AT-ST Driver - POTF2 [FF/TKC] - Basic

On a mission to disable the second Death Star's shield generator, Han Solo, Princess Leia and a small band of freedom fighters are ambushed by a full legion of stormtroopers. Looming over them stands an Imperial AT-ST walker.

How does one of the most common green-carded The Power Of The Force “2” figures become one of the rarest in the Freeze Frame packaging change and command a sizable difference in aftermarket value? The Collection 3 AT-ST Driver in the Freeze Frame Action Slide lineup has quickly become one of the most sought-after action figures in the Kenner/Hasbro Star Wars line. The same is true for other figures in the line like the Sandtrooper and Weequay Skiff Guard figures. All three action figures were as common as the day is long, but now thanks to a special pack-in premium, the Freeze Frame Action Slide, each are distracting collectors in nearly unhealthy ways. Despite their general “green” card back releases being the picture-perfect definition of common, some, not all, are well-designed action figures. In the early months of 1997, Hasbro began pumping out characters from the latter two Original Trilogy films. AT-ST Driver was one of their priorities as it was released early in the line. Originally released in the vintage Kenner 1984 Return Of The Jedi line, collectors grew eager with anticipation for the first modern interpretation of the classic AT-ST Driver figure. Opinions vary greatly, but the AT-ST Driver didn’t turn out as collectors had hoped because of its lack of removable goggles, and exaggerated body frame. Hasbro was all over the place with the proportions they were giving their action figures during this time. Some characters looked more streamlined, but others, like the AT-ST Driver, still couldn’t shake that muscular silhouette with skintight clothing. As a result, the release of 1997’s POTF2 [R/G] AT-ST Driver was more bittersweet than anything else. Now it’s part of the Freeze Frame Action Slide line, and it’s more popular than ever due to its relative scarcity.

You’re well versed in this action figure. The AT-ST Driver comes with six points of articulation. The standard articulation includes a swivel head, two swivel shoulders, a swivel waist, and two swivel hips. No surprise here, the AT-ST Driver doesn’t do much more than what any other Kenner/Hasbro Star Wars figure can do in your collection. So there should be no surprises here at all. Included with the AT-ST Driver are two weapons: an E-11 blaster pistol and a blaster rifle. Because we didn’t see these characters wielding weapons in the film, it’s hard to know for sure whether these are screen accurate or not, but it’s likely at least one is a Hasbro convention. Both weapons fit nicely in the hands of the figure and outfit the action figure nicely. Weapons are standard for Imperial action figures, so it’s good that this tick has been checked with this action figure. But you probably are aware the accessories that come with the AT-ST Driver are inordinately large and look silly when interacting with the action figure. We hope that Hasbro scales down the laughably large weapons and accessories with their action figures. They’ve become quite an eyesore for collectors at this point. The figure has a rather static pose, so it’s effortless to set it on a shelf. The AT-ST Driver can also “sit inside” an, or “command” an, Imperial AT-ST (Scout Walker) vehicle, released a couple of years ago in the toy line. The AT-St Driver looks incredible piloting it, of course. As we’ve hinted, we would have loved to see a removable pair of goggles and helmet here, but this figure has no removable parts for the costume. Perhaps a few extra places of articulation would have been a huge enhancement here. If you’re placing this action figure in the cockpit of the Imperial AT-ST, then why does it matter what the figure does and doesn’t have then?

AT-ST Driver has a simple paint job, but Kenner/Hasbro did a nice job with it. The lightly colored jumpsuit is close-fitting, and there are few details like stitching and pockets that are visible throughout it. The contrasting black belt and silver buckle with black boots brings everything together. The deco is clean without any signs of over-spray or sloppiness. Overall, AT-ST Driver is a nice-looking action figure. There are some differences between the 1997 release and the 1998 Freeze Frame Action Slide version, but they’re probably not enough to interest you. You should only be aware that some differences exist, most notably a lighter-colored uniform for the 1998 version. There are more significant packaging variations for the AT-ST Driver action figure, however. Originally released in Collection 2 during the “green” carded phase of The Power Of The Force “2” line, the AT-ST Driver went through a series of packaging updates. However, when the figure was promoted to the Freeze Frame Action Slide phase of the line, Hasbro changed the AT-ST Driver to Collection 3, which is fitting since the Collection 3 subset of figures are reserved for Imperials (and other villains). AT-ST Driver is one of the rarest Freeze Frame Action Slide figures of the entire 1998 lineup. But the figure isn’t nearly as impossible to find as the Weequay Skiff Guard release. That said, the AT-ST Driver is a chore to acquire when compared to most other figures from 1998’s The Power Of The Force “2” [Freeze Frame/The Kenner Collection] line. For trivia lovers, you’ll enjoy learning that you can see a member of the production team from Return Of The Jedi sitting on a crate on the included Freeze Frame Action Slide. You have to search to see him in the scene, but the team member is indeed there. The AT-ST Driver, a common POTF2 figure, is made “collectible” thanks to a packaging change.