First Order Stormtrooper - RO - 12-Inch Figures

Equipped with sleek armor and powerful weapons, the Stormtroopers enforce the will of the First Order.

The First Order Stormtrooper is the modern version of the classic Imperial Stormtrooper from the Original Trilogy. Expect to see this character in every scale and format possible across the many Star Wars licensees that have the rights to make them. Part of the modern Hasbro Star Wars line is the 12-Inch Figures line. These simply articulated action figures are sculpted nicely, but they are unable to be posed in any meaningful ways. This is especially frustrating for the army builder characters. Who wants to pose these figures at attention and then not be able to do anything else with them? Larger figures are begging to be played with, and in order for this to happen, more articulation is required. But it doesn’t look like this is going to happen in this lineup. Outfitted with a First Order blaster that can attach to his right thigh armor, the First Order Stormtrooper is a nice figure that may or may not interest the collector. We imagine that age will play a meaningful role into who will find this line of figures interesting. In short, we don’t find collectors finding much value in these figures at all. But figures like this serve an important purpose in the Star Wars brand. Hasbro seems to have success with this scale too.

Subtle changes to characters we love are just part of the Star Wars experience. We would begin to question if our most favorite characters in the films didn’t go through subtle metamorphoses. Whether it be completely different facial structures (like Kit Fisto and Stass Allie) or just the slightest costume enhancements (Darth Vader and Boba Fett), change is the name of the game to make the story as good as it can be. Obviously, the First Order Stormtrooper has gone through an intense metamorphosis from the Original Trilogy Imperial Stormtrooper. It’s almost a hybrid of the Clone Trooper and the Stormtrooper. Some don’t like the Sequel Trilogy First Order Stormtrooper. Many liken the helmet to a duck. Others appreciate the distinct design. The First Order Stormtrooper’s helmet is a unique design. The contour of the helmet is very rounded, and the black detail gives the helmet personality. Part of the kids’ focused 12-Inch Figure line, the First Order Stormtrooper comes with only seven points of articulation. The addition of two swivel wrists helps with posing the figure with the included blaster, but overall these figures can’t do much of anything but stand around.

The plastic was cast in a beautiful shiny white color, but it also easily picks up the scuffs and defects caused by the production process. You’ll also find imperfections like paint splatters here and there which affect the aesthetics of this toy. Why must paint operations be such a major issue for the Star Wars line? As mentioned earlier, the First Order Stormtrooper comes with a blaster. We found that he doesn’t hold it all that well, but it possible to situate it in his hands. He just doesn’t have a firm grasp on it which we find a bit disappointing. We don’t know anyone who army builds the 12-Inch Figures Hasbro makes, but we imagine that it might look like March Of The Wooden Soldiers if you have whole battalion/lineup of them. Collectors often pan Hasbro’s 12-Inch Figures line because of its simplicity. It's an easy target to attack. These aren’t exquisite collectibles, but they serve a purpose for kids that like larger toys. The figures allow them hours of play while developing motor skills while introducing them to articulation and how action figures can move. Plus, the line is selling well. As expected, it has been carried forward into the Rogue One line so it can stay at retail a little while longer.