First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) - S.H. Figuarts

S.H. Figuarts is a new standard figure series that incorporates the Bandai action figure "Art" under the theme "Pursuing Character Expression through Humanoid Action."

There is no denying that the S.H. Figuarts line is producing some of the greatest 6” scaled figures in the industry. For the most part, the character selection is excellent. They tend to focus on army builders before human characters. And when they do approach human characters, they’re most iconic characters, and not just the new characters from the Sequel Trilogy. Sometimes army builder characters can get boring when released time and again. But when it comes to the First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) figure, S.H. Figuarts have given collectors the “works” here as we’re able to assemble multiple members of the First Order thanks to all of the extra parts included within this release. Not only do you get multiple weapons, but they’ve also included all three First Order officer ranking pauldrons: white, black and orange. Where most licensees only give you one way to decorate an officer, S.H. Figuarts kills four birds with one stone, and it is something that avid collectors don’t take lightly. It’s nice to see such a groundbreaking collection of figures rise in popularity. Sure, the MSRP on these figures is very high, but the quality you get more than makes up for it. We confidently can say that the S.H. Figuarts line of Star Wars action figures are light years better than most anything else released in 6” scale, and we hope that they continue to bang out more characters as fast as possible.

Although mostly based on 2015’s SHF First Order Stormtrooper figure, the First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) version has an all-new helmet and an all-new right upper leg. They needed to revise this leg part for the new approach of including plugs on the guns so that they affix to the thigh armor tightly. Other than these two differences, these figures are nearly identical. Of course, you get many more accessories with this release including a First Order blaster, two First Order blaster pistols (one comes with plugs), three ranking pauldrons and two sets of interchangeable hands. The first thing that you’ll notice right out of the package with the First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) is that the figure is lightweight. But this benefits the figure by allowing it to be posed in very dynamic and action-oriented ways. By not being “top heavy” or “weighty,” the First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) can attain a variety of incredible poses with minimal effort. And once you inspect the figure, how it articulates and what can be done with him, it becomes immediately clear just how sturdy these figures’ designs are. We’ve heard comments that the figure’s range of movement just isn’t up to par. But we have to wonder if they have the same figure we do. The First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) can be posed in any position you desire and will look naturally doing so.

We’re really impressed with this particular figure’s accessories. It feels like you’re getting something for the high price you paid for it. For example, the stock of the First Order blaster is articulated, so we have to credit them for adding little details like these into the accessories. But there is so much more to enjoy here as well, like the blaster pistol that attaches to his armor thanks to plugs. It’s great to have this weapon stay in place when he is not holding it. The articulation system is impressive beyond words. And there are points of articulation here that we’ll never see added to the figures in the Hasbro 6” line, despite their importance. For example, the two shoulder armor pieces each contain two points of articulation. There are four belt pouches that each have hinge-jointed articulation. And the “toe sections” of both of his boots also come with hinge-jointed articulation allowing you to angle his feet as needed for balance and believable running poses. There is so much to appreciate here that it's amazing. The First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) may initially make you feel like you shouldn’t bother with this one. But between the updated helmet and plenty of interesting accessories included here, the First Order Stormtrooper (The Last Jedi) is a worthwhile addition to your collection. Plus, if you loved Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, isn’t this a must-have purchase?