First Order Stormtrooper - TFA - Build A Weapon (Snow)

Added: September 18th 2015
Category: Force Awakens, The
Reviewer: Paul Harrison
Score:

Name: First Order Stormtrooper
Collection: The Force Awakens
Number: N/A
Source: The Force Awakens
Availability: September 2015
License: Hasbro

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Equipped with sleek armorand powerful weapons, the stormtroopers enforce the will of the First Order.

Love them or hate them, the reality of action figures with only five points of articulation really hits home when you consider a figure like the First Order Stormtrooper. Hasbro introduced Episode VII to us with a controversial The Black Series 6” version of the First Order Stormtrooper, and now here it is for the first time in 3.75” scale. A character like the First Order Stormtrooper is in need of super-articulation. There; we said it. And although Hasbro is sort of answering prayers by releasing a 3.75” super-articulated version of him in the Walmart exclusive The Black Series [Phase III] line, it just won’t meet the demand of those who are desperate to see the First Order Stormtrooper do more than just wiggle his shoulders and hips. That being said, we must fairly critique a figure for what it is. And to do that we must put super-articulation on the side and look at the figure and base it on its own merits. When we do that, we’re able to state to a certainty the Build A Weapon First Order Stormtrooper has an excellent sculpt. And Hasbro added a neat feature seen on the 6” version and has carried it forward here. The blaster can be affixed to the figure’s right thigh armor. It’s a great addition here even for a budget action figure.

If there is one thing the Build A Weapon line is doing to out psyche that we didn’t expect, it’s that it's making us favor The Black Series 6” scale much more than we ever anticipated. And for us that's extremely bittersweet; and sadly residing on the bitter side of the scale/spectrum. We get the need for a budget line, but it was never meant to take over on a grand scale like this. For the entire The Force Awakens line to be all simply articulated budget figures is extremely difficult to digest. And this is especially true for those who have seen the line grow and blossom for over 30 years to regress back to the days of Kenner’s approach. Of course, it is what it is and there is no use beating a dead horse because it’s unlikely things are going to ever return to the way they were. But for those collectors who defended every last move of Hasbro’s, we offer them an opportunity to admit they were deceived and led astray like all of us were. According to “enlightened” and “alternative” new thinking about 5POA, a movie year was supposed to allow Hasbro the opportunity to do it all. This included a strong return to super-articulation. Instead, the 3.75” super-articulated line has been relegated to a store exclusive. This is a bitter pill to swallow, especially since we were led to believe that the future was bright.

Anyway, we are very off-topic here, so let us get back on track. If you can get past the minimal articulation of the Build A Weapon figures, especially for an army builder, then you’ll likely find favor with the First Order Stormtrooper. Again, to reiterate, the figure has an excellent sculpt. There is no doubt Hasbro knows how to tool action figures still. Even the few paint operations on the First Order Stormtrooper have been applied tastefully and as needed. The ball-socket head gives that extra movement needed to give the figure some attitude. The gun fits into both hands well and even the gun has been painted remarkably well here, too. Overall, if you’re just looking to display this figure on a shelf, it isn’t going to look half bad because it is a great sculpt. Heck, even some of Hasbro’s earliest super-articulated army-builders didn’t even look this good, but it’s hard to accept that a 2015 stormtrooper action figure can move so little. Included with the First Order Stormtrooper is a Build A Weapon part. And it looks as if the same figures will eventually be packed with different parts as time moves forward. We’ll have to see the fate of the First Order Stormtrooper in this regard. First Order Stormtrooper is a decent figure. You’re just going to want more out of it.

Collector Notes

First Order Stormtrooper

Status: First Order Stormtrooper is an all-new figure.

Articulation Count: 5 points (5 areas of articulation)

Articulation Details: ball-socket head (1), swivel left shoulder (1), swivel right shoulder (1), swivel left hip (1), swivel right hip (1)

Accessory Count: 1

Accessory Details: First Order blaster

Date Stamp: N/A

Collection: Snow

Assortment Number: B3964/B3963

UPC: 630509348473

Retail: $7.99 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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