Figure of the Day: Day 96: R4-M9

R4-M9
The Power of the Jedi Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84666
Number: n/a
Includes: MSE Droid
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2001/Early 2002
Appearances: Star Wars


Bio: R4-M9 is a standard multiple-use droid used to control and repair vehicles and computers. An Industrial Automaton R4 astromech droid, R4-M9 was stationed on the Star Destroyer Devastator and used by the Empire to search the computer banks of the Rebel Blockade Runner Tantive IV, in order to find data on the stolen plans for the first Death Star. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: As one of two figures with the name, R4-M9 can be had in this version and a teal Star Tours flavor. This version is designed on the opening shots of Star Wars, although a nearly identical droid without the vertical stripes appears in the Rebel hangar on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. This figure has an articulated dome, legs, "feet," and a retractable third leg as well as a light-up eyeport. Thanks to the coloring, the eye typically looks dark or black, and the top of the dome doesn't stand out as being awkwardly colored. All in all, it's a fantastic design using the best generic astromech body up until the R4-G9 mold became available. With the accessory MSE droid, this is a fantastic set well worth purchasing.

Collector's Notes: When buying R4-M9, be sure it's the Star Tours or the Power of the Jedi release-- only the latter has the Mouse Droid, and they have unique colors. This figure was recolored as R4-A22 (Entertainment Earth exclusive), R4-E1 (Entertainment Earth exclusive), and R4-I9 (Toys "R" Us Exclusive). If you like droids, there's quite a selection of Astromechs to be had!

Day 96: August 10, 2006