Shoretrooper (Carbonized) - TVC - Basic (Exclusive)

The Carbonized Collection Shore Trooper Squad Leader figure has been treated with a sleek metallic finish down to the finest detail.

Star Wars worlds are colliding as one Disney Star Wars source is invading the next. We’re talking, of course, about the Shoretrooper, or Coastal Defender Stormtrooper, or Scarif Stormtrooper, although, Hasbro decided to misname it on the figure's description on the reverse side of the card. They called this figure the Shore Trooper Squad Leader. But take your pick, because anything seems to go. Making their debut in the second season of The Mandalorian, the Shoretroopers are now officially part of The Vintage Collection, albeit in the “carbonized” format. Hasbro updated the entertainment logo from “Rogue One” to “The Mandalorian" for this release. They also updated the character’s photo, although it’s nearly impossible to make out clearly what’s in the reference image because it’s so dark. That said, the action figure might be the best of the four released in the second wave of these Walmart exclusive figures. The paint operations are vibrant, and Hasbro managed to incorporate a lot more detail than they did with the general released 2019 TVC Scarif Stormtrooper (VC133) version. As expected, this figure sold out first. Its newness, only via the packaging, was its selling point. And as with any “different enough to make you mad,” something like this meets the definition.

Maybe it’s easier to get excited over troop builders more than other characters, but this one feels worlds above what Hasbro has released in the recent past. The Shoretrooper has everything fans of super-articulated 3.75-inch collecting adore, including fantastic articulation, brilliant paint operations (especially now that it’s “carbonized,” and a sculpt that is better than you might believe is possible. This trio of goodness works together seamlessly in this novelty assortment of action figures. It also proves how much time and energy Hasbro is wasting, focusing on things collectors don’t want. If they’re able to make incredible classically scaled action figures in the original 3.75-inch scale look this great, then they should be focusing on it. Admittedly, we find the Shoretrooper an actual work of art. While it contains many bulky armor pieces, the figure possesses functionality that allows a wide array of poses. Loaded with 29 points of articulation, Hasbro has been enhancing 3.75-inch figures with swivel thighs which add even more movement to already well-articulated action figures.

Aside from the swivel thighs and the ball-socket head, Hasbro gave the rest of the Shoretrooper ball-jointed articulation. These points include the wrists and hips, two areas that often don’t receive this premium articulation. The Shoretrooper achieves many poses, but you will find some encumbrances with some of the movement you might desire. May we reiterate the points about this figure’s deco one last time? Well, we’re pleased with the special paint operations this figure received. Yes, it’s an odd way to decorate a figure, but the final results, perhaps exclusively for the Shoretrooper, are gorgeous here. For years we’d complain how the clone troopers and stormtroopers look too clean and white. Hasbro would rarely give these action figures dirt or wear on their armor parts. But that’s not how this figure looks in the least. The browns and tans are richer on this release, and the action figure “pops” because of them. Like the red and white accents, these details also add an incredible amount of contrast for as small as they are. We’re not promoting this sub-line or wishing for any more “carbonized” figures, but we have to concede this is a magnificent update for this character.