I think this is the first time Hot Toys has released a figure before the movie even comes out. Usually we get a glimpse or preview of the upcoming figure when the movie is released. Then we can pre-order the figure and wait for the figure to be produced and shipped. The actual shipment mostly happens way after the movie has come out and maybe at the time when the Blu-ray or DVDs are released. So this is really a first and quite a nice surprise it is.
What spoiled it was the announcement by Hot Toys of the upcoming Hot Toys MMS399 Star Wars Rogue One 1/6th scale Death Trooper Specialist (Deluxe Version) Collectible Figure just days before I received this figure. The Deluxe Version Collectible Figure's helmet will include an additional light-up scope located on the left side of the helmet, a different weapon (Special Forces DLT-19 long-range blaster rifle) and Stormtrooper doll plus Specially sculpted diorama figure base, all missing from this recently released MMS385 1/6th scale Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure. It might have been nice to be given a choice to choose but since this Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure was put on pre-order way before we even knew about the Deluxe Version (although I'm quite sure Hot Toys knew about their plans to release a deluxe version but chose to keep mum about it), it seems many of us feel like we got royally screwed. But still, No regrets on getting this figure. The quality is there and it still looks really good on its own. The craftsmanship and detailing are top notch and of museum quality, a far cry from the Hasbro toy figures we used to see many many years ago. Sure we have to pay top dollar for these but the overall look and quality makes it all worth it.
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As if to make sure that people know this is the 1/6th scale Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure and NOT the deluxe version, there's an extra large banner with the figure description placed over where the title is usually supposed to be. Never seen this happen before.
There's the usual inside flap with a full picture of the Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure. Notice how tiny the words "Specialist" are. That's why Hot Toys felt the extra banner on the box lid was necessary, just in case people can't see it.
The elite soldiers of Imperial Intelligence, Death Troopers are encased in specialized stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam. These soldiers serve as bodyguards and enforcers for Director Krennic, a highly placed officer within the Advanced Weapons Research division of the Empire. I definitely prefer these to the Shadow Trooper which is basically just the white Stormtrooper painted black (see pics HERE).
Instruction Sheet for this Hot Toys MMS385 1/6th scale Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure tells you where to put the batteries (included) for the LED light-up function, how to equip the shoulder pouch, locate the explosives and arm them, position the blasters and cautions against removing the chest rig and all the armor parts.
Accessories include: Specially designed character theme figure stand, seven extra gloved hands besides the pair of relaxed hands that come with the figure - pair of trigger hands, pair of fists, pair of gripping hands and a left gesturing hand. There are also the trooper's weapons: blaster rifle with strap and blaster pistol
Click on the pics below to see the close-up view of the Death Trooper's blaster rifle with strap and blaster pistol. The Stormtrooper's original BlasTech E-11 blaster rifle props were built from the British-made Sterling L2A1 submachine gun but the Death Trooper blasters feature VFC HK416C-style stocks. The BlasTech SE-14r Light Repeating Blaster Pistol was built from a Swiss Rexim-Favor Mk5 submachine gun with the stock, barrel, and magazine removed and two ASI 4x20 scopes attached. The weapon originally appeared in publicity stills for A New Hope, but Rogue One is the first time it has appeared in the films. Throughout the films in the Star Wars saga, creator George Lucas was determined that the universe he envisioned would have a "lived-in" look to it. Thus, the many weapons seen in the saga are in fact visually modified or based upon real-world weapons.
Even the Death Trooper's shoulder pouch is a WWII German ammo pouch and the chest rig with magazines is derived from what modern day soldiers wear for battle. The Death Trooper (Specialist) is equipped with the chest rig and explosives whereas the basic Death Trooper does not have the chest rig or explosives (see pics HERE of Hot Toys MMS398 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Death Trooper collectible figure). Scroll down to see the turnaround views of this recently released Hot Toys MMS385 "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" 1/6th scale Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure.
The highly accurate and detailed Death Trooper 32.5 cm tall figure comes with finely sculpted Death Trooper helmet with LED light-up functions (green light, battery operated), newly designed and meticulously crafted Death Trooper armor, newly developed black under-suit, black tactical vest / chest rig, black belt with pouches, black pauldron, and black boots.
Here the Hot Toys Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Death Trooper collectible figure is brandishing his sidearm, the BlasTech SE-14r Light Repeating Blaster Pistol with his blaster rifle slung on its strap by his side. This pose allows me to show the chest rig with magazines / power cells and explosives. The chest rig appears to carry extra magazines but the magazines don't seem to fit any of the weapons he carries. In the Star Wars universe, the magazines are called power cells so that the weapons can be reloaded and the trooper continue firing without running out of ammunition. No bullets or cartridges, just laser blasts. The arms can do a lot more this time in terms of articulation but not so much the legs.
Scroll down to see the close-up pictures of this Hot Toys MMS398 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Death Trooper collectible figure.
NEXT: More pictures of Hot Toys MMS398 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Death Trooper collectible figure with his blaster rifle and LED light-up feature
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