Product Review: Sith Trooper from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” from SDCC 2019

The big Lucasfilm reveal at San Diego Comic Con 2019 was a new type of Storm Trooper from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Sith Trooper costumes used in the film were on display at the convention, along with meet-and-greet opportunities with walk around Sith Troopers. It would’ve been enough for fans just to see a new character from the film, but Lucasfilm went a step further with new product debuts at the convention that will be available to the public in the near future. Our friends at Hasbro, Funko, Loungefly, Hot Toys, Beeline, and Fifth Sun were nice enough to share some of their items for review, which can be seen in the video above as well as the image galleries below.

Hasbro Black Series Sith Trooper

The packaging of this San Diego Comic Con early release figure is similar to the standard Black Series releases, but swaps out the signature black for a deep red. The slipcover slides off to reveal unique packaging where the figure is exposed without a plastic covering. Five accessory weapons slide out of drawers on either side in the back, some of which are articulated.

As for the figure itself, the signature thin stripes that set the Sith Trooper’s armor apart is replicated her with great detail. Many of the armored plates are pliable, making it feel like the figure is really wearing armor. The figure is articulated at the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, torso, hips, knees, and ankles. There aren’t any swappable hands, but with effort every weapon can be place in his hands.

At San Diego Comic Con, this early release Black Series figure retailed for $32.

Hot Toys 1/6th Scale Figure

This 1/6th scale figure is about 12-inches tall, quite a bit bigger from your typical Hasbro figure. It appeals to a different type of collector and has a price point that justifies the giant leap up in detail and quality. The packaging alone is a deluxe experience, with a red slipcover that reveals a box with highly detailed graphics underneath. The figure is not strapped in the packaging, but instead had lots of wrapping and protection to keep it in place. The figure includes seven swappable hands, two weapons that can magnetically attach to the holster, and an attractive themed stand.

While the Hasbro Black Series figure has bendable armor that feels like it could be removed, this Hot Toys figure’s armor actually could be, although the instructions warn that damage could result from removing the figure’s armor. This articulated figure is essentially dressed like a real Sith Trooper, wearing a black suit that armor pieces are attached to. One of the weapons has an articulated piece and when placed in the correct hands, the index fingers actually rest on the trigger of each blaster. The figure sits on a stand attached to a themed base unique to the character, complete with plaque.

Hot Toys’ Sith Trooper 1/6th Scale Figure retailed for $230 at San Diego Comic Con and the wide release is expected to have a similar suggested retail price.

Funko Pop! Sith Trooper Bobble Head

Funko Pop! has already adapted many characters in the Star Wars universe and the Sith Trooper is the latest to join the collection. The packaging for this bobble head is similar to the standard line, but with some color variations and foil lettering.

The figure itself features the same vertical lines that go up and over the helmet. He’s holding one of the blasters that come with the Hasbro and Hot Toys figures and this appears to be the standard weapon, which we will see again in the next release.

Funko’s Pop! Sith Trooper Bobble Head was sold at SDCC for $15.

Beeline GeekiTikis Sith Trooper Mug

Fans of Star Wars and tiki esthetics can add the latest GeekiTikis mugs to their collection, including the Sith Trooper that debuted at SDCC. The back of the box advertises other new characters in the line, including Chewbacca, BB-8, and Kylo-Ren with his cracked helmet.

The Sith Trooper mug features his bold red color on the outside, with a black inner cup. It’s made of ceramic, but the box advertises that it’s both microwave and dishwasher safe. Whether using it for display or as drinkware, it’s a fun addition to your Star Wars kitchen collection.

This mug was sold at SDCC for $20.

Loungefly Sith Trooper Unixes Backpack

Loungefly is better known for their themed handbags for women, but this unisex backpack is perfect for any Star Wars fan. With four outer zippered compartments and a large drawstring center area, this backpack is ideal for travel and theme park visiting.

The bag features the vertical line accents embedded into faux leather, with the Sith Trooper’s face on the front pouch. The interior of each area features a pattern that features more of the character’s iconography. The top section features metallic clips that secure it over the drawstring compartment, which features a wide pouch perfect for storing a tablet and two smaller pouches, in addition to the large center area. There’s also a small zipper pouch on top that is the right size for a cell phone when going through airport security.

This backpack retails for $70.

Fifth Sun Crew Cut T-Shirt

I wore this Fifth Sun Crew Cut T-Shirt in the video at the top of this article. It’s soft, loose-fitting, and comfortable. The printed Sith Trooper face has a soft rubbery feel to it, with the red helmet in a matte finish while the black accents are glossy and reflective. It’s a great way to wear your excitement for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in advance of the film’s release.

This shirt was on sale at SDCC for $28.

More news will be shared in the near future about how you can bring home these great Sith Trooper products. Be on the lookout for announcements about The Rise of Skywalker merchandise and you may see many of these items launching on Triple Force Friday on October 4th, 2019.

May the force be with you.

Alex Reif
Alex joined the Laughing Place team in 2014 and has been a lifelong Disney fan. His main beats for LP are Disney-branded movies, TV shows, books, music and toys. He recently became a member of the Television Critics Association (TCA).