Emperor Palpatine/Commander Vill - TAC - Order 66 (Series 2) (4 of 6)

The Emperor Palpatine/Commander Vill two-pack is unique in the fact that it’s the sole Order 66 (Series 2) set that doesn’t contain a Jedi paired with a clone. Instead, it contains the enactor of Order 66, and one of the leaders of the 501st Legion in a well-developed set that is faithful to the Star Wars: Dark Times comic series. Someone at Hasbro must have a passion for Star Wars: Dark Times because we have received multiple characters from this storyline throughout the years. For this set, Hasbro brings us a unique and specifically named clone commander named Commander Vill. Commander Vill was a grievous clone leader during the end of the Clone Wars who served under Commander Appo and one who never really impressed Darth Vader. Distinguishing thigh markings set him apart from the other 501st Legion commanders. And Hasbro ensured they captured these differences on the action figure of him.

Based on the figure from 2005's ROTS Clone Trooper To Stormtrooper Evolutions set, Hasbro has repainted and included new patterns and markings to the figure is a very comic book accurate way. In a very neat move, they’ve taken the head from 2007’s TAC Imperial Stormtrooper (30 20) figure and used it for Commander Vill. If we recall correctly, it’s the first time this head sculpt has been used on a clone commander. There is something really cool about having a clone commander with proof of the body globe shown on the head of the figure. Even the facial scratches have been carried forward as well. The removable helmet doesn’t fit as nice as we had hoped and you’ll always see part of his chin peaking through the bottom of the helmet. But this is honestly a small setback because Hasbro did the figure justice with a very nicely done paint job. The figure is loaded with articulation and plenty of weaponry so you’ll have your hands full positioning him in many varied configurations.

The included Emperor Palpatine figure brings nothing new to the table other than a significant paint job. Hasbro simply took the 2005 ROTS The Sith Evolutions figure and used it here, but he is dramatically repainted. Emperor Palpatine now has a very ashen skin complexion but if you look at his appearance in the Star Wars: Dark Times comics, you’ll see that Hasbro matched the color palette perfectly. He comes with a soft-goods robe, his red bladed lightsaber and his cane. Quite frankly, this version of Emperor Palpatine looks significantly more accurate than the Evolutions version. In fact, this may be a great figure to use for your Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi version of Emperor Palpatine. There is something about the gray skin which makes the figure feel like he’s from the Original Trilogy and as far as toys are concerned, like the Emperor Palpatine action figure from the Kenner vintage toy line. Another great set in the Order 66 series, we’d have to recommend this one also.