Mandalorian Police Officer - TCW [SOTDS] - Basic (CW09)

Mandalorian officers maintain order on Mandalore. Because this planet of warriors has become a world of peace, the guards are seldom needed for more than minor issues. But the Death Watch group has begun committing acts of violence, so the officers are prepared with riot shields and weapons, in case all peaceful solutions fail.

One of the most engaging things about the many varied Star Wars sources is finding similarities and connections between them. And to find recognizable images and styles from the classic Original Trilogy (even if only in concept art too) in the modern The Clone Wars television series is quite a special occurrence that happens frequently, but not as often as we may like. Such is true for the Madalorian Police Officer. Looking as if he was ripped right out of some Bespin-themed McQuarrie artwork (plus he comes with a shield that is immediately reminiscent of 2007's TAC Concept Stormtrooper (Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series) (30 09) figure, the Mandalorian Police Officer is a pleasant surprise in the new The Clone Wars line. The uniform is quite similar to the concept Cloud Car Pilot’s uniform (just check out the 1998 POTF2/Expanded Universe figure and vehicle set and you will be shocked over the similarities) and the Mandalorian Police officer borrows the stature and attitude of a much more commonly known security force, the Cloud City Wing Guard. This isn’t to say that they look alike, but the same guarding presence is in them both. A figure that will likely become a brisk army-builder, we believe that the Mandalorian Police Officer might just be a figure that may pass you by. And we should let you know that this is a figure you definitely do not want to miss because he is pretty awesome. He really brings something fresh to Star Wars which is something we don’t often see executed in just one action figure.

The Mandalorian Police Officer is one part McQuarrie concept artwork, one part Bespin denizen, one part medieval knight and one part Mandalorian. A sleek and slender defender, the Mandalorian Police Officer has a steadfast posture and cocked stance that is truly remarkable for a figure of this scale. When fully attired, this figure can stand unassisted and this is quite a feat being able to hold a shield that is two-thirds his height with a large heavy assault gun attached to it. And since he doesn’t have any knee or ankle joints, this makes it all the more impressive. Colored in lots of grays and sea foam green and celadon, this action figure is truly the epitome of unique. His protective “visor” looks something ripped right out of the medieval period of history and it is articulated so you can pose it up or down as you wish. His chest armor is arranged in true Madalorian style and if you just concentrated you eyes on that portion of him you would almost think it was Boba Fett (or someone similar). The uniform is painted in an alternating color style meaning some parts are colored darkly while other parts around that area are light. This makes for a very striking appearance. Just look at the figure’s boots/legs and skirt to see what we mean. And speaking of the skirt, it hangs to the mid thigh and does inhibit movement of the hip joints a little bit. As a figure that you may want to position in action poses, you will unfortunately be limited as this figure may just suit your collection best by serving as a guard more than a warrior or anything else.

The weapons and accessories that come with this figure are also very awesome. The shield continues to utilize the contrasting color palette and has Aurebesh symbols on the top half which in English could read as the number 22. And per the cartoon series, it appears as if each guard has its own unique number (or symbol). There are two large holes in the shield which have been put there so that the large cannon he comes with can plug into it. Even with all this weight it is still possible for the figure to retain his pose without falling over. This makes us very, very happy collectors. He also comes with a baton that again reminds us of something Bespin or Bespin-inspired. Madalorian Police Officer is definitely has Original Trilogy spirit and because of this we happen to be very fond of him. Meant to be a generic figure, we suspect that this portrait may be the only one we will get for this character. But since the helmet can cover his face, this is more than alright. And you will need an army of them to be the back-up support to Pre Vizsla, another absolute must-have action figure! The Madalorian Police Officer may not seem as the most exciting action figure and you would be right with that sentiment, but there is no denying that he will strike a chord for fans of concept art and the Original Trilogy. We are really digging how the gaps are being bridged between old and new. And we are really digging the totally cool Mandalorian Police Officer action figure. But be sure to buy two of them. They look much better in pairs!