Review of Imperial Shocktrooper - Star Wars
Sixth Scale Action Figure

Introduction

Let's be honest - not every Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars figure has been a home run. Occasionally, particularly with humans, they swing and they miss. But the work they've done on the armored figures, including all the troopers and Vader, has been excellent.

The latest in the series is the Imperial Shock Trooper, part of their Militaries of Star Wars line up. Shock troopers are part of the games and books, elite members of the Imperial Stormtrooper Corps.

Just as with other releases, there's a regular and an exclusive version. The regular has an edition size of 2500, while there are only 750 of the exclusive version. Both were exactly the same price at $90 each, at least through Sideshow direct.

However, this is one of those cases where you can skip the exclusive and feel no pain or remorse. Why? Because the special accessory is simply a white display stand with the Shock Trooper name and logo on it. Yea, that's what I thought too, and if you're looking to save a few bucks you can pick up the regular version through other retailers for closer to eighty dollars.

Packaging - ***1/2
If you've picked up previous Sideshow Star Wars figures, then you know what you're getting.  The wrap around cover with magnetic closures works great, and there's decent background text and photos. Of course, the entire package is collector friendly, allowing you to remove the figure and accessories without any damage. You can pop them right back in later for storage or sale, a very useful feature for large figures like these.

Sculpting - ****
If you're expecting something drastically different from other Sideshow Clone Troopers, you'll be disappointed. There's some minor differences, but these are due to the paint.

So why does the sculpt score better this time around? Because the longer I've had the Troopers, the more the sculpt has grown on me. There are minor quibbles with the armor - I still don't think the helmet is perfect - but this is the best sculpted troopers we've ever gotten in this scale.

The sculpted gripping hands work great with the guns, and will allow you to pose him in plenty of threatening ways. He stands great without any support, and fits in scale-wise with the rest of the series.

Paint - ****
This guy is red, which I'm assuming means he's a captain. I believe that the Shock Troopers followed the same color ranks as the other Clone Troopers, although I'm not claiming expertise. 

The red paint looks exceptional, and the damage and wear is very natural and realistic. This trooper has seen plenty of battle, and his armor is the proof.

Using bright colors with the Clones was a brilliant marketing move on Lucas' part. It sucks the gullible collectors (like me) into buying multiples of the same damn character. And we like it, too!

Articulation - ***1/2
Underneath that cool armor is a Prometheus body. And unlike the first few figures to use the Pro bodies, this one has far fewer problems with loose joints. EDIT: Yes, it's actually the 'armored' body, but I tend to tall all Sideshow's variations 'Pro' now. And they've all had trouble with loose joints in the past.

The neck is nice and tight, and allows for plenty of tilt movement, even with the helmet and armor. All the joints below the waist are tight as well, and he can take and hold even deep stances.

I did have some trouble with the shoulders holding the gun up high, especially the heavier long gun. I didn't end up being a major issue for me, but with more extreme poses it may become a problem.

Accessories - ***
I sort of understand the exclusive base, since they started this whole thing with the Utapau Clone Trooper, but it's still pretty underwhelming. And getting that base does nothing to improve the basic Accessories score.

But the two guns are both well done, even if we have seen them before. The folding stock on the smaller gun tends to come loose, but looks great in the right pose, and the larger gun can easily be held in both hands.

Speaking of hands, there's an extra set of fisted hands to go along with the gripping hands he comes wearing. The hands swap pretty easily, and the wrist pegs are very sturdy.

Outfit - ***1/2
If we were talking only about the armor here, I'd probably have to give this guy another half star. I really do like the sharp cut of the white plastic, and the red coloration on the belt brings out the detailing even better than usual.

But there's also the under suit, and while I've grown fonder of the sculpt and armor over time, I can't say the same for the black pj's. They tend to bunch in weird ways at the elbows and hips, and the fit isn't as snug as I'd like.

Fun Factor - ***
While the price point on these figures puts them out of the range for most kids to actually play with them, they are certainly sturdy enough for the rich kids to have a good time. And for slightly older kids that are Star Wars fans and are looking for something a little higher end than a Hasbro figure for their room, these guys can make an excellent gift.

Value - **
No matter how good this particular figure is, he is pretty much a repaint. And he's a $90 repaint at that. The economics of the overall line forces the price point to remain the same, but the reality for the collector  is that you'll feel the pinch with each additional release.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***1/2
One of the most popular displays at last summer's SDCC was Sideshow's unique Troopers. While some of the customs were a little out there (pink tutu?), I have to be honest and admit that I'd buy every one of them. Yea, I'm a total sucker for Trooper variations.

That means guys like this, or the Utapau trooper, or the Coruscant trooper, or any others that Sideshow decides to put out are going to end up on my shelf.

But what I'd really to see the Fett family get some love from Sideshow. Where's Boba? Or Jango? Hey, I'd be more than happy to buy one or both at this level of quality. And the price should be fairly reasonable, since they armor could be re-used for both. It's only a matter of time!

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ****
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***
Outfit - ****
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I've looked at a ton of sixth scale Star Wars products.

- the most recent was Sideshow's Lando Calrissian.

- Darth Vader was perhaps Sideshow's best Star Wars release this year.

- prior to that, there's the Utapau Trooper, the Imperial Stormtrooper, and Captain Antilles

- I wasn't as thrilled with Ki-Adi-Mundi, but Obi-Wan in Clone Armor is easily one of their best. Then there's Aayla Secura, Tatooine Luke and Han Solo.

- Sideshow had a strong year in 2008 with Commander Praji, the exceptional Palpatine/Sidous and ANH Obi-Wan, and the not quite so exceptional Ilum Padme.

- also in the sixth scale line, I've reviewed Leia and Bespin Luke, the Holo-chess set, Sideshow's Asajj, a terrific figure, Yavin Luke, the Endor Troops, Jabba the Hutt and his throne, Bib Fortuna, Jedi Luke, Darth Maul, Obi-Wan, Bespin Han Solo, regular Anakin Skywalker and Kit Fisto.

- I also have guest reviews of the SDCC Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, and Qui-Gon Jinn.

- in the premium format line, I've reviewed Slave Leia, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Han Solo.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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