Stormtrooper (Dual Molded Helmet, Gray Squares on Back, Angry Clone Head)
sw0997b · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy / Action Battle · 2019 (Released in April 2019)
Figure ID
sw0997b
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2019 (Released in April 2019)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it appeared in several popular sets and was mass-produced for army building, it was the first iteration of the new 'Dual Molded' helmet style which replaced the long-running previous design.
Head
Standard 'Angry Clone' face (flesh tone) with black eyebrows, white pupils, and a snarling mouth. This was the standard head for troopers before the shift to more diverse skin tones. It is covered by a dual-molded white and black helmet.
Torso
White torso with Stormtrooper armor printing. Includes detailed chest plates and a utility belt. The back printing features gray squares on the thermal detonator area. Arms are white and hands are black.
Legs
White legs with black hip piece. Printing includes knee plates and boot-line detailing. There is no side printing on this specific version.
Accessories
Typically comes with a standard black medium blaster (E-11 blaster rifle). No cape or specialized pauldrons are included with this base variant.
Color Scheme
Classic white and black Imperial aesthetic. The primary color is white with black joints, hands, and printed details. Small accents of blue and gray are present in the helmet vents and torso printing.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. This version is notable for the 'Dual Molded' helmet technology where the black plastic of the visor and vents is part of the mold rather than just printed on, resulting in a cleaner look that never rubs off.
Variants
Variants include sw0997 (dark blueish gray squares on back) and sw0585 (earlier helmet mold style). This specific figure is the sw0997b with the modernized, slightly larger dual-molded helmet.
Condition Notes
The dual-molded helmets are bulky and can look 'squashed' if stored under heavy weight. Check for yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV light. The neck post often shows paint rub from the helmet being taken on and off.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New: $7.00 - $10.00 USD. Prices are stable due to high supply but consistent demand from army builders.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $14.99 (Battle Packs) to $99.99+ (larger vehicles). The price per figure in battle packs was approximately $3.75 at retail.
Compatible Sets
75239 Action Battle Hoth Generator Attack, 75241 Action Battle Echo Base Defense, 75262 Imperial Dropship (20th Anniversary Edition).
Character Background
The anonymous foot soldiers of the Galactic Empire. This specific LEGO design represents the troopers as they appeared in 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Design Notes
This figure marked a controversial shift in LEGO design history. The dual-molded helmet was criticized by some fans for being too large and preventing movement of the head when a backpack or cape is attached, but praised for its movie-accurate visor.
Similar Minifigures
sw0585 (Rebels Stormtrooper), sw1102 (Han Solo in Stormtrooper disguise), sw0188 (Classic 2008 Stormtrooper).
Collectibility
High for army builders; moderate for single-figure collectors. It is an essential component of any Imperial army display, though it has been superseded by newer 2023+ versions with modified printing.
History
LEGO Stormtroopers have existed since 1999. This 2019 version (sw0997b) represents the third major redesign of the helmet mold in the theme's history.
Interesting Facts
Despite the 'dual molding' process making the helmet look more premium, this version of the Stormtrooper cannot turn its head fully while wearing certain torso gear due to the chin of the helmet hitting the torso.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in formation (ranks) on a gray baseplate or inside a MOC of a Star Destroyer hallway or the Death Star docking bay.
Modification Potential
Excellent for army building. Parts are compatible with all standard LEGO armor pieces. The head can be swapped with any modern flesh-tone LEGO head for variety.
Overall Assessment
A solid, modern representation of a classic icon. While the helmet mold remains polarizing due to its size, the printing quality and dual-molded durability make it a high-quality figure for play and display.