Shadow Stormtrooper (Shadow Trooper)
sw0166 · Star Wars
Expanded Universe / Legends · 2007 (Debut in set 7664 TIE Crawler)
Figure ID
sw0166
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2007 (Debut in set 7664 TIE Crawler)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare; exclusively available in two niche sets from 2007-2008 and no longer produced.
Head
Standard black solid stud head with light bluish gray visor printing, typical for the mid-2000s helmeted figures.
Torso
Black torso with silver/gray printing representing Stormtrooper armor plating; specifically features dot-matrix shading on the chest plates.
Legs
Missing in image; should be solid black legs with standard hip joiner, no printing was present on the original sw0166 legs.
Accessories
Missing in image; originally came with a black Stormtrooper helmet (sw0166 style) and a black blaster or blaster rifle.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black and silver/metallic gray, intended to represent stealth-capable ceramic armor.
Printing Details
Silver-gray pad printing on black plastic; characteristic 2007-era dot-gradient shading on the pectoral armor and a detailed utility belt.
Variants
This is the original sw0166. A later version (sw0603) from 2015 features modernized leg printing and the 'Rebels' style helmet with holes.
Condition Notes
Black plastic highly susceptible to visible surface scratches and 'bit marks'. The silver printing can rub off over time, especially on the belt area.
Estimated Value
Torso only: $5-$8 USD. Complete figure: $15-$25 USD. New/Unreleased in bag: $30+ USD.
Price (New)
Originally released in set 7664 ($49.99) and later set 7667 Imperial Dropship ($10.00).
Compatible Sets
7664 TIE Crawler (2007), 7667 Imperial Dropship (2008).
Character Background
Originally known as Blackhole Stormtroopers in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (Legends), they used stygian-triprismatic polymer armor for stealth.
Design Notes
One of the first 'EU' characters LEGO produced. The printing style is simplified compared to modern 2020s standards but nostalgic for 2000s collectors.
Similar Minifigures
sw0603 Shadow Stormtrooper (2015), sw0156 TIE Pilot, sw0188 Imperial Guard (Black).
Collectibility
High for 'Legends' fans and army builders. The 2008 Dropship set made them easy to mass-collect, but quality specimens are now aging.
History
Followed the 2005 release of the Shadow Trooper (Chrome Black) but was the first mass-market non-chrome stealth trooper.
Interesting Facts
The torso print is identical in layout to the classic white Stormtrooper (sw0188) but color-inverted with silver ink.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in an ranks/formation alongside a Lambda Shuttle or Darth Vader to emphasize the elite stealth aesthetic.
Modification Potential
Excellent for Purist MOCs of Shadow Guards or Death Troopers before a dedicated mold existed.
Overall Assessment
The torso shown is a genuine sw0166 component in good condition. While incomplete, it is a key piece of Star Wars LEGO history from the late-2000s era.