Review II: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars 1/6 scale Clone Commander Bacara 12-inch Figure

I love me some more Bacara :)

CC-1138, also known as "Bacara," was a clone marshal commander who served in the Grand Army of the Republic. Upon completion of his ARC (Advanced Recon Commando) training, CC-1138 used his newly acquired knowledge to turn the Galactic Marines into a highly efficient ground unit, and the Marines eventually earned a reputation as ferocious fighters.

Eventually he was assigned to Jedi General Ki-Adi-Mundi, and the two warriors developed a grudging respect for each other while fighting side-by-side through numerous campaigns. While stationed on Mygeeto, Bacara was given Order 66 by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and, along with his fellow Marines, gunned down Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi.

I'm so glad Sideshow Collectibles has managed to do such a fine job with the Militaries of Star Wars series. They have been hitting home runs after home runs with every release of their armored troopers from the Star Wars universe. EXCEPT for the crappy bodies they use that suffer from loose joints and weak ankles. They fall down at every pose and every turn AarrrRgggGHhh Other than that, I still have to say "Keep it the good work Sideshow BUT please improve on the 12-inch base bodies you use."

I've already reviewed this Sideshow Collectibles Militaries of Star Wars Sixth Scale Clone Commander Bacara 12-inch Figure in the earlier post but just seem not to get enough of this guy so here are more pictures, close-up ones to show what's so different with Bacara compared to the other clone troopers and clone commanders.

Because of Mygeeto's weather conditions, the Clone Commander's helmet featured blizzard protection side plates. After New Bornalex, Bacara had began to sport Phase II clone trooper armor, which he utilized on Mygeeto.

The blizzard protection side plates plus the neck guard reminds me of the roman centurions armor as well as samurai armor.

When CC-1138 first appeared in the film "Revenge of the Sith", some fans noticed that his helmet and armor closely resembled that of the snowtroopers from "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back".

There's an antenna that sticks out of the helmet of Clone Commander Bacara

The antenna as seen from another angle. Even though the figure fell over a few times while I was posing it and taking pictures, the antenna didn't break. Phew! That was a relief. So again I say, "Sideshow please improve and strengthen the joints of your base body!"

The armor that CC-1138 and the other Galactic Marines used in Episode III was, in fact, inspired by the snowtrooper designs of Episode V; building off of this inspiration, CC-1138's helmet's open-facemask design was first developed for clone tank drivers who were meant to have been operating in rough environments.

Though Bacara's numerical designation of 1138 is not mentioned in the film, it can be seen within the script for Episode III where he is identified as Commander 1138. The number itself is an obvious reference to George Lucas' first feature film, THX 1138.

During the early days of the Battle of Mygetto, Bacara sported a white macrobinocular on his helmet, a utility belt, and wore an ammunition pouch bandolier. Later, Bacara added an anti-blast kama, and a pauldron, to his Phase II armor set. His kama and pauldron sported maroon-colored decorations.

Bacara carried a DC-15 blaster rifle and a DC-15 blaster carbine in battle.

Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars 1/6 Clone Commander Bacara 12-inch Figure also comes with one BlasTech DC-17 Pistol, with no holster to put it in.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. Only gripe is the 12-inch Articulated Armored Body which really needs to be improved upon.

See Sideshow Collectibles 1/6th scale Imperial Shock Trooper, Clone Commander Bacara, Clone Commander Cody, Clone Commander Bly and the 501st Legion: Vader's Fist Clone trooper 12-inch figures altogether in my post HERE :)

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Preview Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Episode I Phantom Menace 1/6 Padawan Obi-Wan figure

Even as a young Jedi Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi is the embodiment of Jedi ideals, both wise and strong. His patience and keen powers of observation have served him well as one of the Jedi Order's most masterful negotiators. These qualities are matched in measure by his swiftness and skill with a lightsaber, making him Master Yoda's first choice for many unconventional missions. Dependability and trustworthiness are traits the Jedi Council has come to associate with Obi-Wan for his loyalty to the Order and to the Republic.

Accompanied by his mentor, Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan travels to the planet Naboo, assigned to negotiate with Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray. Unfortunately, the Jedi must abandon their mission and flee Naboo when the Sith Lord Darth Sidious issues an order to have them killed.

After rescuing the leader of Naboo, Queen Amidala, their ship is badly damaged, forcing them to touch down on the desert planet of Tatooine. In the settlement of Mos Espa, Qui-Gon and Padme first encounter the slave child, Anakin Skywalker. Immediately, the Jedi knight senses a strong presence of the Force in young Anakin and believes that he might be the prophesied 'Chosen One' who will bring balance to the Force. In spite of Qui-Gon's confidence in Anakin's potential, the Jedi council refuses his request to train him as a Jedi.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon face off in a dramatic duel with the dreaded Sith, Darth Maul. Despite his experience and expertise, Qui-Gon is mortally wounded, and it is the Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan who ultimately defeats Darth Maul. As his dying wish, Qui-Gon leaves young Obi-Wan, soon to become a Jedi Knight, to ensure and oversee the training of their most promising student.

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to introduce the newest entry in the Order of the Jedi series, the Obi-Wan Kenobi: Padawan Sixth Scale Figure. The "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" 1/6th scale Padawan Obi-Wan 12-inch figure features: Highly Detailed and Hand Painted Ewan McGregor Portrait, Lightsaber Hilt, Lightsaber with Ignited Blade, Switch out hand with Light Up Light Saber (Battery Operated / Included). Three (3) Sets of Hands, Two (2) Pairs of Boots: Standard and Action, Detailed Belt with pouches, lightsaber clip and capsules. Costume includes shirt, tunic, pants and outer robes. Fully Articulated Prometheus 1.1 body

In the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by Ewan McGregor. This is a preview of Sideshow Collectibles Hand Painted 1/6th scale Ewan McGregor as young Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi head sculpt / Portrait

A Padawan braid was a type of braid worn by Jedi Padawans that were of species that grew hair on their heads, although some hairless Padawans fashioned braids out of silka beads and other materials. When a Padawan was declared a Knight, the braid was shorn off with a lightsaber.

Between scenes of the prequel trilogy movies, Padawan braids worn by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker often change sides. All of these are mistakes in the movies (this could be due to the shot being flipped in post-production, or they wore hair extensions put on for the scene, as real braids take months or years to grow) traditionally the braid is worn on the right.

Jedi wore clothes that befitted their monastic lifestyle, but variations on the theme were common, particularly after the rebirth of the Order after the Galactic Civil War. The attire usually was made in shades of brown or sometimes black, with a utility belt for various purposes, but also as a place on which to clip a lightsaber.

Boots, loose-fitting pants and a cloak typically accompanied the garment. As these garments were not usually elaborate, the outfit mirrored their attachment-free philosophy, as well as showing their requirement to live almost devoid of luxury and also their devotion to service. The apparel also allowed great freedom of movement.

It has long been hypothesized that the first known Jedi came from Tatooine, and as such, wore loosely fitting robes made of low quality fabric. This gives insight into the current state of the modern Jedi apparel. Since he came from humble beginnings this Jedi did not think twice about his outfit and all Jedi that came after him followed in his image. This eventually became vital in the long standing tradition of new Jedi being sworn to a life of modesty and humility.

Jedi were raised their entire lives without possessions except for a lightsaber. I believe this is the FIRST Light Up Light Saber (Battery Operated / Included) to be released by Sideshow Collectibles

The Sideshow Exclusive "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" 1/6th scale Padawan Obi-Wan 12-inch figure will come with an additional 'Lightsaber Duel' Portrait for Alternate Display.

This is how the Sideshow Exclusive additional 1/6th scale 'Lightsaber Duel' Padawan Obi-Wan Portrait / head sculpt will look like

So is it time for Sideshow Collectibles to re-release a Darth Maul sixth scale figure?

Where's the aquata breather that is part of the standard Jedi field kit? or the Hush-98 comlink that was used for communicating.

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Preview Soldier Story 1/6 scale US Army 2nd Infantry Division 12" Figure in South Korea 1952

The Korean War (Korean: 한국전쟁 or 조선전쟁, Hanja: 韓國戰爭 or 朝鮮戰爭; 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953) was a war between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It was primarily the result of the political division of Korea by an agreement of the victorious Allies at the conclusion of the Pacific War at the end of World War II. The Korean Peninsula was ruled by the Empire of Japan from 1910 until the end of World War II. Following the surrender of the Empire of Japan in September 1945, American administrators divided the peninsula along the 38th parallel, with U.S. military forces occupying the southern half and Soviet military forces occupying the northern half.

Although reunification negotiations continued in the months preceding the war, tension intensified. Cross-border skirmishes and raids at the 38th Parallel persisted. The situation escalated into open warfare when North Korean forces invaded South Korea on 25 June 1950. It was the first significant armed conflict of the Cold War.

Just looking at this figure gives me the chills. Feeling cold?

With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea during the summer of 1950, the 2nd Infantry Division was quickly alerted for movement to the Far East Command. The division arrived in Korea, via Pusan on 23 July 1950, becoming the first unit to reach Korea directly from the United States. Initially employed piecemeal, the entire division was committed as a unit on 24 August 1950, relieving the 24th Infantry Division at the Naktong River Line.

The first big test came when the North Koreans struck in a desperate human wave attack on the night of 31 August 1950. In the 16-day battle that followed, the division's clerks, bandsmen, technical and supply personnel joined in the fight to defend against the attackers. Shortly thereafter, the Warrior Division was the first unit to break out of the Pusan Perimeter and they led the Eighth Army drive to the Manchurian Border, the Indianhead Division became the first UN force to enter the North Korean Capital of Pyongyang.

These are preview pictures of Soldier Story's upcoming release of a 1/6th scale US Army 2nd Infantry Division 12-inch military figure / soldier / grunt as seen in South Korea 1952. Just looking at this figure makes me feel chilly and cold LOL

Changes in U.S. Army garrison and field uniforms began after World War II and were accelerated by the Korean War that started in 1950. During the 1950s, significant new uniforms were introduced.

The 1950s Soldier's clothing allotment included many other items, from socks and underwear to poncho, sweaters, scarves, and belts. Individual equipment, such as load bearing suspenders, pistol belt, ammunition cases, packs, and much more were all in addition to the uniform components.

The M-1951 Parka was a three component garment, the cotton/nylon OG-107 shell, the button-in mohair frieze liner, and the fur-lined hood.

The M1951 uniform had a number of components intended for all weather conditions but was particularly aimed to be effective in cold weather, wet or dry. These included: Parka with fur-lined hood (seen above), helmet, M1951 Field Jacket, M1951 Trousers, M1951 OG 108 wool / nylon blend shirt, mittens and Mitten shells, usually worn with wool knit inserts plus boots.

The World War II U.S. Soldier's Web Gear was pretty much in use in the Korean War. This included the M1923 Cartridge Belt for storing the M1 Garand clips, water canteen and carrier, jungle first aid pouch, M1938 wire-cutters in carrier / pouch and M1942 first aid pouch. U.S. and Allied forces entered the Korean War with the M-1 Garand as their standard rifle.

When a helmet was worn, there were many choices for what to wear under the helmet assembly. With a parka, or field jacket with hood, the helmet was often put on over the hood.

Close-up of the G.I.'s M1923 Cartridge Belt, Canteen in cover and first aid kit / pouch

Close-up of bandolier, MkIIA1 fragmentation grenade, M1938 wire-cutters in carrier / pouch and jungle first aid pouch

Check out the cold weather mittens

At the beginning of the 1950s, the World War II double-buckle boot, revised in 1947, was still issued for field and work duty.

The G.I. (General Issue) M1944 combat (top) and cargo (bottom) pack, with a blanket roll over the top. The essential items were carried in the upper or combat pack (plus M1943 entrenching tool), and the detachable cargo pack had spare clothing and non-essentials, which could be unbuckled and left with the rear echelon. M-1 Bayonet in M-7 scabbard also included as part of his gear.

Check out the 1/6th scale miniature Trigger Finger mittens and the Mitten shells

Full layout of all the accessories, gear and equipment plus weapon of the Soldier Story 1/6 scale US Army 2nd Infantry Division 12" Military Action Figure as seen in South Korea 1952

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Incoming from ZCWO & Iminime: 1/6th scale "A Better Tomorrow" Mark Lee 12-inch Figure

A Better Tomorrow (Chinese: 英雄本色; Mandarin Pinyin: Yīngxióng běnsè) is a 1986 Hong Kong action film directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-fat, Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung. The film had a profound influence on the Hong Kong film-making industry, and later on an international scale. Although it was produced with a tight budget and was relatively unknown until it went on screen (due to virtually no advertising), it broke Hong Kong's box office record and went on to become a blockbuster in Asian countries. It is highly regarded, ranking at #2 of the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures.

This story is the tale of two brothers: A reforming ex-gangster (elder brother Sung Tse-Ho) tries to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother (younger sibling Sung Tse-Kit played by Leslie Cheung), but the ties to his former gang are difficult to break. Along the way are plenty of heists, double-crosses, and shoot outs.

Chow Yun-fat played Mark 'Gor' Lee, a high-ranking member of the counterfeiting group, who was the best friend and partner in crime of Sung Tse-Ho (Ti Lung). Now from ZCWO and Iminime will come this 1/6th scale "A Better Tomorrow" Mark 12-inch Figure with an amazing head sculpt of Chow Yun-fat as Mark Lee (NOT the Singaporean actor)

Scroll down for pictures :) This will blow your mind if you are a fan of Chow Yun-fat and the movies he has made. He was already big in Asia before he headed over to Hollywood and America.

He's certainly held in high esteem by his fans here in Asia and even though Mr Chow Yun-fat don't make a lot of films nowadays, he's still extremely popular and well respected for what he has done.

Historically, the use of two guns at once, one in each hand (dual wielding), is most associated with the American Old West, where revolvers holding only six rounds of ammunition were the highest capacity handguns available and reloading was a slow process. Use of two guns was therefore a reasonable compromise, as this allowed one gun to be cocked as the other is being fired, in practical terms doubling the rate of fire and the available number of bullets.

It is unknown when dual wielding was first used in fiction, but it was likely from early western novels before spilling over into other works. In the early 20th century, numerous examples abound of heroes and heroines of pulp novels, paperbacks and comics depicted wielding two pistols, most notably the pulp hero, the Shadow.

It is unknown when the style came out of fashion until being resurrected by Hong Kong cinema, notably movies directed by John Woo and often featuring Chow Yun Fat.

The use of this tactic was initially a rarity in Western films, as up till then it was thought to look cumbersome. The use of dual wield became more acceptable and achieved somewhat of a cult status after much influence from Hong Kong action cinema

Close-up picture of the weapons and accessories that will come with this ZCWO & Iminime: 1/6th scale "A Better Tomorrow" Mark Lee 12-inch Figure. I'm liking this a LOT :)

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