212th Battalion Clone Troopers With Backpacks - TCW [R] - Deluxe

Some clone trooper units are equipped with jet-propelled backpacks and a variety of weapons. The backpacks are used for aerial assaults and are equipped with twin missile launchers. These packs are often assigned to troopers who are deployed to difficult or rugged environments, such as the troopers of Clone Commander Cody's 212th Attack Battalion.

The Clone Wars provides an endless landscape of other worlds and with each of these worlds we are seemingly introduced to a new flavor of clone trooper. The 212th Battalion is absolutely not new to anyone by any mean, but the inclusion of never before seen accessories, as well as a phase I outlook, can put a whole new spin on what we think we already know. Evidently inspired by Clone Commander Cody himself, Hasbro thought it would be clever to create an “off-screen” version of Cody’s soldiers with a larger version of his backpack, and with backpacks that first made their appearance in the Revenge Of The Sith line. With all the clone troopers we have already witnessed in The Clone Wars film and television show, very few have had the ability to fly. And if they did, their jetpacks were significantly smaller. Hasbro went to work and developed a unique twist to the 212th Battalion and made them look like micro airplanes to assist the already established, yet struggling armies in your collection. While neither the figure or its backpack are new to the toy line, together they create something truly unique. We aren’t too fond of “off-screen” stuff, but we have to yield and admit that this set of clones is just too darn cool. For those interested in packaging variations, this set was first released as 212th Battalion Clone Trooper And Backpacks. They added "Jet" before "Backpacks" on subsequent releases to be more specific (and accurate).

Hasbro made another very cool Deluxe set that focuses on two figures instead of one figure and "something else". And this may honestly be the best direction for the Deluxe line to go for many reasons. Based on the fan favorite 212th Attack Battalion, you won't be able to find these troopers in this fashion anywhere in The Clone Wars. As we have previously mentioned, this is a Hasbro concept, but it seamlessly fits into the line very, very well. For this release, the enclosed 212th Battalion Clone Troopers come with high functioning jet backpacks which affix beautifully to the figures via small and discreet peg that plugs into a hole on the figure’s back. Just like the 2009 TCW [R] Turbo Tank Support Squad Deluxe set, the 212th Clone Troopers have been cast in an off-white to light gray color that makes them look incredible. (We really wish Hasbro would use this convention going forward on all of the clone troopers they can’t provide with battle-damage details. It looks simply splendid and frankly we’re a bit surprised that not more collectors have clamored for more clone troopers in this style.) The jet backpack that each clone comes with is designed very well and has multiple articulation points to simulate flight as well as a lock into place for landing mode. We’d go so far to say that this Deluxe set is designed so well, it’s one of the finest products in the entire line to date. That is saying a lot for a Hasbro original.

It may boggle the mind on why toys from The Clone Wars are part of the Hasbro Universe instead of the many ideas that can be seen in the film as well as the television show. There are so many scene–specific concepts that can be culled and subsequently created for the Deluxe and we’d love to see more of these reach fruition. From the various battles to the larger accessories that some of the main characters use in the show, there are plenty of ideas Hasbro can translate into the 3.75" toy line for kids and collectors. Still, we have said this hundreds of times in this column. Hasbro cannot not go wrong making more clone trooper action figures. And if they add the littlest bit of change to an already existing sculpt, it will be a surefire hit. They can bank on it being a hit at retail and sell. It certainly appears that Hasbro has only scratched the surface with what they can being to the Deluxe line so far. They have only dipped their toes in the large parking lot of ideas. We hope they dig deeper. We believe that this line will have longevity and the 212th Clone Troopers And Jet Backpacks set should be a good indicator of why this is more than possible. This is the best “flying” clone trooper for the toy line yet. We love them! It's definitely a change up for the line, but keeping us on our toes is one of the things we love about Hasbro! (Editor's Note: This Deluxe set was released in packaging that was titled as 212th Battalion Clone Troopers And Jet Backpacks until it was corrected to 212th Battalion Clone Troopers With Backpacks)