For the Republic! The Ultimate Collector’s Guide to Star Wars: The Clone Wars Figures
A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, a groundbreaking animated series bridged the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Star Wars: The Clone Wars, once a beloved but niche chapter in the saga, has exploded in popularity, becoming a cornerstone of the entire Star Wars universe. Its rich storytelling, complex character arcs, and introduction of iconic heroes and villains have not only redefined the prequel era but have also ignited one of the most fervent and dedicated sectors of the Star Wars collecting community.
Collecting The Clone Wars is no longer just about nostalgia for a Saturday morning cartoon. It’s about owning a piece of the saga’s heart. Thanks to the continued adventures of characters like Ahsoka Tano, Captain Rex, Bo-Katan Kryze, and Cad Bane in smash-hit live-action series such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and, of course, Ahsoka, the demand for figures from this era has reached fever pitch. What was once a secondary line for Hasbro has become a major focus for premium manufacturers like Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles.
We will navigate the modern landscape of The Clone Wars collectibles, from the accessible and expansive 6-inch Black Series to the screen-accurate masterpieces of Hot Toys. We’ll identify the “grail” pieces, understand the current market value, and equip you with the intel needed to build a collection worthy of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The Modern Battlefield: Key Collecting Lines
The market for Clone Wars figures is diverse, catering to every budget and display preference. Understanding the key players is essential to building your legion.
1. Hasbro’s The Black Series (6-Inch Scale)
For the majority of collectors, the 6-inch Black Series is the main line of engagement. Launched in 2013, this line has become the standard for detailed, articulated, and affordable Star Wars figures. In recent years, Hasbro has leaned heavily into the animated aesthetics of The Clone Wars, producing some of the most sought-after figures in the entire line.
- Signature Style: Black Series figures balance playability with display-worthiness. They feature impressive articulation, detailed sculpts, and character-specific accessories. A key feature of the Clone Wars sub-line is the use of photorealistic face printing technology, which beautifully translates animated character designs into a realistic, live-action-adjacent style. This allows figures of an animated Ahsoka Tano or Anakin Skywalker to stand seamlessly next to a live-action Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- Must-Have “Grail” Figures :
- Ahsoka Tano (Rebels/Mandalorian): While technically from later series, these figures represent the adult version of the character and are essential for any Ahsoka-centric collection. The Rebels version, with its white lightsabers, has become particularly valuable on the secondary market.
- Captain Rex (Deluxe): The initial release of Captain Rex (with his helmet on) was a fan-channel exclusive and became an instant grail, with prices soaring. The subsequent “deluxe” re-release with a photoreal face sculpt of Temuera Morrison is now the definitive version for many and a cornerstone of any clone collection.
- Cad Bane (The Book of Boba Fett): The live-action debut of the infamous Duros bounty hunter led to a massively popular figure. The deluxe version, complete with his breathing tubes and wide-brimmed hat, is a standout piece.
- Clone Troopers (Various Legions): Army building is the heart of Clone Wars collecting. Hasbro has released troopers from the 501st Legion, 212th Attack Battalion, Coruscant Guard, and the Bad Batch. Exclusive releases, like the blue-hued “Phase I Lieutenant” from Walgreens, often become highly sought after.
- Where to Buy in the Philippines: Major retailers like Datablitz, Toys”R”Us, and specialty hobby shops like Aniporium and Big Boys Toy Store are the primary sources for new releases. The secondary market thrives on Facebook collector groups, where you can often find older, rarer figures.
2. Hasbro’s The Vintage Collection (TVC) (3.75-Inch Scale)
For the purists and long-time collectors, The Vintage Collection represents a return to the classic Kenner-style 3.75-inch scale, but with modern “super-articulated” engineering and premium detail. This line is celebrated for its vehicle compatibility and the nostalgic appeal of its cardback packaging.
- Signature Style: TVC is all about scale and nostalgia. The smaller size allows for the collection of massive vehicles like the Republic Gunship or AT-TE, which are simply not feasible in the 6-inch scale. The figures themselves are incredibly detailed for their size, and the retro cardbacks are works of art, making them perfect for “Mint on Card” (MOC) collectors.
- Must-Have “Grail” Figures :
- ARC Trooper Fives & Echo: These early releases from the original The Clone Wars 3.75-inch line are now considered grails, often fetching high prices on the secondary market, especially if still carded. Hasbro has slowly been re-releasing these characters in the modern TVC line to immense popularity.
- Ahsoka Tano (Season 7 Mandalore): The TVC release of Ahsoka in her final Clone Wars outfit is a fan-favorite and a must-have.
- Republic Gunship (HasLab): The massive, crowd-funded HasLab Gunship is the ultimate centerpiece for any TVC Clone Wars collection. While the initial backing period is long over, its sheer scale and detail make it a legendary item on the secondary market, commanding a significant price.
- Collecting Strategy: TVC is perfect for diorama builders and those who want to recreate epic battles. Pairing trooper squads with vehicles like the AT-RT or the Jedi Starfighter is where this line truly shines.
3. Hot Toys (1/6 Scale)
For the high-end collector, Hot Toys is the undisputed king. These 1/6 scale (approximately 12-inch) figures are less “toys” and more “screen-accurate replicas.” They feature breathtakingly realistic head sculpts, tailored fabric outfits, and an arsenal of detailed accessories.
- Signature Style: Hyper-realism. Hot Toys excels at creating figures that look like they’ve stepped directly off the movie set or out of the animation cel. Their Clone Wars line ingeniously translates the stylized animated designs into a realistic aesthetic, imagining what these characters would look like in live-action.
- Must-Have “Grail” Figures :
- Captain Rex (TMS018): Arguably the most sought-after Clone Wars Hot Toys figure. This piece is a masterpiece, featuring a stunningly realistic Temuera Morrison head sculpt, meticulously weathered armor, and both Phase I and Phase II helmets. Its value on the secondary market has skyrocketed, often doubling its original retail price.
- Ahsoka Tano (TMS021 & The Mandalorian DX20): Hot Toys has released both the animated Clone Wars version and the live-action Rosario Dawson version of Ahsoka. Both are considered definitive representations in their respective styles. The deluxe Mandalorian version, with its rolling eyeballs and detailed base, is a highlight of the entire Hot Toys Star Wars line.
- Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi (Clone Wars): These figures perfectly capture the heroic Jedi duo in their prime. The detailed armor, fabric tunics, and realistic head sculpts make them the ultimate representation of the show’s main protagonists.
- Investment and Display: Hot Toys are significant investments. Prices for a single figure in the Philippines can range from ₱15,000 to over ₱25,000. They are designed for museum-quality display, often posed in dynamic stances inside glass cabinets like the IKEA DETOLF.
4. Sideshow Collectibles (Statues & Premium Format Figures)
While Hot Toys focuses on articulated figures, Sideshow Collectibles excels in the world of polystone statues and Premium Format™ Figures (1/4 scale mixed-media statues).
- Signature Style: Dynamic artistry. Sideshow’s statues are pre-posed to capture a character’s essence in a single, powerful stance. Their Premium Format™ Figures combine sculpted elements with tailored fabric outfits and capes, creating a lifelike and imposing presence.
- Notable Pieces: Sideshow has produced stunning statues of characters like General Grievous, Asajj Ventress, and a highly celebrated piece of Ahsoka Tano versus a battle droid. These are large, centerpiece items designed to be the focal point of a room.
- Collecting Niche: These are for collectors who prefer a static, museum-style display and appreciate the weight and artistry of a traditional sculpture.
5. LEGO Star Wars
LEGO offers a completely different but equally passionate avenue for Clone Wars collecting. It combines the joy of building with the thrill of collecting unique minifigures.
- Key Sets and Minifigures: Sets like the Republic Gunship (75309), the AT-TE Walker (75337), and various Jedi Starfighters are cornerstones. However, the true value for many collectors lies in the minifigures. A Phase II Captain Rex or Commander Cody minifigure can be incredibly valuable, sometimes selling for more than entire sets. The Ahsoka Tano minifigures, across her various appearances, are also highly sought after.
- The Appeal: LEGO is perfect for collectors of all ages and allows for massive army-building and creative diorama construction. The hunt for rare minifigures is a hobby in itself.
The Trinity: The Most In-Demand Characters
While the entire cast of The Clone Wars is beloved, three characters have ascended to the top tier of collectibility.
- Ahsoka Tano: No character defines the success of The Clone Wars more than Ahsoka. Her journey from Anakin’s snarky Padawan to a wise and powerful Force-wielder has resonated deeply with fans. Every new figure release, from Black Series to Hot Toys, is a major event. Her live-action appearances have only supercharged this demand.
- Captain Rex (CT-7567): The archetypal clone trooper. Rex’s loyalty, bravery, and individuality made him a fan-favorite. He represents the humanity at the heart of the clone army. His unique helmet markings and unwavering dedication to his Jedi generals make any figure of him an instant must-buy.
- Cad Bane: The coolest bounty hunter since Boba Fett. Cad Bane’s ruthless efficiency, Western-inspired design, and cunning intellect made him a formidable antagonist. His long-awaited live-action debut cemented his legendary status, making his figures highly desirable.
A Collector’s Strategy: Building Your Legion Wisely
- Define Your Mission: What is your goal? Are you an army builder focused on clone troopers? Do you want to collect the definitive version of your single favorite character? Or do you want a broad representation of the entire series? Having a focus will prevent impulse buys and create a more cohesive collection.
- Know Your Scales: Decide whether you prefer the vastness of the 3.75-inch TVC, the popular balance of the 6-inch Black Series, or the premium detail of the 1/6 scale Hot Toys. Sticking to one primary scale creates a more uniform and impressive display.
- The Pre-Order is Your Best Friend: For popular lines like Hot Toys and Black Series, pre-ordering is not a suggestion; it’s a necessity. This guarantees you get the figure at its original retail price and saves you from the inflated prices of the secondary market (the “aftermarket”).
- Master the Secondary Market: For older figures, you’ll need to navigate sites like eBay and local Facebook groups. Always check a seller’s feedback. Use resources like ActionFigure411 to track the current market value of Black Series figures so you know if you’re getting a fair price.
- Patience, Padawan: Don’t get discouraged by high aftermarket prices. Hasbro, in particular, has become very good at re-releasing popular characters in new “archive” waves or deluxe sets. Sometimes, waiting is the smartest (and cheapest) strategy.
A Legacy Forged in Plastic
Star Wars: The Clone Wars has transcended its origins to become one of the most vital and beloved parts of the entire saga. The collecting scene mirrors this incredible journey. It is a vibrant, passionate community fueled by a deep appreciation for the characters and stories that defined a generation of Star Wars fans.
Whether you are assembling a legion of 501st troopers to stand with their Hot Toys Captain Rex, creating a dynamic battle scene with your Vintage Collection Gunship, or simply placing a single Black Series Ahsoka Tano on your desk, you are participating in this legacy. In 2025, the call to “begin clone sourcing” is stronger than ever. Choose your line, pick your character, and build the collection that brings you joy. For the Republic!