Imperial V-wing Starfighter - TCW [S2] - Vehicles (Exclusive)

After the fall of the Galactic Republic, V-wing starfighters are redecorated to be come some of the first Imperial vehicles of the new Galactic Empire. The V-wing has the speed, blasters and maneuverability to make it a formidable weapon in the capable hands of Imperial pilots.

Hasbro really introduced us to a brilliantly designed vehicle in the mid size assortment in 2007 during the 30 (77-07) line. It’s been repainted a couple of times since and Hasbro brought it to Toys R Us in the form of an exclusive in 2009. Only a couple of years have passed, but the vehicle maintains its awesomeness because it as designed perfectly from the start. Released as the Imperial V-wing Starfighter in the second phase of The Clone Wars line, it may lack in some areas but we have to admit that the black and white combination of colors make this version of the vehicle really stand out. Earlier versions have had much better paint jobs (including excellent battle-damage detail) and we have to admit that the lack of this detailing is the only bone of contention we possess with the TRU exclusive. All the functionality has returned and we are even treated to the same color astromech droid in the droid socket. It may confound you to ask yourself why you should go with the general release vehicle instead. Well, maybe you should.

The Imperial V-wing Starfighter has a roomy opening cockpit and has the ability to fit almost every clone trooper action figure (we could find at least). This is a triumph because there is truly nothing more frustrating than a vehicle that is unable to host its pilot. In a very rare decision, we prefer the action feature on the wings than to have nothing at all. It’s a believable functionality and it’s actually necessary for the ship to appear in true landing mode. When the wings are locked in this landing mode, there are “feet� attached at the bottom which serve as a support to keep the ship upright in this position. (Think of how a bat’s feet are attached to its wings. It’s the same exact principle here.) And of course a third leg pulls out from the front for complete balancing support. Other features include adjustable ailerons (which are actually more of a nuisance than anything else) and adjustable stabilizers. The vehicle also fires projectiles from four cannons and this is a great feature for the kids.

This flavor of Imperial V-wing Starfighter can be found throughout the Star Wars: Dark Times: The Path To Nowhere comics. And besides this source, it really hasn't made any other appearance (that we could locate). Making an original appearance in Episode III, Hasbro has found a cool new Expanded Universe flavored way to make this mold a worthwhile release again! At the end of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith, there are gray/black V-wing starfighters flying around, but they don’t contain any white color on their hulls at all. Wouldn’t it make the most sense that this would be the most likely place where this vehicle would be found, especially since Hasbro is calling this one an Imperial V-wing Starfighter (which are the precursors to the Imperial TIE fighters)? But they've made a significant appearance in the Dark Times comic series. LEGO has also released this flavor in their line. But no matter where this Imperial V-wing Starfighter came from you should at the very least know that it is a cool design and have a great color scheme. It’s definitely too clean, but that has been the trend with Hasbro over the last few years. You should definitely see if this vehicle is worthy of a spot in your collection.