darklordoftech said:

http://boards.theforce.net/threads/rebels-stylized-stormtroopers-inspired-by-1977-1979-action-figure-comics.50018390/

This is an interesting observation.

A tip of the hat to the Carmine Infantino run of the Marvel Book? Mr. Infantino passed away last year.

I think it's likely the action figures and toys could have been used as a artist reference back then, as you could put them in angles not seen in the material they got from Lucasfilm. The Kenner Imperial Troop Transporter even made an appearance.

Sucks to be the guys riding in the buckets though. Some pesky rebel starts shooting at you, and you can't even duck. And forget about pit stops. ;)

Hopefully, Rebels will solve the mystery of how troopers actually get in and out of those things.