Toybox REVIEW: Star Wars Black Series Incinerator Trooper

Release Date: October 2020

RRP: $19.99/£19.99

The Mandalorian is currently making huge waves in the Star Wars universe with its various connections to the various feature films, but one of its most exciting aspects to long-time fans is how its re-canonising elements from the old expanded universe of novels, video games, comics and more. These works were the lifeblood of the franchise at one point, but pushed aside once Disney went forward with plans for their own sequel trilogy. Incinerator Troopers were first seen in the 2008 game The Force Unleashed, notable for their red markings and flamethrower weapon. Considered one of the most devastating classes of Stormtrooper, they have since reappeared in chapter eight of The Mandalorian under the command of Moff Gideon. And with Hasbro recently unveiling a new trooper mould in their new phase of the Black Series, now was the perfect time to release the Black Series Incinerator Trooper.

Toybox REVIEW: Meisho Movie Realization Yumiashigaru Stormtrooper

Release Date: May 2017

RRP: 9020 yen

If there’s one thing you can almost certainly guarantee with any Star Wars toy line, it’s that one Stormtrooper variant is never enough. And with a line with as much imagination as Meisho Movie Realization, you can bet that Bandai Tamashii Nations intends to milk that design for everything that it’s worth. The Yumiashigaru Stormtrooper is the fourth of five original trilogy variants to be released, reimagining the Galactic Empire soldiers with the aesthetics of jeudal Japan’s infantry. “Ashigaru” means “light of foot” and refers specifically to an infantry class, whilst “Yumi” is the Japanese word for bow. Like most of the variants released after the original, the Yumiashigaru Stormtrooper was a Tamashii web exclusive.

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Stormtrooper (A New Hope)

Release Date: October 2019

RRP: 5800 yen

Despite there being so many different characters in the Star Wars universe Bandai Tamashii Nations  could choose to make figures of, they do seem quite content in just bringing out new versions of the same ones every couple of years in the S.H. Figuarts line. But then again, that shouldn't be all that surprising when its fairly common practice for any company making Star Wars toys in general. Although a standard Stormtrooper was one of very first figures produced in the line, new films and slight mould tweaks have resulted in the iconic design being rolled out multiple times already. Not counting some of the more unique variants, the S.H. Figuarts Stormtrooper (A New Hope) version is the third. The general retail figure was released alongside the new Return of the Jedi Darth Vader - the second Return of the Jedi version in the line and also the third Vader figure in total. Maybe Bandai just really like doing things in threes?

Toybox REVIEW: Star Wars Black Series Stormtrooper with Blast Effects

Release Date: 2018

RRP: $24.95/£34.99 

If there’s one thing any budding toy photographer needs in their collection, it’s effect parts. But while buying them separately is all well and good, it’s always nice when figures themselves come with them as well. Hasbro have done an excellent job making them standard with their Power Rangers Lightning Collection figures, but over in the Star Wars Black Series it’s few and far between. When they do release one though they really make it count, such as this deluxe Black Series Stormtrooper with Blast Effects figure. Decking out their standard Stormtrooper with some new scorch mark battle damage, this set also comes with a variety of effect parts and a display base. It was released as a Disney Store exclusive in the US, with further exclusivity varied around the rest of the world.

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper Shield & Baton Set

If there was one thing that Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens proved, it's that Stormtroopers can be a force to be reckoned with. Gone were the cannon fodder troops of the Empire days who couldn't ever seem to shoot straight, replaced with the brainwashed army of the First Order - highly specialised and ready to take on any opponent. One Stormtrooper became particularly notorious when he managed to almost take down a lightsaber wielding Finn, but was ultimately defeated by a carefully timed blaster shot from Han Solo. The Star Wars fandom knows him by many names - TR8-0R, FN-2199, Nines, Riot Control Stormtrooper...however Bandai Tamashii Nations have simply opted for First Order Stormtrooper Shield & Baton Set when it comes to their S.H. Figuarts release. This figure is the sixth release in the line for The Force Awakens, and the first to be a Tamashii web exclusive.

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Captain Phasma

When the marketing for Star Wars The Force Awakens went into overdrive there were a select few characters who quickly became the subject of much discussion. The identify of mysterious new villain Kylo Ren was one such talking point, however eyes were also drawn to a Stormtrooper leader decked out in a cape and shiny silver armour. This of course is Captain Phasma, First Order Stormtrooper Captain and played by Gwendoline Christie. Due to Christie's acting experience in Game of Thrones and her generally badass look, Phasma was touted as being one of the things to look forward to most in the film with many people labelling her "the next Boba Fett". This unfortunately turned out to be more accurate than people hoped, with Phasma herself doing extremely little in the film and coming away feeling like a throwaway character more than anything else. Still, the design looked fantastic and so it's no surprise to see Bandai Tamashii Nations add her to their steadily-growing collection of Star Wars themed S.H. Figuarts - making her the third release from the newest instalment.