Stormtrooper - Real Action Heroes

Added: May 9th 2014
Category: Real Action Heroes
Reviewer: Paul Harrison
Score:

Name: Stormtrooper
Type: Real Action Heroes
Number: No. 242
Source: A New Hope
Released: November 2005
License: Medicom Toy

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300mm Tall!
Includes BLASTER RIFLE!
Includes four different glove variations to achieve multiple poses!
Boots molded in soft vinyl material!
Also includes figure stand!

We didn’t think that human neurodevelopmental disorders had the capability of afflicting one-sixth scale figures, but that looks like what happened exactly with the Real Action Heroes Stormtrooper figure. We jest of course, but for reasons unknown, the Stormtrooper looks like it has Retts syndrome. Don’t worry about the specifics of the disorder. You only need to know that he has inordinately small hands. It’s a disappointing result on a splendid one-sixth scale, but it’s really the only big issue we have with this otherwise gorgeous figure. After many years of Hasbro’s laughable Stormtrooper 12” figures, fans gave up hope that any licensee would be able to produce a stunning one-sixth scale representation of this character. Thankfully, Medicom Toys through their Real Action Heroes division has produced an imperfect, yet extremely likeable Stormtrooper figure. An iconic and core Star Wars character, the Stormtrooper has finally received the respect it deserves in (almost) 12 inches. The Real Action Heroes figure has been approached similarly to Hasbro's figures where they opted for a more pliable plastic to make the armor. It bends ever so slightly when the figure is articulated. This makes some sixth scale collectors nuts while is pacifies others. Our opinion lies somewhere within the middle. If the armor doesn’t inhibit you from posing the figure is some really dynamic ways, then any way works for us. And we believe it will work for you too.

The Real Action Heroes buck body type is quite exquisite and has some impressive capabilities. Some have argued that it’s one of the best articulated bodies on the market. Admittedly, the body has a very natural human form and drapes beautifully. It can also stand up straight or be posed in some dramatic action stances and still look fluid and realistic. Posing the figure is relatively simple. Once you loosen up some of the joints you will find that it’s a very “user friendly” figure and will do what you “command” it to do. What's more, the display stand should only be considered and optional accessory here, something that we’re proud to say Medicom Toys got right here. In fact, we have found that the included stand actually impedes its “pose-ability”. The Stormtrooper is loaded with articulation including many multiple points of movement in a single body part. Ball-jointed articulation inundates the buck including the neck, shoulders, torso, hips, knees and ankles. Although this is an armored figure, between the pliability of the armor pieces and the flexibility of the figure, you will be impressed with how many versatile poses this Real Action Heroes figure can hold, although some movement is still inhibited. We’re still thoroughly impressed with it. We also totally dig the helmet. Underneath is a generic “human formed” mannequin-like head sculpt, unpainted. Medicom Toys did this to ensure the most fitted look possible for the Stormtrooper helmet. It worked. Between the “real life” head underneath and the foam to keep it in place, the Stormtrooper amazes at every level possible.

The Stormtrooper has also been given a full body glove. It fits snuggly on the body buck underneath, but allows ease of movement throughout the figure as well. It feels a little too tight in the arms, especially when articulating the elbows, but for all intents and purposes, we think Medicom Toys succeeded with this approach. It’s a vinyl body glove instead of a fabric one. Fabric would have absolutely given the figure a little more “wiggle” room but we’re still satisfied nonetheless. Accessories are on the light side here. The Stormtrooper comes with an interchangeable set of hands as well as and E-11 blaster rifle. He can hold the blaster well and what’s more impressive than that is the “leather” holster hanging from his belt. The gun fits perfectly inside of it. A few more accessories would have been wonderful here, but Medicom Toys’ Real Action Heroes line has never been known for its generosity of accessories, so we have conceded to that here. Some collectors just aren’t crazy with the look of Stormtrooper helmets when the black brim is pulled down to meet the black visor. This definitely creates a distinctly different appearance of the Stormtrooper. We tend to prefer when a white space exists between the brim and visor ourselves, but we’re going to give this one a pass, because there are just too many great things about this figure to fault it over a different taste in aesthetics. Overall, we’re extremely pleased with this figure. Maybe not all of the details are flawless, but there is just too much to positively digest here. Don’t let some of this figure’s issues ruin your meal.

Collector Notes

Stormtrooper

Status: Stormtrooper is an all-new figure that utilizes the Real Action Heroes buck body type.

Articulation Count: 38 points

Articulation Details: TBD

Accessory Count: 8

Accessory Details: 2 interchangeable hands, display stand (8 parts)

Date Stamp: 2006

Retail: $129.99 USD

Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on Click here to check the market value on eBay! listings.

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