Background
Sideshow Collectibles excited Star Wars fanboys (and fangirls) when they announced that of the iconic Stormtrooper would be joining their 1:6 scale Star Wars line. One of the most recognizable characters from the original trilogy, the Stormtooper is the latest addition to Sideshow’s Militaries of Star Wars collection.
Packaging
It’s obvious that Sideshow’s Star Wars packaging is near the top when considering the best 1:6 scale lines. There are photos of the figure on all four panels and still images from the films on the back. The front panel, which is secured by magnets, flips open to reveal a window panel where you can see the figure, as well as background information on the interior panel. Complete, quality packaging.
The Figure
Sideshow’s 12” tall Stormtrooper figure features their Prometheus body, which includes over 30 points of articulation. That body is then dressed in a full black bodysuit, with the white Stormtrooper armor over it.
The piece includes a removable belt with black holster (closes with a magnet clasp). The thermal detonator with dual metal clips attaches to the back of the figure’s belt. And each Stormtrooper includes a set of interchangeable hands (with the Prometheus body hand posts) and the iconic Stormtrooper blaster. The figure is also packaged with the display base featuring the Star Wars logo.
The regular edition of the Stormtrooper is limited to a run of 6,000 pieces, while the Sideshow Exclusive, which includes a special Stormtrooper blaster pistol, is limited to 1,500 pieces.
Our Opinion
Collectors of Sideshow’s Star Wars line have been clamoring for new characters (and no more Luke’s or Han’s). And they’ve received one of the most iconic figures from the original Star Wars trilogy. The Stormtrooper embodies the evil Empire, and – in my personal opinion – ranks up there with Boba Fett as the best Star Wars character.
If you remember, we looked at Sideshow’s Indiana Jones, which also used their Prometheus body. While there were some issues with that figure, the Stormtrooper works perfectly. The interchangeable hands are easy to switch out and the head isn’t wobbly. It appears that those problems only affected that one piece.
After looking at dozens of photos of Stormtroopers, I’ve decided that they all don’t look the same. But Sideshow’s helmet sculpt is close to the norm. We’ve actually compared the Sideshow (right) with the previously released Medicom (left) Stormtrooper in the photo below. Be sure to take notice around the eyes. You actually see Stormtroopers in the movies with both of these looks. Also, there are a few intricacies around the body, such as the codpiece being
a little too small and the chest plate being a little too large, but
nothing that jumps out as a major issue.
You have to appreciate that Sideshow has kept this piece in a rather affordable price range, with a SRP of $89.99. It doesn’t come with as many accessories as others, but the 1:6 scale Stormtrooper shows collectors that Sideshow’s Star Wars line continues to have “the Force”…err…hasn’t turned to the dark side? Ahh…come up with your own Star Wars cliché.
You can pick one up at the following:
Sideshow: $89.99
Stormtrooper Grades:
Quality: 9/10
Paint: 7/10
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Hype: 9/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Overall: 9.3/10