First Order Stormtrooper - TBS [P3] - 3.75 Inch Figures (Exclusive)

Equipped with sleek armor and powerful weapons, the Stormtroopers enforce the will of the First Order.

Ugh! Why must Hasbro screw up the one and only chance to get a super-articulated First Order Stormtrooper with screen inaccurate paint operations? Whether it's an honest mistake or not, it still nonetheless maddening. With SO MANY First Order Stormtrooper action figures successfully produced thus far in the line, how in the world did they manage to screw up the only version that hardcore collectors have been waiting to buy up in droves? Let’s pray that a running change is on the way, but right now The Black Series [Phase III] First Order Stormtrooper has one tiny paint operation error that is significantly impacting its screen accuracy. Whether the factories at China have completely dropped the ball, misread the paint operation directions, or this is somehow directly tied to Hasbro’s own error, we live in an era of collecting where there is absolutely no room or time for mistakes or running changes, and there is certainly no extra money for repurchase dollars going to action figures that should have been done correctly the first time. Again, it’s impossible to pinpoint blame at this error now, but it still happened and it is a major setback for the line. Let’s just hope and pray that Hasbro does address the error at some point so that the carry forward versions of the First Order Stormtrooper come with completely correct deco.

Besides the upgraded articulation, surprisingly the First Order Stormtrooper doesn’t bring too much new to the table, but that doesn't make it any less exciting. It is so wonderful to have a super-articulated First Order Stormtrooper in 3.75" scale. We’re certainly not complaining about this because even the simple 2015 TFA First Order Stormtrooper (Build A Weapon) figure isn’t half that bad. But as far as the sculpting is concerned, Hasbro didn’t deviate all that far from both The Force Awakens and The Black Series [Phase III] 6” versions already released. The figure comes with a wealth of premium articulation and because of the heightened articulation system, it’s a distinct pleasure to see what the action figure interpretations of these characters can accomplish when given a chance. With the standard 14 areas of articulation that is present in most of the previous lines from Hasbro, the First Order Stormtrooper can stand at attention, placed in various action poses and even sit if you are so inclined with its remarkable 27 points of articulation. With a great base First Order Stormtrooper sculpt like this, expect Hasbro to make every last variation possible utilizing it. We soon expect the officers very shortly. With a high MSRP set for this Walmart exclusive 3.75” line, you’d think that Hasbro would have added some extra premium like swappable pauldrons to help us grab all of the characters in one fell swoop.

Clearly, deco is still an issue for Hasbro. Something definitely got lost in translation with this release. And it’s a terrible shame because collectors are going to be so panicked trying to find these figures that they’re probably going to settle for the glaring error on this one. We also hope that these new super-articulated 3.75” create enough demand and interest that Hasbro goes back to making them available across the board, and not just a retailer that doesn’t deserve to be in charge of this line (like Walmart). Maybe this will be case in point that the world wants super-articulated 3.75” figures, despite the mirage that 6” is where it’s at anymore. We are eagerly looking forward to what is planned for this line so far. An exhaustive search of Walmart’s computer courtesy of our friends at BanthaSkull.com has revealed (via rumor only) that characters like Captain Phasma and others are already in production and on the way. That’s wonderful. But we want assurance that Hasbro will be taking a few extra minutes to ensure that all of the smallest details are in place before giving the green light for any figure going into mass production. There is a shortage of everything nowadays, and the Walmart exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] 3.75” line cannot withstand too many setbacks, if any. But just to recap, this is an exciting action figure despite its shortcomings. We almost forgot how incredible it was to get a new super-articulated action figure. Now that's sad!