Clone Trooper Phase 1 Armour (2013) Lego Star Wars Minifigure Review

In 2013 we see a number of Lego sets released around Episode II:  Attack Of The Clones.  This was intended to coincide with the planned release of the film in a 3D format at cinemas during the autumn.  Plans to release this were shelved due to changes in ownership of the Star Wars franchise with efforts focusing instead on the eagerly awaited Episode VII.

  

A number of Lego sets in 2013 include a new redesigned clone trooper in Phase 1 armour:

•          75000 Clone Troopers vs Droidekas;
•          75007 Republic Assault Ship and Coruscant;
•          75015 Corporate Alliance Tank Droid;
•          75016 Homing Spider Droid;
•          75023 Advent Calendar.

The staple trooper that is used by the Republic in the fight against the droid armies of the Separatists is of course going to be a common variant across a number of sets.  The sets in which it is found are the ones that Lego Star Wars addicts would buy multiple copies to build armies in an attempt to recreate the Battle Of Geonosis and other Clone Wars battles. 

Clone Troopers of course are first revealed to us in Episode II:  Attack of the Clones on Kamino.  Based on the Bounty Hunter Jango Fett they are initially clad in pristine white armour which loosely resembles Mandalorian Shock Trooper armour.  This is known as Phase 1 armour.

As the Clone Wars progresses and by the time of Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith we see Phase I armour replaced by Phase II armour which has a distinctive helmet design incorporating more advanced air filtration and oxygen supply – a base template for the stormtrooper armour that we see in the original Star Wars Trilogy.  In addition we see varying use of colour to denote rank and specialist roles.

Clone Troopers in Phase 1 armour were first released in 2002 and could be found in sets 7163 Republic Gunship and in 4482: AT-TE in 2003.  This original variant had a distinctive T-shaped hole in the helmet which allowed the faceless black heads underneath to show through.  A technique we also see in the Endor Scout Trooper and Hoth Snowtrooper minifigures.

A second variant of the Clone Trooper in Phase 1 armour coincided with the launch of the Clone Wars Movie and TV Series in 2008.  The Clone Trooper Phase I armour (The Clone Wars) included a new printed Torso – complete solid printed helmet design and a flesh coloured head piece including a clone face print.  This variant was common occurring in the following sets:

• 7675 AT-TE;
• 7676 Republic Attack Gunship;
• 7679 Republic Fighter Tank;
• 7681 Separatist Spider Droid;
• 8014 Clone Walker Battle Pack;
• 8018 Armoured Assault Tank (AAT);
• 8019 Republic Attack Shuttle;
• 8098 Clone Turbo Tank;
• 10195 Republic Dropship with AT-OT;
• 30006 Clone Walker;
• 2856077 Brickmaster.

So the 2013 release is the third variant of the Clone Trooper in Phase 1 armour.  If we are being particular about the Episode 2 origins you could argue that we have not had an Episode II Clone Trooper for 10-11 years.

Truth be told you have to look pretty hard to see the differences to the Clone Wars variant, so personally there is no great feeling of being starved of an Episode II variant.

The most notable difference in this variant is the new head piece.  This has a light flesh colour, but more animated facial expression.  The new head piece has a print to the front only.  This in itself is a disappointment.  When you consider that you might well be building a clone army with this figure – a little variation in facial expression would be welcomed.  The facial expression has teeth bared, heavy black eyebrows and brown lines to the cheek and brown dimple on the chin.  I have seen the expression described as aggressive/determined/aghast/grimacing/showing disgust - all of which seem fair, I cannot settle on a definitive description.

The new Torso print has the usual white arms and black hands.  The chest plates are more subtle in appearance with two grey marks displaying rank.  The utility belt is a little more refined with grey detailed markings, which again give a more subtle, yet detailed appearance when compared to the Clone Wars variant.  The rear Torso print continues this theme with the use of grey markings to provide detail to the backpack.

The legs as before are simply white in colour with black hips.

A simple white clone trooper is not going to excite when compared to the various cone wars commanders. Captain Rex in Phase II armour from 75012 BARC Speeder with sidecar set (from 2013) gets my vote as sitting pretty in the Clone Trooper minifgure Hall Of Fame.  But this Phase I clone trooper is really a nice print and worthy of close inspection.  It represents a good evolution on the previous Phase 1 armour variants and whilst it may be common, it represents a worthy addition to anyone’s minifigure collection.

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