"Never seen a trooper like that before."
Imperial Purge Troopers are a relatively new addition to Star Wars lore having made their debut in the Darth Vader comic series in 2018, and then appearing in the Jedi: Fallen Order video game of 2019. Their live-action debut came in the Summer of 2022 during the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series. It is from the Kenobi series that this latest Purge Trooper Black Series figure is taken, becoming the third Purge Trooper release in the line - the first two based on the Fallen Order video game. This is a Phase II Purge Trooper, reflecting the change of the Trooper’s armour and equipment in the 5 years between Fallen Order (14 years BBY) and Kenobi (9 years BBY). The Trooper arrives in window packaging and uses the blue accented of the Kenobi series within the Galaxy Collection for the artwork and labelling. The Phase II Trooper is number #07 in that collection and was released initially as a Walmart (US) and Smyths Toys (UK) exclusive - although has gone on to get a wider discounted release at Game and other retailers in early 2023.
The Phaser II Purge Trooper utilises the newer Clone Trooper body but with specific updates to match the look of these Inquisitorius Troopers. The significant difference in the body is the use of a new Torso armour with a control panel of sorts on the front and a small backpack on the reverse. There are also aesthetic updates to the shoulder armour. A soft good kama shirt is included in black cloth with an applied red trim. It is similar in design to that of the original Captain Rex figure. We also get a right-sided pauldron.
The helmet is also brand new and updated to look like the onscreen transition helmet which is part way between Clone Trooper and Stormtrooper. All the key body parts are cast in black - gloss for the armour, and a duller finish for the undersuit, Paint application is limited with red applied to the left arm, and some details on the belt and Pauldron. The helmet eyes are given a glossier reflective red finish with silver and red details around the various vents and breathing components of the helmet.
Our Purge Trooper is armed with an E-11D Blaster Carbine, taken directly from that used and packed with the Rogue One Death Troopers. This is cast in a single colour grey plastic and while it has plenty of sculpted detail, no further paint apps are applied. The gun will fit into the right-hand trigger grip with the left hand shaped to grip the barrel as required for two-handed posing, including firing options.
Articulation is pinless throughout and there are 21 points of articulation in total including some butterfly joints behind the armour to aid arm movement. The soft goods skirt allows the legs free movement including the ability to kneel or crouch. Every joint is tight and secure and the Trooper is stable enough when posed.
The Phase II Purge Trooper is a definite improvement upon the original design and the figures that reflected those earlier appearances from Fallen Order. The new figure has a cleaner look, is slightly better proportioned overall and comes with an improved set of articulation. It also looks and feels mean and imposing and a squad of them are certainly a must for those fans of the Inquisitorius and to back up the various Inquisitor figures released to date. While the figure is meant to be exclusive, supplies of him have been plentiful here in the UK and army-building options have been less cost-restrictive than they might have been.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
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