Friday, January 31, 2014

Kenner Storm Trooper (Hoth Gear)

Kenner Vintage Action figure Star Wars Stormtrooper Hoth Gear Repeating Blaster Tripod Laser Cannon AT-ST Scout Walker ESB ROTJ Empire Strike Back 1980 1981 1983


The bitterly cold weather just makes me not want to write about anything other than cold weather figures, so I’ll get back into the swing of posting with a look at Kenner’s original Snowtroopers. That name wasn’t around when the figure was originally created, so they end up as Hoth Gear Storm Troopers.

The Snowtrooper’s design is one I’ve always found very interesting. The Rebels tended to wear conventional looking cold weather gear, and this guy does an excellent job of contrasting against that. The face mask and body armor are elements that help this guy look nearly as iconic as the Stormtrooper, but my favorite aspect might be the kama he adorns. It helps to create the spacey look he needs to not just look like another snow guy. This figure captures these elements perfectly, and Kenner sculpted clips onto the waist for a vinyl kama to sit on. This is nice in another way, being that you can always swap the piece for a custom one made of fabric, which I think enhances the look. Another element of this figure I like is the large blaster riffle he includes, it just adds that extra bulk he needs to be a little more intimidating.
Kenner Vintage Action figure Star Wars Stormtrooper Hoth Gear Repeating Blaster Tripod Laser Cannon AT-ST Scout Walker ESB ROTJ Empire Strike Back 1980 1981 1983

Kenner Vintage Action figure Star Wars Stormtrooper Hoth Gear Repeating Blaster Tripod Laser Cannon AT-ST Scout Walker ESB ROTJ Empire Strike Back 1980 1981 1983