Why Imperial Storm Commandos Deserve More Attention in Star Wars Canon
Star Wars fans often wonder about the countless variants of stormtroopers seen in the movies, comics, and other forms of media. While the Disney Canon has brought its own share of new characters and units to the table, some fans yearn for a return to the rich and diverse universe of the prequel era. In particular, Imperial Storm Commandos, alongside their counterparts the Imperial Navy Commandos, stand out as a potential avenue for expansion in the Disney Canon. This article will explore the merits of bringing these units back into the spotlight.
Imperial Storm Commandos: Elite Trooper Units
The Imperial Storm Commandos were specialized units within the Imperial Stormtroopers, known for their elite training and leadership capabilities. They were the result of the transition from the Clone Wars to the Imperial Era, where the Republic's clone troopers began to take on new roles and identities.
As described in some of the expanded universe materials, these commandos were akin to the ARC (Assault Repackable Corps) troopers of the Clone Wars period. They possessed extensive combat experience and were often tasked with high-risk missions, such as piloting starfighters and commanding elite squads within the stormtrooper ranks.
The Divergence from the Disney Canon
While the Disney Canon has introduced several new and interesting stormtrooper variants, such as Snowtroopers, some fans argue that these do not capture the same level of depth and innovation seen in the prequel era. Snowtroopers, while visually striking, feel like a simplified and somewhat generic extension of the familiar white-armored trooper.
On the other hand, the Imperial Storm Commandos offer a more nuanced portrayal of the stormtrooper units. They were trained to adapt to various battlefield scenarios, which makes them better suited for complex operations and leadership roles. Their ability to transition from ground combat to space missions suggests a more multidisciplinary skill set, something that the Disney Canon might benefit from.
Imperial Navy Commandos: Elite Naval Commandos
A less talked about yet similarly intriguing unit is the Imperial Navy Commandos. These specialized naval commandos were the elite of the Imperial Navy, tasked with conducting high-stakes operations on capital ships and space stations. They were trained to operate in zero-gravity environments, making them invaluable for raiding and support missions requiring precision and speed.
The Imperial Navy Commandos share a common thread with the Storm Commandos: they are elite units trained to execute highly specialized and dangerous missions. Their unique training and equipment set them apart from their standard stormtrooper counterparts, offering a fresh perspective on how the Imperial military might operate in space.
The Inspiration from Expanded Universe (EU)
While the Imperial Storm Commandos and Imperial Navy Commandos have their roots in the Expanded Universe materials, their potential for integration into the Disney Canon cannot be overlooked. The Imperial Navy Commandos, for example, could provide an exciting new dimension to the space-based combat seen in Star Wars, while the Storm Commandos could bring back the sense of tactical complexity and strategic depth that was a hallmark of the prequel era.
Moreover, these units could serve as a means to introduce new characters and story arcs, potentially enriching the narrative and character development in the Disney Canon. They could be used to explore the dynamics between different branches of the Imperial military, as well as their interactions with the ongoing resistance movements and the remnants of the Old Republic.
Conclusion
The Imperial Storm Commandos and Imperial Navy Commandos represent a rich and untapped potential for the Disney Canon. While the introduction of new stormtrooper variants like the Snowtroopers may satisfy certain fan bases, they do not offer the same depth and innovation seen in the prequel era. By bringing these units back into the spotlight, the Disney Canon can provide a fresh and engaging perspective on the Imperial military.
Ultimately, the inclusion of these specialized units could enrich the overall Star Wars universe, offering fans a more nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion.