Concept Rebel Trooper (Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series) - TAC - Basic (30 60)

Ralph McQuarrie’s sketches of Rebel troopers show the distinct headgear and simple uniforms that articulate the lean, focused intensity of the Rebel Alliance forces. In his drawings, McQuarrie has captured the Rebels’ unity of purpose and determined independence that characterize the Alliance’s proud fighters.

The Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series figures were the perfect tribute for this renowned artist. And it certainly wasn’t the first time we saw concept art in the Hasbro toy line. Even dating back to the 1998 The Power Of The Force line, Hasbro developed special toys and figures which were based off of McQuarrie’s and other artists’ sketches and drawing that brought the Star Wars universe to life. But the first basic figure of McQuarrie’s artwork was the 2003 McQuarrie Concept Stormtrooper (’03 #34) which also happened to be the Fans’ Choice #4 winner. Hasbro decided to bring back the art based figures full throttle and create a special sub-line of figures that showcased his prolific talent. The figures were a huge success and the sales exceeded expectations in an unprecedented way. Even Hasbro commented that the line brought sales beyond what they ever expected. Not counting any exclusives, Hasbro released eight concept figures to thunderous applause from fans. But one of the surprises in these eight was the Concept Rebel Trooper. Not the most common character seen in McQuarrie’s sketches, he immediately became a favorite and one of the most difficult Signature Series figures to locate (even despite being reissued with a stand in 2008). Classically futuristic, the Concept Rebel Trooper had a look like no other concept figure in the entire basic line and yet managed to clearly define itself as something that truly belonged in the Star Wars universe. And it is also one of our favorite figures from the entire 30 (77-07) line.

What’s remarkable about the McQuarrie concept figures is that Hasbro has taken a two-dimensional sketch and developed it not only into a three dimensional action, but has also given the figure near super-articulated to super articulated status. This is brilliant because despite “chopping up” the smooth contour of the sketch by adding articulation, Hasbro has flawlessly maintained the integrity of the original concept drawings. Hasbro definitely took poetic license with the head sculpt (as we don’t see this character with the helmet off in any sketches) but it looks entirely believable. The figure also has a removable chest plate which wasn’t necessary, but it gives the collector a little bit more to play with here. The helmet is an interesting convention in the way it looks and the way in functions. Concept Rebel Trooper quickly developed the nickname McClammy as a direct result of his clamshell helmet. The top portion comes off so you can remove his head. And once you remove his head, you can also remove the bottom portion of the helmet to display him without it. It you take a moment or two to appreciate the detail in the helmet, we bet you’ll be quite impressed about what Hasbro has included in this “accessory” that won’t be seen unless you take the figure apart. And the helmet isn’t the only place where this figure is packed with detail. Every nook and cranny on this figure truly has an unprecedented amount of details that isn’t really seen in the other Signature Series figures.

Concept Rebel Trooper has 12 points of articulation (he is only missing ankle joints). But this is plenty of articulation and it will suffice here. We love this figure unconditionally, but we are mildly disappointed with the paint job in the eyes. A common occurrence for figures in this era, Concept Rebel Trooper has that freakish “looking up” appearance in his eyes. Has Hasbro painted the irises and pupils in the direct center of the whites of the eyes, it would have made this figure essentially flawless. (Editor’s Note: This figure was rereleased in the Toys R Us exclusive Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series multipacks with an all-new paint operation that fixed this eye issue and it looks fantastic.) Ralph McQuarrie has indeed left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe. If you search through his many beautiful pieces of art you will find scenes that directly made it into the films and then you’ll find others that went through quite a metamorphosis or were not used. But no matter their ultimate destination, there is no denying that they are some of the most incredible sceneries and standout characters ever witnessed by Star Wars fans. Here is hoping that Hasbro will continue a long tribute towards this artist and his work and that they continue to release concept art based action figures for as long as possible. We got a healthy dose of McQuarrie concept figures in the 30 (77-07), but there are a lot of characters from Episode V and Episode VI that we would love to see immortalized in the basic figure line too!