Clone Trooper (Episode II) - Premium Format Figures

At the time of their introduction, the Republic clone trooper represented the future of galactic warfare. Far superior to the battle droid armies of the era, the clone troopers formed the backbone of the Republic's new military initiative that battled against the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. So pervasive and symbolic were they of the times, the galaxy-wide conflict that saw their debut took its name from their ranks: the Clone Wars. It would be a long and bloody conflict in the years to come, but the efficiency of the clone trooper infantry would be proven time and again on many scattered worlds.

According to Jedi investigations, the clone army was apparently commissioned by one of their own a decade prior to their introduction on the battlefield. Using the original genetic code of bounty hunter Jango Fett, the Kaminoans carefully tampered with the material to produce clones with diminished independence and accelerated growth. For a decade's time, the clones were constantly trained in fighting techniques, vehicular skills and battlefield tactics. Yet, they still maintained a spark of independent and creative thinking, making them far better suited than droids to handle the unexpected turns of warfare.

Identical in form, physical prowess, stamina and mental capacity, each of the first generations of clone troopers were fully encased in hard white armor, each identical face concealed behind a t-shaped visor. Eventually, color-coded flashes on the armor denoted rank and later came to signify individual units, who often became more customized with mission specific gear and armor modifications.

Wow! Sideshow Collectibles is mastering the artistic quality of their impressive Premium Format figures. The biggest criticism of the line is some of the obscure character selections they decide to tackle first while temporarily ignoring some main character choices. But no matter which one comes first from the production line, all are guaranteed to give collectors something to smile about in their high end collections. Sideshow has released the phase I Clone Trooper from Attack of The Clones. And while many are perplexed that a Stormtrooper didn’t come first, there is no denying just how amazing the Clone Trooper is. (The Stormtrooper will come so don’t sweat it everyone!) Interestingly, Sideshow has decided that the exclusive pieces here are an Episode III (phase II) portrait (along with a maroon battle droid battle-damaged arm) which makes this Premium Format figure a bit of an anomaly. Many have stated that there are differences between the Episode II and Episode III clone troopers. We imagine some differenced must exist, but we are at a loss to document. And Sideshow Collectibles has erroneously stated in the past that the “all white” Episode III clone troopers do not actually appear in Revenge Of The Sith. (This of course is incorrect.)

We can tell you however that the brilliant artists and sculptors have engineered this piece to be fully functional (and accurate) to with clone flavor you choose. What’s nice is that if you decide to display it as an Episode II Clone Trooper, you have a battle-damaged maroon colored Battle Droid arm from the Geonosis Arena to decorate the base. And if you decide to be brazen, you can remove the droid arm and switch portraits and make it specific to Episode III. This functionality does a lot for a high end collectible that doesn’t come with articulation. Some of Sideshow’s Premium Format figures do come with some sort of articulation, but this Clone Trooper doesn’t. So where a Premium Format lacks in articulation should be made up for with cool accessories and the ability to transition the piece in multiple configurations. This one does just that! This Premium Format figure has an pose that isn’t too exaggerated but clearly paints the picture that he is fighting somewhere within the confines of the Clone Wars. He DC-15 rifle is up at the ready and his head is cocked slightly up as if he is looking to protect himself from an impending danger. Sideshow has crafted separate body armor with a real fabric body glove underneath. This does wonders for helping this piece to look ultra realistic.

If you recall, the Yoda And Clone Trooper Premium Format figure wasn’t created in the same manner. We understand that the 501st Legion Clone Trooper in that piece was more of an extension of the base than an actual separate figure because it was crafted 100% out of polystone without any body glove. Let us tell you. The Clone Trooper (Episode II) Premium Format figure is one that should start up your salivary glands on what they’re going to do with the Stormtrooper. This piece is exactly how we wanted it created. Between the beautifully flawless sculpt (with only a little chip in the chest plate for cool battle-damage) and exquisite off-white paint job (along with some pretty dirty calves), this figure just looks perfect. Both the base of the figure as well as the figure are very weighty and together make this feel like one of the most solid sculpts in their long line of Premium Format figures. And there is still a lot more to be happy about here. The dual functionality of the sculpt and the pose the artisans crafted him in only should remind you about how committed Sideshow is to making their Star Wars items. This piece will indeed be sought after long after it’s gone. We suggest picking it up as there are only 500 pieces worldwide. You could pass on the exclusive Episode III head sculpt, but the piece just would be the same.