Jetpack Trooper - TVC - Basic (VC336)

Jetpack Troopers can navigate otherwise impassible terrain with their short-ranged booster packs. Their specialized training and equipment give them superiority over most entrenched infantry positions.

It took Hasbro forever to bring us a definitive Stormtrooper action figure in The Vintage Collection. Now that it’s released, they’re amortizing their tooling budget by using it repeatedly to make new characters a part of the line. The Jetpack Trooper is one of the predecessors of the Stormtrooper action figure. While it’s part of a video game series we have no interest in, we appreciate the work put into this action figure. The Jetpack Trooper is simple but well-executed and favors the video game character well. Hasbro tooled a new head sculpt that incorporates a removable chest box, unlike what we see on the Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot uniform. They also reworked the torso to incorporate the jetpack. And lastly, collectors get an E-11 blaster for good measure. The Stormtrooper tooling is holding up well and befits this new character excellently. Collectors of all Imperial characters should find some interest in the Jetpack Trooper and those who love video games. The character photo on the packaging is composited but looks decent. Most interesting, Hasbro used a unique color for the nameplate and the figure backer (as well as the reverse side of the card), perhaps to keep things interesting.

Hasbro took the Rogue One Imperial Stormtrooper (VC140) figure and added the new parts mentioned earlier. The newer lower legs tooling also included “rocker” ankles, so we’re thankful to see this premium articulation point gets continually installed. Unfortunately, the figure still comes with ball-jointed hips instead of ball-socket hips, but it’s a small sacrifice for the incredibleness this figure brings. We want to note that we’d love to see Hasbro upgrade the hips and re-release this action figure as a general-release item. We wouldn’t complain about that for a minute. There is minimal color on the Jetpack Trooper. Aside from some yellow detail on the helmet and a grey left shoulder with insignia, this character doesn’t vary much from a standard Stormtrooper. The new jetpack accessory plugs into the figure’s back well and its fresh design encapsulates familiar territory with newness. The updated paint operations, especially in the buttons and visors, accentuate the figure’s traits well and should make collectors very happy. And it helps make the figure look better than ever. These characters have a few other weaponry options in the game, so we would have loved to see them added for extra value.

We’ve received a bunch of Stormtrooper-related action figures on “vintage” Kenner cards throughout the years. But none will come close to the magic that the original Episode IV Stormtrooper brings into The Vintage Collection. Still, it’s nice to see new characters come from the classic character, and we’re building unformed armies thanks to Hasbro’s repeated use of the same tooling. Hasbro ensured they mastered the Jetpack Trooper’s details into action figure form. The armor is shiny. The new portrait has a crest and extra nuances. The dots on the “belly” of the army are dark gray. The body glove and rim of the helmet are black. Hasbro noticed our criticism that they missed the green deco on the visors. But they updated that detail, too! Hasbro needs deep soul-searching and completes the four main characters in The Vintage Collection next. There remain so many other stormtrooper characters they must get to in the line. They could easily convert this action figure into a Spacetrooper from A New Hope. Getting an updated Spacetrooper in The Vintage Collection would be fantastic since the one from 2009 is outdated by today’s standards. In the meantime, enjoy the Jetpack Trooper.