Spacetrooper - TLC - Basic (BD 32)

Specialized stormtroopers, dubbed "spacetroopers," are deployed to Zero-G environments, such as areas outside the Death Star’s artificially generated atmosphere. They wear specially designed suits that have sealed armor and are equipped with rebreather packs.

Hasbro obviously thought hard about getting the biggest bang for their buck when they composed the set list for wave 5 of The Legacy Collection. Probably the most impressive wave of the line thus far, it offers new sculpts as well as smart retools for both obscure and other more popular characters. We received no less than three "military" sculpts in this group, and they were all figures that collectors have wished to add into their collections for quite some time now. And the best news is that one of the three was long-awaited updates to a figure we haven’t seen carded as a basic figure since 1996's POTF2 [R] Luke Skywalker (In Stormtrooper Disguise) figure. And the other two were made available as basic figures for the first time (Han Solo and Spacetrooper)! The release of all three characters has made collectors very happy. Hasbro went stir crazy with the 2007 TAC Imperial Stormtrooper (30 20) sculpt (which is actually a retool of the 2004 VOTC Stormtrooper) and created three new unique figures for the wave and they are more than welcome additions to our collections. After the [disappointing] Marvel versions of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in their respective stormtrooper disguises released in 2007’s TAC Comic Packs line, fans immediately started clamoring for realistic paint applications for these same characters. Since the ones we got in the Comic Packs line had red visors on the helmet (as well as early versions with terrible blue washes), we wanted screen-accurate versions. Hasbro [eventually] listened and cleaned up the armor to easily reuse the sculpt (with some additional tweaking) to make the exciting Spacetrooper figure (in addition to the Luke Skywalker and Han Solo figure of the same wave), and it came out wonderfully! He is more than just a Stormtrooper as he comes with quite a bit more accessories. This character surprises us that he missed the radar for so many years. There weren’t many varieties of Stormtroopers in the Original Trilogy so one would think that the Spacetrooper would be a no-brainer. But it is a good thing that he didn’t come out until now because technology has come so far (as well as Hasbro’s philosophy on authenticity and articulation) and we believe this will be the definitive version of him for years and years.

Spacetrooper may initially just seem essentially like a Stormtrooper with extra accessories and gear. But it would be egregious to remain with this conclusion. He is so much more, and we can't believe all the extra things this figure possesses. His appearance in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope is indeed there (albeit difficult to see and very briefly), but you would need to study the reference photos to see just all the extra detail that this character has. Based on the 2007 TAC Imperial Stormtrooper (30 20) figure, this figure is such a great figure for the basic figure line. In addition to the standard Imperial issue blaster, Spacetrooper has a removable helmet, breathing tube, backpack, and heavy assault rifle (that has its own great articulation and is one of the best weapons we have seen a figure get in a long time). Reminiscent of a Sandtrooper rifle, it remains unique and is a chunky weapon that we don’t see the average Stormtrooper utilizing. The removable helmet is unique in that is has a tiny hole in the “mouthpiece” section that allows for the placement of the breathing tube which itself attaches to the backpack. The completly assembled figure looks amazing and immediately puts it pretty high on our favorites list for 2009. Spacetrooper looks the part of an outer space denizen serving and protecting the Galactic Empire. His backpack fits very snugly but nicely over his back plate, and it is evident that the sculptors were accurate and precise when putting all of this figure's pieces together. And what's even more impressive is the likeness of the figure. But we are not allowed to say that he looks like Joe Johnston apparently because Hasbro can’t either. (But he does!) It is overall a splendid addition to the line, and we bet that Hasbro is proud of this figure too! Also noteworthy, Hasbro has spent some time working hard to get the white as bright as possible. A bright white armor set is great because it is the brightness that gives the figure its appropriate glossiness. And Spacetroopers should be clean. They are not drudging through the Tatooine desert or in the snow on Hoth. They serve the Empire in a relatively clean environment. At least we assume that there isn't a great deal of dirt in space when compared to a planet like Tatooine, so the armor should remain relatively spotless. We could be wrong.

Spacetrooper has an awesome 23 points of articulation, perfect for any member of the Imperial army. And although it appears from the film that they are more or less guards or military technicians, you never know what position you’ll need to place him in to function in your dioramas as needed. Ball-jointed hips would make him a sublime release, but we assume that we would be getting greedy by requesting this enhancement. But to be honest, we don’t think that knee and ankle joints are that effective when ball-jointed hips are absent. We know opinions vary out there, but we don’t think we are too far off in our assessment. He just looks great from head to toe, from the body glove that covers most of his head, the shoes on his feet. He will flesh out your Imperial armies quite well and you need him for any Death Star diorama you try to set up that includes the Millennium Falcon. Despite any potential negative opinions on this figure, there is no denying that Spacetrooper is quite an impressive figure and we expect him to make multiple returns to the action figure line. Ever since his initial release, Spacetrooper has shipped in plentiful quantities and continues to satisfy the demand by being carried forward in many waves. But he also sells through quite quickly. This will likely be the trend for him until he is done shipping. And this is a great thing because it will encourage Hasbro to focus on those characters barely seen in the films. There is a wealth of characters that have split seconds of screen time and the most virile collectors will want them all. Of course, Imperials are guaranteed sellers, but we think the same is true for cantina patrons and other background characters. If you're looking for a unique Stormtrooper that is from the films and not from some Expanded Universe source, then this is the figure to get. And nothing is sweeter than purchasing a never before available figure whose source is from the very first Star Wars film. This makes him extra special to us and will no doubt do the same for you! (We think so anyway.)