Imperial Stormtrooper - Dual Molded Helmet, Gray Squares on Back
sw0997 · Star Wars
Star Wars Rebels / Generic Imperial · 2019 (First appearing in the 20th Anniversary Edition sets)
Figure ID
sw0997
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2019 (First appearing in the 20th Anniversary Edition sets)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it appeared in several sets between 2019 and 2022, it is the standard 'modern' trooper and widely available on the secondary market.
Head
Standard flesh-toned 'Angry Clone' face (used for many Imperial/Republic troops during this era) with black eyes and white pupil dots. Single-sided print.
Torso
White Stormtrooper plate armor with a black thermal detonator and two gray squares on the back. Black arms with white hands. High-detail pad printing.
Legs
White legs with black hip joints. Detailed printing on the front depicting knee plates and gravity boots. No side or back printing.
Accessories
Removable dual-molded white/black Stormtrooper helmet (distinguished by the blue vents and wider 'mouth' grill) and one black E-11 blaster rifle (standard short blaster mold).
Color Scheme
Classic Stormtrooper aesthetic: Primary White with Secondary Black and Light Bluish Gray accents. Flesh-toned head.
Printing Details
Extremely high fidelity pad printing. The helmet features dual-molding (white and black plastic fused) rather than just paint, ensuring the black trim doesnt wear off easily. Detailed torso contours including the abdominal plating.
Variants
Several versions exist; sw0585 (Rebels style), sw1235 (updated face print), and sw0188 (classic black head). This version (sw0997) is specifically noted for the 'Angry Clone' head and the dual-molded helmet with gray square details on the back torso.
Condition Notes
The dual-molded helmet is very durable, but the torso is prone to 'torso cracks' at the arm joints if handled roughly. Check for yellowing of the white plastic if stored in sunlight.
Estimated Value
New: $6.00-$8.00 | Used: $4.00-$5.00 | Market value is stable due to high supply but consistent demand from 'army builders'.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure context: $4.00- $5.00). Originally found in sets ranging from $14.99 Battle Packs up to $150.00+ Master Builder series.
Compatible Sets
75262 Imperial Dropship – 20th Anniversary Edition, 75229 Death Star Escape, 75235 X-Wing Starfighter Trench Run, 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer.
Character Background
The anonymous frontline soldiers of the Galactic Empire. This specific design is based on the aesthetic used in the original trilogy but utilizes modern LEGO design standards for armor accuracy.
Design Notes
The move to the dual-molded helmet in 2019 was controversial among fans because the helmet is larger and cannot rotate fully on the torso when compared to the 2014 version. However, it is more screen-accurate to the 'Star Wars' films.
Similar Minifigures
sw0585 (Stormtrooper with round patterns), sw0630 (Stormtrooper with printed legs), and the various Sandtrooper/Snowtrooper variants.
Collectibility
High for army building. Collectors often buy hundreds of these to create dioramas. Individually, it is a staple for any Star Wars collection.
History
This represents the fourth major 're-design' of the LEGO Stormtrooper since 1999. It specifically marked the transition to more realistic, less 'cartoony' helmet proportions.
Interesting Facts
The 'Angry Clone' head was used for almost 8 years for nearly every helmeted character in the Star Wars line before being replaced by more diverse 'Nougat' skin tone heads in 2020/2021.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in ranks or formations on a gray baseplate. Looks excellent alongside Vader or an Imperial Officer.
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs. The parts are interchangeable with most Star Wars troopers. Many fans swap the dual-molded helmet for older styles for better posability.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, essential minifigure for any fan. While the helmet design has its detractors, the printing quality and accuracy are at the peak of LEGO's manufacturing capabilities.