Clone Trooper (Phase I) - S.H. Figuarts

S.H. Figuarts is a new standard figure series that incorporates the Bandai action figure "Art" under the theme "Pursuing Character Expression through Humanoid Action."

We’ll be completely honest with you. The LAST character on earth we would ever want to see made again into a Star Wars collectible is a phase I clone trooper (and all of the corresponding officers). It’s not that we don’t like them or appreciate their roles in the Star Wars saga, it’s just that all of the figures made of them have been overkill from a collector’s perspective. Hasbro, Sideshow Collectible, and Gentle Giant Ltd. are all guilty of collector burnout. But we completely understand why they keep doing. When you made a great base sculpt, and all that’s required to make a completely new character from it is a few color flashes, we totally get why we see so many of them. Despite our reservations, we can wholeheartedly admit that the release of the S.H. Figuarts Clone Trooper (Phase I) action figure has completely reset our burnout to a reignited fire. With each successive release, S.H. Figuarts action figures continually enthrall and excite us (including the figure we thought we never wanted to see again). This six-inch scale of premium high-end action figures cost about what Sideshow Collectibles 1:6 Scale Figures did when that line was launched, but the quality you get and the amount accessories that accompany these figures are worth every penny. We hope we can emphasize this enough. If you’re on the fence because of the MSRP, just take the plunge once, and you’ll see for the first time how and what a quality action figure looks like and is.

Yeah, so the actual Clone Trooper (Phase I) character is a lackluster release in any line. We get it. But as is the pattern with all S.H. Figuarts releases, the Clone Trooper (Phase I) figure is going to blow you away. Loaded with premium and functional articulation (with only a few areas of articulation inhibited by the armor), anyone else you’ve heard claiming these figures aren’t what they are is being biased and has his or her head buried in the sand. No other 6” scaled figures comes remotely close, especially 2014’s TBS [P1] Clone Trooper (#14) figure. Especially that one! Between the sturdy high-quality PVC plastic used, to the “just barely off-white” color of the “plastoid composite” armor, Clone Trooper (Phase I) sets the bar so high that we don’t think any other licensee will be able to follow in their footsteps. The Clone Trooper (Phase I) not only looks superb at every angle (which if you think about it carefully is a rarity in and of itself), but can attain an array of action poses that will blow the mind. You will be enveloped and enthralled by what can actually be done in this scale. So don't think for a moment you will be squashed with any potential buyer’s remorse you may think is at risk for plopping down so much cash for a single figure. Obviously, the S.H. Figuarts line isn’t one that can be army built so easily, so this isn’t a line to hoard (which is a good thing). Enjoy these figures piece by piece, and you’ll, be amazed at what can be accomplished flawlessly despite how complicated the figure is.

Clone Trooper (Phase I) comes with a nice variety of accessories. In addition to his two main hands, the figure comes with three interchangeable sets of hands. These allow you to pose the figure with both included weapons. The armor slightly inhibits the range of motion in the elbows, but you can still get the Clone Trooper (Phase I) figure to hold them with ease, whether gripping the stock or holding by the barrel – all of these options exist and more.The figure itself is beautiful. There isn’t too much involved with the paint operations, but the visor line which is always at risk of being sloppily applied could be cleaner, straighter or more perfect. One detail we’re not perfectly excited about is the floating belt. You constantly have to straighten it after you position the figure in a way that you desire, and this can be a little bit annoying. But we imagine if the belt was secured in place and not able to be moved that it would inhibit the full range of movement with which this figure was designed. It’s not even bittersweet. We understand the need for it. But it just bothers us a little, especially when photographing it. You have to go back and ensure the belt is straightened. It can be a bit cumbersome. Even with a small complaint, like that it’s not enough to affect our joy of this figure. With a slightly smaller scale than the Hasbro The Black Series 6” line, Clone Trooper (Phase I) still holds its own, very well and we wish we could buy many of them. You’re missing out if you haven’t given this line a chance yet. They are worth your time and money.