Rebel Trooper - TBS [P3] - Six Inch Figures (69)

Drawn from many homeworlds and species, Rebel troopers were the Alliance's front-line soldiers in the war against the Empire. They defended the Alliance's leaders on countless worlds and during many operations, changing uniforms and tactics to meet each challenge.

Ugh! This nonsense is extremely pedantic, but we can barely get passed Hasbro calling The Black Series [Phase III] Rebel Trooper (69) figure a Rebel Trooper and not a Rebel Fleet Trooper. For years these characters were referred to that three-part name, and it feels like a huge generic step back to refer to them so simply now. Whatever. We’ll let it go. Collectors of the popular The Black Series 6” line have waited a long time to see the classic Rebel Trooper from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope produced in this scale. The Vintage Collection fans were treated to a definitive sculpt of this character thanks to 2011’s TVC Rebel Fleet Trooper (VC52) figure. And it made 6” collectors want theirs next. Now Hasbro has delivered a premium 6” version of the character, with enhancements, and if they’re smart they’ll develop a multipack with various new head sculpts to help collectors build an army. After all, fans are going to need multiple Rebel Fleet Troopers so they can battle them against the many 6” Stormtroopers they’ve added to their collections already. With a decent amount of accessories and a fantastic head sculpt with “photorealistic” technology, the 6” line has come very far. And collectors of the line are relishing every moment.

The Rebel Trooper is awesome. You know the name bugs us a bit. But let us clear up one more thing that is a slight setback. This particular sculpt is unequivocally Lieutenant Pello Scrambas. There is no way it can be argued otherwise. The likeness is uncanny, and the detail is flawless. So why is this is a “bad” thing? Well, it’s not a bad thing. But perhaps this particular figure should have been made as a retailer exclusive instead. The basic 6” line should focus on bringing collectors generic army-builders. You certainly cannot army build this guy. So we hope and pray that Hasbro will make alternate head sculpts for this body and release them in some type of “deluxe” set so that we can have a nice sized army of Rebel Fleet Troopers. The best thing about the Rebel Trooper is the tremendous enhancement Hasbro gave the figure. Collectors will be thrilled to know that the Rebel trooper has added “butterfly” joints in the shoulders. The “butterfly” joints make it possible for the Rebel Trooper to cross his arms and reach his arms behind his back (in addition to a wealth of many more positions). It’s a wonderful and poignant addition to The Black Series 6” lines which shows that Hasbro has the intent to compete with S.H. Figuarts.

The Rebel Trooper comes with his signature helmet and blaster. The helmet fits wonderfully, and the chin strap fits perfectly. The blaster can be placed in the functioning holster hanging from his belt when not in use. For years now, Hasbro has been generous with this detail, and the weapons and their respective holsters fit beautifully together. He also comes with a separately sculpted and removable utility vest. It is effortless to remove and place back, so collectors have some interchangeability with this feature. There is one accessory included with the Rebel Trooper where we plead ignorance. For us, it’s unknown if he comes with the “Death Star plans” seen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story or if it’s some “communicator” device. Either way, it’s exquisitely detailed and fits in his hand beautifully. Again, The Black Series 6” line has come very far, and the results are satisfying in more ways than one. Collectors of this line are receiving some incredible Original Trilogy characters and some that fit nicely in hand with the new Disney Star Wars Entertainment. We’re interested to see how much further Hasbro will take the 6” figure articulation system. But so far the choices they’re making are resulting in positive advancements.