With the debut of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer yesterday, there’s some questions coming up from folks about the whole Clone Trooper thing from the prequels and how that doesn’t seem to be as much of a thing decades later. A lot of it has been discussed outside of the official continuity, but mostly they were just phased out over the years as the Empire drew in a lot of young men to its ranks to reinforce the local connections for the worlds it controlled. Before that happened though, we got to have a lot of Clone Troopers humanized through the prequel films and especially in the TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Check out the top ten “good guy” Clone Troopers in the video below with footage of those that are highlighted as well as the text breakdown of it.
10. Dogma
Leading the charge on our list is Dogma, a clone trooper known for his unquestioning loyalty. When General Krell goes on a dark-side-fueled rampage, Dogma pushes aside his blind trust and puts an end to the killings. It’s a difficult act for the trooper, and also a brave one.
9. Cody
Commander Cody is an expert tactician and one of the army’s most respected leaders. Among his many accomplishments: Cody helps stop a saboteur, and when negotiations with the Geonosian Queen fall apart, he settles matters in his own…unique way. No wonder Cody is Obi-Wan’s right hand clone.
8. Cut Lawquane
While clones are bred for combat, they’re not mindless killing machines. That’s a fact exemplified by Cut, a deserter who chooses farming and home life over war. Yet when the war comes to him, Cut proves to be a great shot — and willing to fight for what he believes in.
7. Waxer
Serving in Commander Cody’s Ghost company, Waxer is defined not by his fighting prowess, but his heart. On Ryloth, he reunites a lost Twi’lek girl with her family, and is later overcome with emotion after a battlefield tragedy. In many ways, Waxer is as brave as they come.
6. Gregor
Clone troopers are all formidable soldiers, but some reach another level of skill. Meet Gregor, an amnesiac who rediscovers his true self as an elite Republic Commando — one with expert aim, an awesome helmet, and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice.
5. 99
A malformed clone, 99 never sees active duty in the Clone Wars. But his wisdom is invaluable, and 99’s bravery during the invasion of Kamino proves that he’s a trooper 99 through and through.
4. Echo
Endearingly innocent and optimistic, Echo follows protocol and rules with a deep respect. He’s an all-around good soldier, playing key roles in the defense of Kamino and the retaking of Rishi Station, and works his way up to ARC Trooper.
3. Wolffe
Just because you’re a clone doesn’t mean you have to dress like one. Wolffe has probably the deepest wardrobe of any trooper, showing real individuality and style. He also plays a big part in many important events, from the fight against the Malevolence to the recovery of Syfo-Dyas’ lightsaber.
2. Fives
Of all the clone troopers, Fives stands apart for both his battlefield bravery and his integrity. He’s instrumental in saving Kamino from General Grievous’ forces, and later helps rescue a Jedi Master. But he’s also unafraid to do what’s right, no matter the cost; Fives is the first to question General Krell’s mad leadership, and perhaps most significantly, risks all to uncover a dark conspiracy.
1. Rex
He’s a mentor to Ahsoka Tano, a trusted ally of Anakin Skywalker, and the leader of the revered 501st Legion. Topping our list is Captain Rex, a veteran of clashes from Geonosis to the Citadel, and the quintessential clone trooper. Rex follows orders, but is inventive like no other on the battlefield — see his droid puppet show — and has a clanker count that’s hard to beat. He’s a natural leader, is loyal to his brothers, and has very cool customized armor. There’s no one else we’d want at our side in a foxhole — or a giant eel hole — and that’s why we think Rex is king of the clones.
