Another version wasn't on my top priority list, but there's plenty to like about the new Clone Pilot, especially since he features new sculpting with re-used parts from previous figures that complement the upgrade. A few ROTS era pilots have been released for battle packs and Evolutions sets over the years  with varying degrees of quality. However, this well executed design partnered with some kit bashing and the appeal of a film scene specific representation makes VC97 pretty close to if not definitive.

 VC97 ODD BALL (CLONE PILOT)

Appearance: Revenge of the Sith
Sequence: VC97
Asst. 37519/37499
Includes: DC15-S Blaster, Removable Helmet
Retail: $9.99
Released: June 2012

Cardback:  Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you! [IMAGE BANK PHOTOS]

SCULPT/PAINT: The new lower, well articulated legs allow for good posing and the ability to sit in an ARC-170 cockpit. Compared to the 2005 release, this figure is a welcome upgrade that reflects seven years of evolution, although there's a little bit of toyetic appeal to that older design. Hasbro re-uses the torso and arms from the Evolutions pilot of 2008 and the upper legs of the 2005 figure. The lower legs with ball hinged ankles and more movie accurate boots are all new and actually give this figure an improved proportionality. Good movie accurate paint detail is applied to the helmet with squadron specific markings.

His head sculpt appears to be new with somewhat of a likeness to Temeura Morrison but not as spot on as we would like. At least he doesn't have the molded head covering Hasbro typically used to address proper fit for removable helmet figures circa 2008. There's also been a recent issue with Hasbro confusing the emblems of the Galactic Republic and Empire. Davijaan (Odd Ball is his call sign of you didn't already know.) sports the Empire's logo on his shoulder while the Imperial Naval Commander (VC94) has the emblem for the Galactic Republic. This will definitely be caught and called out by the more astute fan and collector and is a tiny yet glaring Whiskey Tango Foxtrot by Hasbro. 

ARTICULATION: Odd Ball features 14 points of articulation that includes his new ball hinged ankles. His swivel hips allows for a good fit in the cockpit of the ARC-170 and he can also be posed and manipulated into various action and neutral stances.

ACCESSORIES: The figure doesn't come with a firing cannon like his 2005 predecessor, but that's okay. We prefer the removable helmet and the simple but sensible DC15-S Blaster.

CARDBACK: The Kenner inspired Revenge of the Sith card front looks awesome featuring a stock shot of Odd Ball with ARC-170's in the background. The back of the card has the 2012 "14 Back" style with the rest of Wave 5 figures on the top row and other figures released this year in the bottom row. The three Vintage Collection re-issued "prequel" vehicles have remained unchanged since the beginning of the year with the wrong Obi-Wan Starfighter represented.  Hasbro will more than likely release Vintage Collection packaged vehicles as exclusives like K-Mart's AT-ST. Rebelscum is already reporting that ToysRUs computers are showing a Vintage packaged Millennium Falcon, AT-AT, and Speederbike listed.

A Life-sized Darth Maul Giveaway sticker that's fairly easy to peel off is affixed on the front of card with an entry form packed in the blister. The giveaway celebrated the release of The Phantom Menace in 3D and has a rather dated feel now, but you can still submit your entry until August 31st. Here's hoping a mail away offer makes a return in 2013.

TOPPING THINGS OFF: If you're inclined to upgrade your ARC-170 crew, then you'll need three of this figure. He's well designed with great enhancements, particularly the helmet and lower legs. Davijaan is going to be a little tougher to find initially since he's only packed one per case and collectors will be buying multiples.  Grab him when you see him.

RATING: WANTED (4 out of 5 Bounty Points)