The 2017 Star Wars The Black Series Stormtrooper (#48) is a repack of the original 2014 Orange Line Stormtrooper (#09), updated with cleaner paint applications and released as part of the Red Line’s Wave 12 assortment. While technically a repack, this figure represents a meaningful refinement of one of the earliest and most iconic Black Series troopers. The updated deco, tighter helmet detailing, and improved paint consistency make this version a favorite among army builders and Original Trilogy collectors.
Released on Force Friday II alongside Hera Syndulla, Darth Vader (#43), Rey (Jedi Training), Kylo Ren, Luke (Jedi Master), and Thrawn, this Stormtrooper helped round out the Imperial presence in the 2017 lineup. It remains one of the most accessible and display-friendly troopers in the early Phase 3 era, offering a clean, classic ANH look without the weathering or specialty gear seen in later Rogue One or Mandalorian variants.
This figure uses the same sculpt as the 2014 release — a design that, while later surpassed by the 2020 updated Stormtrooper body, still holds up remarkably well for its time. The armor sculpt is sharp, the proportions are solid, and the articulation supports a wide range of poses. The figure includes both the E-11 blaster and the DLT-20A heavy rifle, giving collectors multiple display options.
Technical Details & Sculpt
Overall Sculpt & Proportions
The sculpt is identical to the 2014 Orange Line Stormtrooper, featuring:
- clean, symmetrical armor plating
- ribbed undersuit texture
- sculpted belt with utility boxes
- thermal detonator on the back
- classic ANH helmet proportions
The silhouette is unmistakably Imperial — rigid, imposing, and instantly recognizable. While later Stormtrooper bodies improved articulation and proportions, this sculpt remains iconic for its early Black Series charm and screen-accurate armor layout.
Helmet Sculpt
The helmet includes:
- sculpted frown vents
- black mouth grille
- blue tube stripes
- black brow trim
- green-tinted visor lenses
The updated paint applications on this 2017 repack are noticeably cleaner than the 2014 version, with sharper lines and more consistent detailing.
Armor & Undersuit
The armor features:
- glossy white finish
- sculpted chest and back plates
- shoulder bells with clean curvature
- forearm armor with raised ridges
- shin armor with screen-accurate contours
The undersuit includes ribbed texturing at the joints, adding depth and realism.
Articulation
As a Phase 1/early Phase 3 sculpt, the articulation includes:
- ball-jointed head
- hinged shoulders
- swivel biceps
- double-jointed elbows
- swivel-hinge wrists
- torso ball joint
- ball-jointed hips
- thigh swivels
- double-jointed knees
- rocker ankles
While not as fluid as the 2020 Stormtrooper body, this figure still supports dynamic poses, including firing stances, patrol positions, and action-ready silhouettes.
Paint & Deco
The 2017 repack features cleaner, sharper paint apps than the 2014 release:
- improved helmet detailing
- more consistent black undersuit paint
- cleaner belt and utility box lines
- reduced paint bleed on the frown and vents
The armor retains its glossy white finish, which photographs beautifully under controlled lighting.
Accessories & Equipment
This Stormtrooper includes:
BlasTech E-11 Blaster
- black finish
- sculpted scope and power pack
- fits securely in the right hand
BlasTech DLT-20A Heavy Rifle
- long-barreled design
- sculpted mechanical detailing
- ideal for heavy infantry poses
The dual-weapon loadout gives collectors flexibility in display — from standard patrol trooper to heavy support.
Packaging (Red Line)
As part of the Red Line, the figure arrives in the Phase 3 window-box packaging:
- matte black box
- bold red accent stripe
- character portrait art
- figure number #48
- large window showcasing the armor and weapons
The portrait art captures the classic Stormtrooper helmet, while the red stripe contrasts sharply with the white armor.
Collector Notes
- This is a repack of the 2014 Orange Line Stormtrooper (#09).
- Features cleaner paint apps than the original release.
- Released on Force Friday II in 2017.
- Essential for OT army-building and Imperial displays.
- Pairs naturally with Vader, Tarkin, Death Star Troopers, and Thrawn.
- Pre-2020 sculpt — historically important but later superseded by the updated body.
Display & Photography Notes
Stormtrooper armor is notoriously reflective, making lighting crucial. Controlled highlights prevent blown-out whites, while rim lighting enhances the helmet silhouette. Three-quarter angles emphasize the chest plate, belt, and thermal detonator.
For dioramas, this figure excels in:
- Death Star patrol scenes
- Imperial hallways
- ANH corridor firefights
- Vader-led formations
The sculpt supports classic firing poses, rigid patrol stances, and action-ready silhouettes — making it a versatile army builder for any Original Trilogy display.