A Tale of Two Captains: The Curious Case of The Vintage Collection VC-210

From the Archives of the Galactic Collector’s Guild, 7 ABY

Greetings, fellow collectors across the galaxy! Today we’re diving into a fascinating saga that unfolded not in a galaxy far, far away, but right here in our own collecting universe. This is the tale of Clone Captain Howzer and his mysterious alter ego, Clone Captain Ballast – a story of mistaken identity that has created one of the most intriguing variants in The Vintage Collection line.

The Mystery of VC-210

The Empire keeps meticulous records, but even Imperial archivists would be puzzled by the case of VC-210. As many loyal subjects of the collecting empire know, Hasbro’s The Vintage Collection (TVC) honors the legacy of the original Kenner line with its vintage-inspired packaging and detailed 3.75-inch scale figures. Each figure receives a unique VC number – a designation that follows the figure throughout its production lifecycle.

But what happens when a trooper reports for duty under the wrong name? That’s exactly what occurred with our loyal Clone Captain.

Clone Captain “Ballast”: The Phantom Identity

In 2021, the clone trooper designated VC-210 first appeared as part of an Amazon exclusive 4-pack featuring characters from the animated series “The Bad Batch.” The packaging proudly proclaimed this yellow-marked clone trooper to be “Clone Captain Ballast.”

Collectors quickly mobilized their intelligence networks, searching frantically through episodes of “The Bad Batch” for any mention of this Captain Ballast. Their reconnaissance missions came up empty. The truth was revealed – “Ballast” was merely a placeholder name that had somehow made it to final production.

This wasn’t the first time Imperial quality control had suffered such a lapse. As veteran collectors know, the Empire’s manufacturing division has occasionally released products with preliminary names or designs – creating what we collectors value as rare variants.

Clone Captain Howzer: The True Identity Emerges

By the time the dust settled on Kamino, the truth had been uncovered. The clone officer with distinctive yellow markings who appeared in “The Bad Batch” was actually named Captain Howzer – a loyal clone who struggled with Order 66 and showed compassion toward the people of Ryloth.

In 2023, Hasbro issued a correction worthy of an Imperial decree. The same exact figure – same mold, same accessories, same paint applications – was released as a single-carded figure with the proper designation: “Clone Captain Howzer.”

The Technical Specifications

For those maintaining detailed records in their collecting databases:

• Designation: VC-210

• Scale: 3.75-inch (1:18)

• Articulation: 14 points of articulation

• Accessories: DC-15 blaster rifle, DC-15S blaster carbine, removable helmet

• Distinctive Features: Yellow/orange markings on white Phase II clone armor, unique helmet design, rank insignia

The Collector’s Conundrum

What makes this case particularly fascinating is that both versions of VC-210 are physically identical. The difference exists purely in the cardback and the name. This creates an interesting philosophical question that would challenge even the Jedi Council: If two figures are molecularly identical but have different names, are they truly different figures?

For mint-in-package collectors, the answer is undoubtedly “yes” – these represent two distinct collectibles. For those who free their figures from carbonite (or plastic), the distinction is more academic.

Market Intelligence Report

Intelligence gathered from across the collecting galaxy indicates that the “Ballast” version, being both incorrect and part of a more limited Amazon exclusive set, commands a higher price on the secondary market. Such is the way of our collecting ecosystem – mistakes and variants often become the most sought-after treasures.

Closing Transmission

Whether you serve the collecting Empire with a sealed collection or you allow your figures to roam free in elaborate displays, the tale of VC-210 reminds us why this hobby continues to captivate us. It’s these small quirks, these production oddities, that add richness to our collecting journey.

Remember, in collecting as in the Force, there is always balance. For every perfectly executed figure, there is an equal and opposite production error that becomes tomorrow’s grail.

Until our next transmission, may your shelves remain sturdy and your wallet plentiful.

This is the way.