Stormtrooper (Dual Molded Helmet, Gray Grilles, Angry Clone Head)
sw0997b · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy / A New Hope · 2019 (Debuted in set 75229 Death Star Escape)
Figure ID
sw0997b
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2019 (Debuted in set 75229 Death Star Escape)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While mass-produced for several sets between 2019 and 2022, it was replaced by later versions and remains specifically desired for its unique helmet mold.
Head
Features the 'Angry Clone' face print (flesh tone) under a dual-molded white and black plastic helmet. The helmet is a single piece made of two colors of plastic rather than just printing.
Torso
White torso with updated 2019 Stormtrooper armor printing. Includes thermal detonator on the back. Black arms with black hands representing undersuit gloves.
Legs
White legs and white hips. The front of the legs features printed knee protection plates and armor grooving. No side printing.
Accessories
Standard black LEGO blaster rifle (Large Blaster). Does not include pauldrons or backpacks in its base configuration.
Color Scheme
High-contrast White and Black, symbolizing the Imperial aesthetic. The flesh head provides a realistic human element beneath the mask.
Printing Details
High precision. Features crisp lines on the chest plate and breathing filters. The helmet utilizes dual-molding technology which ensures the black 'frown' and eye sections are permanent plastic colors rather than surface ink.
Variants
Standard version (sw0997) has white grilles; this variant (sw0997b) has gray grilles on the helmet. This specific 2019 mold is often called the 'Non-Turning' helmet because the chin is so low it limits head rotation.
Condition Notes
The dual-molded helmet is prone to 'yellowing' if exposed to UV light. Check the neck post for cracks and the hands for bite marks. The white plastic shows dirt easily.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00 USD; New/Mint: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. Prices are stable due to the high volume of these figures in the secondary market.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $15.00 (Battle Packs) to $30.00 (Death Star Escape). Per-figure value at retail was approx. $4.00.
Compatible Sets
75229 Death Star Escape (2019), 75235 X-Wing Starfighter Trench Run (2019), 75262 Imperial Dropship – 20th Anniversary Edition (2019), 75300 Imperial TIE Fighter (2021).
Character Background
The front-line foot soldiers of the Galactic Empire. This specific armor represents the 'A New Hope' aesthetic, characterized by the gray vent colors on the helmet.
Design Notes
This figure marked a controversial shift in LEGO Star Wars design. The 'Family Guy' style oversized helmet was designed for accuracy but criticized by fans for its inability to turn when placed on the torso.
Similar Minifigures
sw0585 (Rebels Stormtrooper), sw0188 (Classic Stormtrooper), sw1235 (2023 version with updated belt).
Collectibility
Moderate. Every Star Wars collector needs Stormtroopers for army building, though many collectors prefer the older 2014-2018 molds for their superior playability (head rotation).
History
Until 2019, Stormtrooper helmets were single-mold white plastic with black printing. This version introduced the dual-mold system to eliminate print-wearing on the most prominent features of the face.
Interesting Facts
The 'Angry Clone' head was the standard face for almost all troopers for nearly a decade, despite the fact that by the time of the Original Trilogy, Stormtroopers were largely recruits, not clones.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in large ranks for 'Army Building'. Look best when flanking a Darth Vader (sw0832) or inside an Imperial Shuttle or TIE Fighter diorama.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The dual-molded helmet is a favorite for MOC-builders. The torso can be swapped with realistic 'fleshie' hands for a 'helmet-off' look or paired with custom pauldrons for officers.
Overall Assessment
A solid, highly-detailed represention of the iconic trooper. While the helmet functionality is hit-or-miss with collectors, the printing and molding quality are top-tier for the modern era.