Yodasnews Review: Concept Rebel Trooper (McQuarrie Signature Series)
Review and Photography by Jeffrey A. Gouse (SithLord0498)
Review Date: February 25th 2008
FIGURE SPECIFICATIONS
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12 Points of Articulation: Ball jointed: head, shoulders, elbows, knees; Swivel-jointed: waist, wrists, legs
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Accessories: Removable helmet, removable chest armor, concept blaster pistol, figure-specific collector’s coin
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Packaging: Standard 30th Anniversary packaging
Throughout 2007, we have closely examined one of the most interesting and collector-friendly sub-lines of the entire modern Star Wars toy era. The McQuarrie Signature Series brought us some real grand slams such as Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, and the droids, but it also came with some surprising disappointments (Darth Vader immediately springs to mind). Regardless, this was a bold leap for Hasbro, and the line as a whole was quite a hit with collectors.
But alas, all things come to an end, and today Yodasnews brings you the final review of the McQuarrie Signature Series: the Rebel Trooper.
Does this line end with a bang? A whimper? Or does it simply end uneventfully?
Read on and find out.
PORTRAIT: Excellent
Let’s face it: the Rebel Fleet Trooper is the “red shirt” crew member of the Star Wars universe. Their primary function was to show up and get blown away. Plus, the conceptual helmet obscures the majority of their face. Taking those points in account, it’s really no surprise that Hasbro slapped a generic portrait on this figure.
Surprisingly, this generic face is better sculpted and painted than some renditions of core characters (Fireside Padme, anyone?). The greatest attribute is that the sculptors managed to imbue this portrait with an equal mixture of innocent youth and militant heroism. The angular “bone structure”, upward looking eyes, and clean cut hair all work together to conjure those qualities. The paint applications are flawless to the naked eye (the camera is slightly more critical), and there are no major blemishes or bubbles marring the plastic. The hair even has impeccably sculpted grooves that simulate flow and direction.
While not based on any specific person (to my knowledge at least), this portrait manages to be one of the best in the 2007 line, and it is proof that simplicity can be very effective if done correctly.
HELMET: Excellent (Bordering on Above Average)
While one can certainly see in it the foundations for the final design, the conceptual helmet is nevertheless significantly different than the screen-used Fleet Trooper helmet. The most notable differences are the sharp samurai-like flare of the upper helmet and the inclusion of a lower piece that conceals everything beneath the figure’s nose. However, the best element of the conceptual helmet is the group of Vader-esque electronics that are sculpted on the front 2/3rd of the lower helmet. Viewed from a distance, these small details add a significant amount of substance and realism to the piece (well…as much realism as you can get from a plastic action figure, that is). The same holds true for the simulated “padding” that lines the underside of the helmet cap.
As for flaws, they all deal with imperfections in the paint applications. More specifically, they are areas where the paint is either out-of-sync with the sculpting or scraped away. The majority of these blemishes, however, aren’t particularly noticeable under casual observation, and they are all but concealed when the helmet is assembled. For those reasons, these gaffes have a minimal effect on the category score.
ARMOR AND JUMPSUIT: Excellent
Three for three. The streak continues with another stellar aspect of the McQuarrie Rebel Trooper: the jumpsuit (including belt) and removable chest armor.
The seams and two-tone blues of the suit are crisp with minimal to no bleeding or smudging, and the subtle sculpting of the underlying muscle structure provides realistic proportions. The boots are impressive with clean ridges cut into the plastic, and the painting on the belt is also very good. The holster looks very realistic simply because the sculptors included a thin seam that emulates the point where leather is stitched together. It’s a small touch, but one that adds to the belt’s overall appearance.
The armor shares similar achievements with regards to the sculpting and painting, but it is another aspect all together that elevates the armor to an exceptional level. That aspect is how well the armor fits onto the figure. It’s not a perfect match, but it hugs close enough to the chest to look very realistic. The flexible plastic also stands up to repeated removals, which requires popping the head off and peeling the armor off over the neck joint.
ARTICULATION: Average/Above Average (right on the border)
While the winning streak is over for this figure, the articulation isn’t necessarily terrible. The biggest detriment to this figure’s articulation score is the lack of ankle joints, and there is a very specific reason why that is so terrible in this case. It prohibits the figure from getting into a kneeling pose, which is the iconic pose of the Fleet Troopers. One of the biggest selling points of the Saga version from a few years back was the inclusion of articulation that allowed such a pose. The omission here is puzzling. Additionally, the immovable ankles prevent more subtle mid-stride poses unless aided by a figure stand, so that is not as big of an issue.
Those imperfections aside, there are plenty of joints left on this figure. They allow for a decent variety of poses, and their integration with the figure is mostly seamless and always non-intrusive.
FUN FACTOR: Individual – Average; Army Building – Above Average
For all its fantastic aesthetics, this is a relatively boring figure. However, it’s unlikely that the intention was ever to create a true “action” figure. This is one of the more obscure conceptual designs and clearly a gift to the more serious collectors. That being said, bump this score up to “above average” if you army build. The reason is that there is enough flexibility in the figure’s appearance to create a visually diverse squad. Strip everything off one, leave just the chest armor on another one, and have two wearing the helmet. Right there, you have a good amount of variety for a mini-diorama.
OVERALL RATING: Above Average (Bordering on Excellent)
The omission of ankle articulation and subsequent inability to pose this figure in its most iconic pose is the biggest shortcoming of this figure. Everything else is rather spectacular and a pleasant surprise given the choice of character.
So how does the McQuarrie Signature Series end? Uneventfully, but with a great deal of satisfaction.
And, of course, it leaves collectors hopeful that Hasbro will be more inclined to tread such bold ground again in the future.
