Commander Keller/Galactic Marine - TAC - Comic Packs (Exclusive)

One thing that is indeed certain in Star Wars collecting are clone repaints. Just the words “clone” and “trooper” should signal to collectors that we’ll all be getting bombarded by all different types. Two types of clones came two years after the release of Revenge Of The Sith, the Airborne Trooper and Galactic Marine. Finally released in the opening wave of the 30 (77-07) line, collectors soon began wondering how often and when new clones based on these would be released in other ways by Hasbro. From Order 66 to Battle Packs, both saw use after use and for the most part Hasbro really developed some unique and unexpected tales of the various clone battalions we became accustomed to by watching Episode III. But Hasbro got the Airborne Trooper and Galactic Marine sculpt together again in the Walmart exclusive Comic Packs set based on the Star Wars: Republic series. This very “white” set looks fantastic and since the story is set on a very cold planet, you can’t help but be reminded of an Expanded Universe take on the Battle of Hoth. And you’ll probably make a stronger connection to the Original Trilogy battle with the inclusion of an all-white Galactic Marine.

Commander Keller is just plain awesome. His markings look almost exactly like he’s a leader in the 5th Fleet Security. Similar parallel blue hash marks are displayed across his armor. And he pairs nicely with 2006’s TSC Clone Trooper (Fifth Fleet Security) (SAGA 059) figure. Hasbro added new soft-goods to his armor to imitate the cold weather gear that is seen in the comics as well as an all-new removable belt that keeps the soft-goods in place should you decide to display him clothed in this fashion. (Just keep in mind that the kama isn’t removable.) Just like 2007’s TAC Airborne Trooper (30 07), Commander Keller is super-articulated with a great deal of premium articulation. His legs are slightly curved forcing him to lean in an awkward stance. We haven’t had too much luck correcting this but if you decide to futz with his knee and ankle joints you can correct a great deal of the lean this way. While we love the cut of the soft-goods and credit Hasbro with fitting them close to the action figure’s body, Hasbro used a very cheap fabric to make it and it is much too glossy. If light reflects this drastically on a fiber, you know Hasbro saved quite a few pennies. And it’s a shame because shiny fabric makes the action figure lose authenticity as well.

The Galactic Marine is perhaps the better figure of the two. Commander Keller is bright white, but the Galactic Marine is quite darker in comparison (yet still looks “white” to the eye). It has an excellent paint job from head to toe and Hasbro out a lot of detail into the backpack and the various armor plates. There appears to be a faint wash over the entire figure giving it that worn look without too many signs of battle-damage. It is a very cleverly painted figure. The same features that are on 2007’s TAC Galactic Marine (30 02) figure are here as well. The figure comes with a removable backpack, helmet and DC-15 blaster rifle. It’s just the perfect amount of accessories for any action figure. The figure is also super-articulated (as you already know) but we have encountered multiple balancing issues with this figure and the Galactic Marine is actually a lot less mobile that the articulation leads you to believe. Also, the articulation given to this figure really doesn't offer that much movement. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful Comic Packs set. Be prepared to be reminded of Hoth and the Galactic Empire with this set. The included comic book contains a brief but great story arc as well. This set is definitely worth your time.