care a lot less for the Geonosian natives when compared to the Republic Commandos, with one exception these are also welcomed action figures. That one exception is the repacked 2002 SW Geonosian Warrior ('02 #15) figure. It was a poor figure in 2002 and it's even worse now. It now comes repainted to be more modern in this set, but still fails thanks to its limited articulation. It also comes with a sonic blaster but due to the inferior sculpting and disproportioned body, the figure can barely stand at attention. Hasbro should have just skipped this figure altogether and lowered the proce a bit. On the other hand, both the Sun Fac and the Geonosian Warrior [1] are excellent figures and are both derived from the awesome 2006 TSC Sun Fac (SAGA 016) sculpt. Sun Fac looks completely different with silver wings and a very ornate paint job. He almost looks like Geonosian royalty and in fact comes with a simply ornate staff. And the "generic" Geonosian Warrior based on the Sun Fac sculpt has toned down colors and comes with a simpler staff. But both figures are completely repainted this time around and it's hard to see that they were both the original 2006 Sun Fac Figure. The Republic Commando Delta Squad set is full of surprises and there is something here for everyone. Until Hasbro updates the Republic Commandos, there isn't much more you can ask for here at all. (Editor's Note: Hasbro has updated them in the gorgeous 2011 SW [SOTDS] Star Wars: Republic Commando (Delta Squad) Toys R Us exclusive multipack.)