Saturday, June 18, 2011

REVIEW II: 1:6 Commander Cody 12-inch Figure by Sideshow Collectibles

Clone Commander Cody, also known as unit 2224, was a loyal clone trooper serving the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. Cody was often under the command of General Obi-Wan Kenobi, and served with him and Anakin Skywalker during a nearly disastrous campaign on Cato Neimoidia.

This is the Sideshow Collectibles 1:6 scale Commander Cody 12-inch figure with Phase II helmet (as seen in "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"). The film takes place three years after the onset of the Clone Wars. The Jedi Knights are spread out across the galaxy leading a massive clone army in the war against the Separatists. Like I mentioned in the previous post, I much prefer this helmet over the Phase I (Episode II) version. There are so much more details with this later version and the design is WAY WAY better looking than the ugly Phase I helmet which I have a strong dislike for.


Cody's Phase II armor had a slightly different orange striped paint job, as well as two gray stripes coming down the sides of the top of his helmet. This set of armor also had a small tool attached to the upper arm piece, only one antenna on the shoulder pads with one on the back of his helmet, and a smaller, oval shaped jetpack. Also, Cody has Imperial-like rank markings adorning the left side of his breast-plate.


For me, the helmet just makes the whole figure look so much better! The helmet is so important with this figure. You can throw away the Phase I helmet and Cody headsculpt / portrait or just leave it in the box like I did. This is the ULTIMATE Commander Cody figure and that is the beauty of 1:6 scale. The 3.75-inch tall action figure just doesn't do it justice and cannot compare with 1:6 or 12-inch :)


Unit 2224 (pre-Cody) was part of an advanced training program of clone commanders led by the ARC trooper identified as Alpha. Unlike standard Kaminoan educational protocols, this training regimen did not de-emphasize individuality and outside-the-manual thinking. As the Kaminoans adapted to this unorthodox methodology, they allowed their clones to self-apply names, dangling such signs of individuality as a prize for merit.


Clone Commander Cody led the 212th Attack Battalion and was comfortable both leading large units and commanding small attack teams. Often, Cody would employ a rocket pack, leading his elite units through individual aerial maneuvers. You can see the smaller, oval shaped 1:6 scale jetpack worn by Cody (made by Sideshow) in the picture below. The jetpack attaches to Commander Cody's back via magnets hidden in the body armor and the jetpack itself and I think Sideshow did a brilliant job with that! GREAT concept and flawless execution.


Cody developed a close and easygoing camaraderie with Kenobi, easily exchanging dry jokes with his Jedi General. This continued through to their mission to Utapau, to route out the entrenched Separatists forces commanded by General Grievous.


The name Commander Cody is a homage by Star Wars creator George Lucas to the serials of his youth. Commando Cody, also known as the Rocket Man (complete with rocket backpack), was the hero in a 12-episode science-fiction serial made in 1952 by Republic Pictures entitled "Radar Men from the Moon", which was followed up 1953 with the 12 episode "Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe".


In the pictures above and below are close-up views of Star Wars Episode III Commander Cody's Phase II helmet with visor, one antenna on the right side (back of helmet) and two stripes coming down the sides of the top of his helmet.


There is also the targeting rangefinder on the left side of the helmet (similar to the one seen on Jango Fett's and Boba Fett's helmet). I can only imagine that the round circular webcam looking device on the top left of the helmet to be a camera for feeding live images back to HQ. An additional antenna can be spotted on the shoulder pad and there is the Imperial-like rank markings adorning the left side of his breast-plate.


Let's not neglect the back of helmet with all the nice detailing as well


Here's a closer look at Commander Cody's rocket pack which I mentioned attaches via magnet, which I dig a lot because it is so cleverly done.


Another view of the jetpack. You can also spot the small tool attached to the right upper arm piece. Purpose for it? Your guess is as good as mine. No mention of what it does, as far as I can tell.


Throughout the six films of 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.

Like the M16 has the M4, the DC-15A has the DC-15S. It is basically a compacted version (a "carbine" if you will) of the DC-15, lacking some of the range but making up for it in ease of use and portability.


The design of the DC-15S carbine would later influence the design and development of the E-11 blaster rifle used by the Imperial Stormtroopers in Episodes IV-VI. As this weapon is computer generated, its similarity to the E-11 suggests it was based on the Sterling L2A3 as well.


Here's a picture of Clone Commander Cody with the DC-15A Heavy Plasma Rifle. Manufactured by BlasTech Industries, the DC-15-series was a range of plasma weapons used by the Republic clone troopers during the Clone Wars in "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" and "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith".


Although entirely computer-generated (as are all the Clone Troopers, no costumes were manufactured,) the design of the DC-15A Heavy Plasma Rifle is based on parts from the German MG34 making up the rear half, as well as much of the Sterling L2A3 turned upside-down for the front.


The DC-17 hand blaster was a heavy blaster pistol wielded by the clone troopers of the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. The DC-17 hand blaster was most notably used by ARC trooper captains, clone trooper commanders, and clone jet troopers. They were carried in quick-release holsters, and elite clone troopers sometimes wielded dual pistols in battle — a trait reminiscent of Jango Fett himself.


But alas, Commander Cody doesn't come with any quick-release holsters for his DC-17 blaster pistols. So there isn't anywhere Cody can store his pistols :( The same goes for the other weapons. He either carries the DC-15A Heavy Plasma Rifle or DC-15S carbine. Same goes for the rest of the Clone Troopers, unlike our military guys who can carry more than one weapon on them thanks to an invention called "the sling".


Are we missing something? Is this the last review of Sideshow Collectibles Commander Cody 12-inch figure? Not by a longshot. Check out the NEXT post for the Switch-out hand with Order 66 Hologram.

2 comments:

laME boy said...

Cody looks good, but Bly looks even better!

alex teo said...

yup, can't wait for bly to show up :)