Clone Trooper To Stormtrooper [Version 1] - ROTS - Evolutions

The evolution of the galaxy's most powerful army is captured in these figures! The clone troopers fight for the Republic, to try and save the galaxy from chaos. But secret plans change their loyalties, and they help the evil forces of the Sith to take control! No longer known as clone troopers, they are now stormtroopers, the loyal soldiers of the Emperor, enforcing his harsh will throughout the galaxy!

After the many concerns regarding the fact that so many of the figures in the Revenge Of The Sith basic figure line came with action features, Hasbro more than makes up for it with their brand new Evolutions line. This “high-end” action figure line brings to the table three figures where all the stops were pulled out to give collectors the consummate action figure versions to some of the most popular characters and army builders for their collections. Super-articulation or near super articulation inundates this group of well-sculpted figures. And what’s especially neat about this line is that the characters in the respective sets are arranged in a progression. That is where the “Evolutions” title comes in to this line. Arranged in a stepwise progression, each character chosen relates to the next in some fashion or another. For example, the Clone Trooper To Stormtrooper [Version 1] set brings two clones and one sandtrooper that all share some derivation of yellow to the table. A clone commander from Attack Of The Clones is jointed by a 327th Star Corps clone and a sandtrooper squad leader (with orange pauldron). Neat packaging and excellent action figure sculpting and choice are always important to collectors and Hasbro scores high marks in both areas with this line. The Evolutions line platform is to focus on a specific character (or type of character) and its transformation throughout the Star Wars universe and we personally have to admit it’s one of the mots refreshing Star Wars products we’ve seen for years. Premium action figures with deluxe packaging mean a premium price, but for $19.99 you can guarantee that you’re getting superb action figures with stunning sculpts and articulation to rival most basic action figures to date. There are some exceptions of course, but overall the Evolutions line is the medium in which Hasbro will deliver their best action figures to us and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.

The Clone Trooper To Stormtrooper [Version 1 and Version 2] Evolutions sets will undoubtedly be two of the most popular. A super way for collectors to army build, these two Evolutions sets bring never-before-made clones to the collecting table as well as definitive (or near definitive) updates to the classic sandtrooper character. (For some reason Hasbro has labeled this figure Stormtrooper (The Rebellion) which is especially odd since we refer to anything “Rebellion” as related to the Rebel Alliance. But we digress.) Three awesome action figures are included all with stellar paint jobs (actually they have three of the best paint jobs we have seen) and loaded with the right amount of accessories. What more could you want from an action figure three-pack? The first figure is called Clone Trooper (The Clone Wars). Again, it’s a slightly odd reference because this figure is just a phase I clone commander. The figure has a removable phase I helmet as well as an interchangeable clone pilot helmet (with chest box). The figure also comes with a DC-15 blaster. The paint job is perfect. It has just enough dirt and scruff throughout it and the lower legs are completely covered in Geonosian dust. What more would you want from an Episode II clone trooper? Again, it’s the perfect accent for any phase I clone. We even think the head sculpt underneath the helmet looks pretty good. If we had to complain at all, we would have to say that the helmet fits too snuggly on the figure. You can actually see the figure’s nose poking through the visor of the helmet. However, if you don’t pull the helmet all the way down, you can diminish just how badly the “poke through” looks. Still, we are very proud of this figure and hope Hasbro uses it again and again to bring us the rest of the clones from Attack Of The Clones. (They just need to uphold the gorgeous paint job they gave it otherwise it’s just another clone.)

Perhaps our most favorite figure in the Clone Trooper To Stormtrooper [Version 1] set is the Clone Trooper (The Fall Of The Republic) character. Technically a 327th Star Corps clone that served under Commander Bly, it’s a stunning figure with 14 points of articulation with another incredible paint job and plenty of accessories. The details in the belt are especially impressive as well as the functioning DC-17 blaster pistol holsters and removable helmet. The clone head sculpt underneath looks fantastic, but the helmet is a bit big unfortunately. And lastly, the pauldron prevents the helmet from covering the entire head sculpt so you see a chin sticking out from the bottom. it isn’t a huge deal, but we wish that Hasbro had tested this a bit more to maybe tweak the helmet for a better fit. This figure also has incredible deco. The mustard yellow color flashes nicely compliment the carbon scoring marks and the lower legs “dust” that adorns them. This figure also comes with a DC-15 blaster rifle that fits perfectly in his hands and can even be held in an action pose. Clearly a great deal of engineering went into the figure/accessory interaction and for that we are very impressed. The third figure is the Stormtrooper (The Rebellion) figure. A very confusing designation, it’s actually a sandtrooper squad leader. The figure comes with 13 points of articulation (it weirdly lacks a waist joint) and an excellent paint job (in two unique styles). One version of the dirt looks sprayed on while the second variation looks smeared. We prefer the sprayed on look, but wither looks pretty good. The Stormtrooper (The Rebellion) figure doesn’t have a removable helmet and this should make Original Trilogy fans extremely happy. The Clone Trooper To Stormtrooper [Version 1] Evolutions set is excellent and will remain a very popular set for years to come. This is the way to approach the various armies from Star Wars. Hasbro did a great job here.