Clone Watch: The Toy Fair 2008 Edition
It’s great to finally see all the rumors that have been floating around the past few weeks finally confirmed (or slightly disproved) by the recent 2008 Toy Fair, especially when it comes to Clone Troopers.
AT-TE
First off, I’m pretty sure regular readers of this site will know how obsessed I am with the AT-TE. Jedi Insider was able to secure some pictures of the thing and it looks amazing. While it isn’t quite as big as I thought it might be, the thing is pretty damn large. It looks like it comes with one Clone Trooper, although it’s of the animated style variety. Be sure to head over to Rebelscum.com for the rest of the pics.
V-19 Clone Shuttle
Clones will really be traveling in style this upcoming year with the addition of yet another clone orientated vehicle. This is the V-19 fighter seen in the original Clone Wars animated series and will be in the new series. It appears that it will also come with a nifty Clone Pilot. Check out the rest of the pics on JediInsider.com.
Commander Rex
The Clone Wars figures will have one mail-away figure in the form of Commander Rex. Rex here looks pretty badass and he’s totally worth the trouble getting if your a fan of the Clone Troopers. What’s great is you only need four proofs of purchases from basic carded figures to get him as opposed to the ten billion from the comic packs that you need for the mail-away Doc from G.I. Joe. Rex also comes carded, but if you choose to open him you can use the card as a fold down diorama. Nice.
UPDATE: I found figures at my local Wal-Mart that were marked for this promotion. Keep your eyes open!
The Clone Wars
In addition to Rex, you’ll get the above Clone Trooper as well as (I’m assuming) some clone variants along the way.
Target Exclusive Order 66 Two Packs
The first round of Target Exclusive Order 66 packs was so succesful that a second round is in the pipeline. As you might notice, most of these are based on the first version of the clone armor so they fit in with the Clone Wars television series. Most of these two packs aren’t really must buys though, because really they are just repaints. Still, there’s a couple of unique Clones in here that are probably worth the purchase. Side Note: The robe on Darth Sidious is a great example of how horribly wrong cloth can go on a 1:18th scale figure.
Comic Packs
In addition to the other Comic Packs coming out this year, clone fans will want to keep a look out for this one, because Hasbro knows how much you like to spend money. This above comic pack is a Wal-Mart exclusive, so now you will have to go to your Hillbilly Depot to complete your clone collection even if you don’t like the place.
Clone Trooper Helmet
Just like the Darth Vader helmet before it, this Clone Trooper helmet will let kids dress up like their favorite clone, speak in a distorted electronic voice, and will not fit on my head despite all my fruitless attempts. And for those of you with a real problem that the visor is a little wide, just think about it. This thing is meant for children who must be able to see out of the thing or Hasbro could find itself with some horrid lawsuits. Anyway, check out this and the rest of the play accessories at RebelScum.com.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Animated style clonetrooper, huh? *checks out Rebelscum* Ahhh, the armor style. Gotcha. I want the At-te BAD.
…
Also, i was so saddened to see my Dad’s Clone Wars Gunship go. I even included the Hunt for Grievous pack for free. I only hope the AT-TE brings me replacement joy :p
February 20th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Wow, lookit alla that new clone stuff!!! It’s a mixed blessing when you’re exclusively a Phase II collector like me. On the one hand, you save tons of $$$. But on the other hand, you’re stuck watching a new SW series with no Phase II clones.
-PJ
February 20th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
PJ, at least you know how I feel after Revenge of the Sith came out. Practically everything was Phase II. I love clones of all kinds though, I’m just more fond of the first ones.
February 20th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Clones are awesome, but nothing beats a good ol’ Stormtrooper (Tatooine style, baby).
February 21st, 2008 at 12:48 am
Except a Sandtrooper.
And a Snowtrooper.
And a Biker Scout.
Not necessarily in that order…
February 21st, 2008 at 1:27 am
I just can’t get behind the AT-TE. I think it’s just clumsy-looking. Like those airborne clone troop carriers that appeared at the end of Episode II. They took a good thing with the original AT-’s and went overboard with it. Much like the 1,000s of clone variants.
Welcome to my angst against the Lucas marketing machine.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:38 am
GWS, I officially think you are insane. The gunship is one of my favorite Star Wars vehicles.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 am
I have to partly agree with GWS; alhtough I like the AT-TE, it does look rather clumsy. I don’t see why Hasbro never made a turbo tank for the figures. That thing has everything the walkers don’t: wheels, speed, and the inability to fall prey to a sneak attack from below.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:38 am
I’m breaking up with both of you.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I’m kinda on the fence here. I love the clones, and their background story (I enjoy Traviss Commando novels), makes me appreciate these clones more, though I have have a special spot for (collecting) the clone commandos, commanders, arcs and the mandoas.
However, I havent felt any connection yet with any of the GAR vehicles so far, I don’t know, they just don’t have that same vibe like the AT-ATs, AT-STs, rogue fighter ships, speeder bikes etc. I just feel they did too hard on making the vehicles in later trilogy lovable and kinda failed in doing so. So yeah. Are you gonna break up with me too Paul? =P
Anyways, I couldn’t resist, and and bought an auction of the mail-away coupons for Commander Rex! Cant wait! hee.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Here’s my theory: You guys didn’t grow up with these vehicles so you don’t like them as much.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Actually I did grow up with them. I had an AT-ST and a friend had the AT-AT. And I’ll buy it if my money permits it. I would still rather have a turbo tank, though.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I still have about 80% of an AT-AT. Let’s just say we lost a bit to attrition or ‘Battle Damage’.
February 26th, 2008 at 2:08 am
“Actually I did grow up with them. I had an AT-ST and a friend had the AT-AT.”
I meant, you didn’t grow up with the NEW Star Wars vehicles. My point was that you’re naturally going to be more partial to the things you have fond memories of from childhood.
February 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
While I haven’t collected any new Star Wars stuff since the POFT2 days, I do have to admit that I like what I’m seeing in terms of the return of the “giant toy.” NECA’s Balrog, Hasbro AT-TE and the Cloverfield monster…it brings me back to the days of the USS Flagg, Fortress Maximus and the Millennium Falcon. I’m planning to write something up on this idea over on PGPoA in the near future…
February 27th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Ah, I took “these vehicles” meaning in general Star Wars AT-walkers terms. I know I didn’t have an AT-TE in my closet when I was 5.
So what’s your theory on you then, Paul? You didn’t grow up with it either, yet you think it’s better than the bee’s knees wearing the cat’s pajamas.
August 21st, 2008 at 7:38 am
ya know, i thought the turbo tank was called a juggernaut…guess im a little messed up over here… But all the turbo tank really is, it’s just an AT-AT’s head and body(with a few modifications) on wheels. And i too shawn, am waiting for hasbro to make one.