The release of the Night Trooper (#18 in the Galaxy Collection — Ahsoka sub-line) captures the macabre and visually distinct forces of Grand Admiral Thrawn as seen on Peridea. These “undead” troopers are animated by the sinister magik of the Great Mothers, creating a specialized “soldier” archetype within the imperial-remnant faction. While based on the standard 2020 Imperial Stormtrooper body, this figure features extensive retooling and unique paint applications to replicate the weathered, repaired, and “zombified” look from the Ahsoka season finale.
Sculpting the Macabre: Kintsugi and Decay
The helmet sculpt is entirely new and serves as the figure’s standout feature. It captures the unique “cut-open” look that reveals the undead essence beneath. The helmet features sculpted cracks and gold-filled “Kintsugi” style repairs, suggesting armor that has been shattered and ritualistically mended. Unlike standard troopers, the helmet is non-removable, emphasizing the permanent, animated nature of the character.
The body sculpt utilizes the 2020 Stormtrooper buck but integrates unique red fabric wraps (simulated in plastic) and gold-colored binding throughout the armor. The belt is glued in place to maintain the specific silhouette of the Night Trooper, and the armor pieces are non-removable. One mechanical limitation noted is the shoulder bells; because they are glued directly to the arms, the vertical range of motion is limited when raising the arms beyond 90 degrees. This design choice prioritizes the visual fidelity of the tattered armor over extreme articulation.
Engineering and Articulation: Balanced Sentinels
The Night Trooper features a total of 19 joints, providing a modern range of movement despite some sculptural restrictions. It utilizes a dual-neck system (barbell-jointed top and ball-jointed lower) which allows for unnatural, eerie head tilts—perfect for an “undead” character. The elbows and knees are swivel-hinged, and the figure includes swivel shins to help with stability in asymmetrical poses.
The articulation is cleverly hidden within the sculpt, allowing the figure to stand well on display without losing balance. While the shoulder movement is somewhat restricted, the ball-jointed upper body and barbell-jointed hips allow for the lumbering, relentless stances characteristic of the Night Troopers’ pursuit of Ahsoka and her allies. The rocker ankles are tight, ensuring the figure remains upright during “final-stand” diorama setups.
Paint and Deco: Gold, Red, and Shadow
The paint application is highly detailed, emphasizing the ritualistic nature of the Great Mothers’ magik. The armor features intricate red wraps and gold metallic highlights that contrast sharply with the white base plastic. Interestingly, the figure is presented in a “clean” state—lacking a heavy dirt or grime wash—which accurately reflects their appearance in the TV series where the magik-infused repairs are the primary visual focus rather than environmental weathering.
The E-11 Blaster Rifle included is a standard accessory that fits securely in both hands. The trigger finger on the right hand is properly scaled to the weapon, and the figure can achieve a natural two-handed firing pose. Within the taxonomy of the line, this figure is a foundational “trooper” piece for any “new-republic” era collection, specifically for those focusing on the “thrawn-allies” faction.
Final Technical Evaluation
The Star Wars The Black Series Night Trooper is a visually striking addition to the line. Despite the packaging error (which labels it as #17 alongside Anakin Skywalker), it is a distinct and essential release for fans of the Ahsoka series. It successfully moves the “trooper” archetype into a more supernatural territory, providing a “macabre fighting force” that stands out on any shelf.
For the collector, this is a “what you see is what you get” release—a straightforward but highly effective sculpt that relies on unique aesthetic details over complex accessories. It perfectly captures the haunting presence of Thrawn’s loyal guard on the distant planet of Peridea.
Technical Details & Sculpt
Overall Sculpt & Proportions
- Base: Modified 2020 Imperial Stormtrooper buck.
- Unique Parts: Retooled helmet (cut-open design), integrated red wraps, and gold binding.
- Height: Scaled to approximately 6.1 inches.
- Helmet: Non-removable; reveals “zombie” detail underneath.
Articulation
A total of 19 points of articulation:
- Neck: Barbell-jointed top, ball-jointed lower neck.
- Shoulders: Swivel-jointed (Limited range due to glued bells).
- Elbows: Swivel-hinged.
- Wrists: Swivel-hinged.
- Upper Body: Ball-jointed diaphragm.
- Hips: Barbell-jointed.
- Knees: Swivel-hinged.
- Shins: Swivel joints.
- Ankles: High-tension rocker joints.
Paint & Deco
- Accents: High-detail red and gold highlights over white armor.
- Wash: No environmental dirt wash; accurate to screen appearance.
- Faceplate: Detailed gold “Kintsugi” repairs on the helmet.
Accessories & Equipment
E-11 Blaster Rifle
- Feature: Fits securely into both hands; no holster functionality.
Packaging (Galaxy Collection)
- Number: Labeled as #17 (Error); should be #18 in the Ahsoka series line-up.
- Color Accent: Teal/Aqua.
- Release Date: Fall 2025.
Collector Notes
- Packaging Error: Shares the #17 numbering with Anakin Skywalker due to a manufacturer oversight.
- Armor: All armor pieces and the belt are non-removable.
- Poseability: Highly stable; specifically designed for the lumbering, undead movement seen on screen.