The 2021 Star Wars The Black Series Elite Squad Trooper marks one of the most important transitional designs in the entire Clone → Stormtrooper evolution. Introduced in The Bad Batch Season 1, these troopers represent the Empire’s first attempt to replace clone soldiers with conscripted human recruits — outfitted in dark green armor that blends Phase II clone plating with early Imperial aesthetics.
This figure uses the excellent 2020 Phase II Clone body as a base but transforms it with a new deco philosophy: matte dark green armor, black undersuit contrast, and a helmet that reads more sinister and Imperial than its Republic counterpart. The result is a trooper that feels like a proto‑Stormtrooper — the missing link between the Clone Wars and the Imperial era.
As a standard retail release, the Elite Squad Trooper anchored the early 2021 Bad Batch wave and became one of the most troop‑built figures of the year. Its clean, dark palette makes it a standout in any display, especially when paired with Imperial Crosshair.
Technical Details & Sculpt
Overall Sculpt & Proportions
The sculpt is built on the refined 2020 Phase II Clone body:
- natural proportions
- clean armor segmentation
- unobtrusive articulation
- accurate Phase II silhouette
The dark green deco dramatically changes the silhouette, giving the figure a more ominous, Imperial presence.
Helmet Sculpt
The helmet is identical in tooling to the Phase II clone but transformed through deco:
- matte dark green finish
- black visor
- sharp cheek vents
- subtle Imperial‑leaning color blocking
The result is a helmet that feels halfway between a clone and a Stormtrooper.
Body & Armor
The armor features:
- matte dark green plating
- black undersuit contrast
- clean panel lines
- subtle grey accents
The deco is intentionally minimal — these troopers are meant to look uniform, anonymous, and intimidating.
Articulation
The articulation system supports both formation and action poses:
- ball-jointed head
- hinged neck base
- butterfly shoulders
- swivel-hinge elbows
- swivel wrists
- torso ball joint
- ball-jointed hips
- thigh swivels
- double-jointed knees
- rocker ankles
The butterfly shoulders allow for natural rifle‑holding poses, while the torso joint provides expressive lean and twist.
Paint & Deco
The deco work is the defining feature:
- deep matte green armor
- black visor and undersuit
- subtle grey accents
- no weathering
- no battalion markings
The palette reflects the cold, militaristic identity of the early Empire.
Accessories & Equipment
DC‑15A Rifle
Long‑range infantry rifle with crisp sculpting.
DC‑15S Blaster
Compact, versatile, ideal for close‑quarters combat.
Both weapons support dynamic action poses and formation displays.
Packaging (Galaxy Collection — Standard Release, 2021)
- Phase IV angled side art
- The Bad Batch red stripe
- standard retail window box
This figure was one of the headline releases of the 2021 Bad Batch wave.
Collector Notes
- Standard retail (2021)
- first Imperialized clone trooper in the Black Series
- essential for Bad Batch and early Empire displays
- pairs naturally with Crosshair (Imperial), Tarkin, Rampart, and Clone Force 99
- one of the most troop‑built figures of the year
This release captures the moment the Republic becomes the Empire.
Display & Photography Notes
The Elite Squad Trooper excels in low‑light, high‑contrast setups. Harsh directional lighting enhances the dark armor, while formation poses create strong silhouettes. For dioramas, it fits naturally into Kamino training rooms, Imperial corridors, or early occupation scenes.
Ideal for:
- Imperial transition displays
- Crosshair (Imperial) team‑ups
- Bad Batch Season 1 recreations
- Clone → Stormtrooper evolution shelves