Why This Character Matters to Star Wars

Captain Rex personifies the humanity of the clone army—loyal, thoughtful, and ultimately independent of Palpatine’s control. His relationships with Ahsoka and Anakin anchor the emotional core of The Clone Wars and ripple forward into Rebels and beyond. Rex’s presence reframes clones as individuals rather than disposable soldiers.

Quick Facts

• Set: 2008 Topps Star Wars: The Clone Wars
• Card #: #6
• Why It’s a Rookie: First pack-pulled, mass-release Topps base card for Captain Rex.

About the Set

Topps 2008 Clone Wars 90-card base set tied to the animated launch; early flagship cardboard for Rex.

Design & Identification Guide

• Front: Animated still of Rex in Phase I armor; blue Clone Wars framing.
• Back: Story text; numbering and Topps/LCG marks.
• Tells: Centering bias and minor print ticks in dark armor seams.

Condition Sensitivity (What Kills Grades)

• Centering: Seek true 50/50; tilt is common.
• Corners/Edges: Lower tips prone to whitening; watch for micro-chipping.
• Surface: Light hairlines from handling/sorting.

Collector Tip: Prioritize centering/framing first, then the most eye-catching areas (nameplate/faces/helmets) before corners and surface.

Grading Notes (PSA / SGC / CGC)

• High grades require strong centering and crisp white tips.
• Crossovers: Minor snow can be judged differently by company.

Market Snapshot (Context, Not Advice)

• Clone fandom: Rex is a cornerstone commander character with steady PC demand.
• Premiums: Meaningful bump for well-centered 9s.

Collecting Strategies

1. Frame first; then loupe the white helmet edges for chips.
2. Avoid over-cleaning; re-gloss jobs stand out on this stock.

Parallels & Variations

• Foil — serial-numbered /205 (hobby ~1:24 packs).

Resources

• Base checklist (TCDB)
• PSA Pop Report — 2008 Clone Wars (set)