This is the third release of this exact figure.  It was first released in the Target exclusive Defense of Hoth multi-pack, which was one of the best things ever released (more of this type of thing, please).  The figure must have been a restricted free agent because its second release was also a Target exclusive in the Rebels Special Action Figure Set.  Fast forward seven years, and the clean shaven Hoth Rebel Soldier is finally a free agent.  It is now part of the mass retail mainline and no longer a store exclusive.  This is the only Original Trilogy figure in wave one of the relaunch of the Vintage Collection.  It’s also the hottest figure from that wave despite being a decade old sculpt.  Just sayin’. 

Update:  Reader Sam pointed out that their was a third prior release that I forgot to list.  This Rebel Soldier was also packed with the Target exclusive Search for Luke Skywalker multi-pack.

If the “decade old” comment is confusing in light of the fact that the aforementioned “first release” dates from 2010, let me explain.  This figure was originally slated as a running change to the 2008 Legacy Collection BD 42 Hoth Rebel Trooper.  The first release was the bearded soldier with the open cap.  It was to be followed with this clean shaven rendition with the scarf-swaddled cap.  Both characters were depicted on the bubble insert for that BD 42 figure.  That running change, and the running change to the Ugnaught, never emerged in 2008.  Each were released in other platforms.  The running change to the 2009 Utai figure was never released, but we honestly don’t care if that ever materializes.  As a side note, Mr. Nomadscout said there were no major variations to that 2008 figure.  This is what happens when he fires the entire staff with self diagnosed Asperger’s syndrome.  There was a major variation to that figure.  It was originally released without the soft goods lower half of the parka.  It’s referred to as the “skirtless” variation.  That digression aside, this figure essentially dates to 2008. 

As you might expect, a ten year old sculpt shows some signs of age.  That original 2008 release was scored a perfect 10 out of 10 which was completely appropriate at the time.  Now, we have to re-calibrate a bit.  Since this is a trooper and an army builder, the lack of ball jointed wrists and hips becomes conspicuous to a degree.  In the current landscape, this figure would be starting at the standard super-articulated baseline of 7 out of 10.  Despite the swivel articulation in those two areas, the figure can still be coaxed into some decent combat poses.  Passable THWG poses can be achieved with the included BlasTech A280 Blaster Rifle.  There is a working holster for the sidearm.  The figure can be posed grasping the grip of the holstered blaster which adds to the display and play value.  These things warrant consideration of increasing the score over that 7 baseline.  One last comment on the figure itself, I would have preferred the regular cap.  This version with the head wrapped by twelve yards of scarf doesn’t appear to be an on-screen representation of the Hoth Rebel Soldier. 

Unfortunately, this brings us to the paint applications.  The hairline on my sample was missed by a decent margin and is reminiscent of the Black Series era.  We hope for tighter paint tolerances in the Vintage Collection.  The hairline issue is complicated by a bit of overspray on the figure’s right cheek.  There is also a smudge on the upper torso of the figure, but this might be due to transference from the scarf in package.  One very odd thing is the canisters on the right side of the figure’s torso.  The paint mask has been reversed. On every previous release, these were silver canisters with black fasteners, which is screen accurate.  Now it’s black canisters with silver attachments.  While this pops against the white armor, this can’t be a conscious decision.  It feels like a factory error (and one so minor that it will likely never be corrected).  Overall there is a little more brilliance to the white of the uniform over previous releases.  This is immediately apparent.  The paint and deco negatives net out with the aforementioned posing positives, so we’re still at a baseline 7 at this point. 

The final thing to consider is the included accessories.  With a blaster rifle, blaster pistol, removable scarf/cap and removable backpack, the figure certainly isn’t wanting in that area.  It makes this Hoth Rebel Soldier feel a little bit more than the standard fare, and the score should reflect that, so it gets one bonus point for a final score of 8 out of 10.  The relaunch of the Vintage Collection is very early in the process, but this Hoth Rebel Soldier is already proving to be difficult to track down.

Props to Hasbro for hearing us that we don’t want facial hair on our helmetless army builders.  It becomes odd when all of your ranks sport the same goatee.