First Order Stormtrooper - TBS [P3] - Six Inch Figures (04)

Equipped with sleek armor and powerful weapons, the Stormtroopers enforce the will of the First Order.

The very first Hasbro toy from Star Wars Episode VI: The Force Awakens was the 2015 San Diego Comic Con exclusive First Order Stormtrooper. Everyone initially panicked about securing one, but Hasbro finally came clean that this would be a general market item, just with different packaging when The Force Awakens toy line went public in September 2015. Although we believed that the only addition making the SDCC version exclusive was the packaging and the special promotional booklet inside. That booklet outlined the evolution of the clone trooper and stormtrooper and how this new character fits into the mix. But we soon discovered that some of the paint operations are different as well. Some of the markings along the belt line are different and the bottom of the feet are different as well where the SDCC version is unpainted and the general market release is painted black. We also noted a noticeable difference in the clean paint operations on the general market release as well. There were no sneak peek figures for The Force Awakens sadly, so the SDCC version was the collecting world’s first introduction of what we can expect for the new era of Star Wars toys. But as promised, the First Order Stormtrooper has made its rounds and collectors have been able to secure it pretty much everywhere online and at the brick and mortar level. Hasbro is all about The Black Series 6” line, and the First Order Stormtrooper is evidence that this is where the line's loyalties now lie. We can expect the 6” scale to be the focus for collectors because this is where they’re going to develop figures with plenty of articulation and detail.

Despite concerns about the future of the super-articulated 3.75” line, we hopefully can allay some of that disappointment by expressing what an incredible figure the First Order Stormtrooper figure is. It's not too different from the many other figures that have been released in this scale. Obviously, it's a new character and we have only seen him in the trailers thus far. But you know by his clone trooper/stormtrooper armor that this is the next army builder, that may or may not look like a duck. And there are plenty other troopers that we can expect as well. As a result of his army building status, the First Order Stormtrooper is going to be one of the hottest figures in The Black Series [Phase III] line, but there are already solid case packs available and Hasbro is determined to get him out. Although the First Order Stormtrooper was the very first Hasbro item to be produced from the film (as the SDCC exclusive), it shows the collector the mystery of these characters and how he/she interacts into the new Star Wars film. The toy itself is excellently sculpted. Hasbro opted to give the First Order Stormtrooper ball-jointed elbows instead of double hinge-jointed articulation and as a result it severely inhibits the range of movement of the arms. This is especially noticeable when trying to pose the gun with two hands, something that is possible, but quite difficult to achieve with this type of articulation. However, the lower body has wonderful movement and incredible flexibility. You can pose him on his knees, in a crouching position, in a kneeling position and many action stances to varied to numerate. This First Order Stormtrooper is well designed, like so many other 6” figures, and collectors are going to have a blast adding him into their collections.

Although we appreciate the quality of the sculpt, paint operations are always a big deal for us (as it is for most other collectors too). Hasbro has been keeping an eye on this and we’re happy to report that for the most part they look fantastic on the First Order Stormtrooper. Even the white plastic armor is looking bright and sharp. We’re particularly picky about paint operations and we feel that significant strides have been taken to perfect these, especially when compared to the SDCC version. The rest of the figure looks great, albeit it simply painted. First Order Stormtrooper comes with two weapons: a blaster pistol and a blaster rifle. They are interestingly colored in white, black and include a little bit of silver. They are colored unlike any weapon we have seen from a Star Wars character to date yet interestingly have a familiarity that you’re going to notice immediately as well. They both can slide into a spot on the right thigh armor and stay in place quite tightly when not in use. The First Order Stormtrooper can also hold both guns at the same time as well. With an incredible array of motion and the ability to stand unassisted in a variety of ways, there will be no need for a display stand or anything else. We would certainly accept a miniature environment with these pieces however. That would really add some value to this line. The First Order Stormtrooper is an exciting release for The Black Series [Phase III] line. We can’t wait to see how many other “modern” troopers this line will bring collectors. Aside from all of these figures having a cookie cutter approach to articulation, the articulation systems functions quite well. We look forward to what is coming next!