Battle Droid - Commando (Dark Brown, Face and Torso Markings)
sw0359 · Star Wars
The Clone Wars · 2012 (First appeared in set 9488 Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack)
Figure ID
sw0359
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2012 (First appeared in set 9488 Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack)
Rarity
Uncommon. While common in its initial release wave, it is specific to 'The Clone Wars' sets and is currently discontinued.
Head
Mechanized thin droid head mold in dark brown; unique light bluish gray 'face' plate printing with white dot eyes and specialized mechanical detailing.
Torso
Standard thin droid torso mold in dark brown with mechanical beam details. This specific variant features a small red dot on the left chest area.
Legs
Standard droid leg piece in dark brown consisting of two thin legs connected by a horizontal hip bar. Non-posable individually.
Accessories
Typically supplied with a standard black blaster (small or medium blaster rifle). Note: the figure in the image is holding no accessories.
Color Scheme
Dark Brown base with Light Bluish Gray and Red printed accents reflecting the stealth/elite nature of Commando Droids.
Printing Details
Pad-printed face and chest plate. The printing is localized to the center of the head and a tiny dot on the chest. Quality is sharp but easily scratched.
Variants
Standard Commando Droids (sw0273) lack the red torso dot. Captain Commando Droid (sw0458) features white diagonal stripes on the head/torso.
Condition Notes
Prone to loose arm joints over time. The horizontal bar across the torso can develop stress marks or cracks if the legs are forced. Small print on the head can rub off with play.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00; New: $10.00 - $14.00. Value has remained relatively stable but climbs slightly as Clone Wars nostalgia increases.
Price (New)
Originally released in a Battle Pack (Set 9488) retailing for $12.99 USD, which included four total minifigures.
Compatible Sets
9488 Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack (2012), 75012 BARC Speeder with Sidecar (2013).
Character Background
BX-series droid commandos were higher-quality battle droids used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems for infiltration and elite guard duties in 'The Clone Wars' series.
Design Notes
Uses the standard pre-bent droid arm mold. The mold is fragile compared to standard minifigures, emphasizing thin, screen-accurate proportions over durability.
Similar Minifigures
sw0273 (Commando Droid standard), sw0458 (Captain), sw0001c (Standard tan Battle Droid).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' who wish to recreate Separatist legions. Moderately high for Clone Wars completionists.
History
Introduced a more menacing, dark-colored alternative to the classic 'tan' droids. Signified the shift toward more detailed droid variants in the early 2010s.
Interesting Facts
The red dot is meant to simulate a optical sensor or rank marking seen briefly in the animated show; this version is often preferred by collectors over the plain version.
Display Suggestions
Looks best in squads of 3-4 using a clear 1x2 brick to simulate a jumping or acrobatic pose typical of the character in the show.
Modification Potential
Arms are easily swapped with any droid family parts. The dark brown color is useful for creating rusted or 'scrap' droid MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A solid, screen-accurate representation of a popular enemy type from The Clone Wars. Essential for Separatist army building and well-regarded for its unique dark brown plastic.