Figure of the Day: Day 223: R2-Q2

R2-Q2 Astromech Droids Series #1
Saga Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87055 No. 87056
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: Twist dome for retractable third leg
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Serves Biggs Darklighter during the Battle of Yavin and may be a double agent. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' 2006 Original Trilogy shelves.

Commentary: Of the many Astromech droids that were given life in 2006, this was one of the ones I enjoyed seeing the most. (And not just because I got to say "I want that one.") R2-Q2 was one of two droids I just had to get made as toys, and thankfully, I had the chance. (The other being R2-X2.) This particular droid is fun because, well, it was initially seeming like there were either two R2-Q2s or, like I wrote in the exclusive proposal, he's a spy/double agent. (And now it's on the packaging.) You can see droids that look like this figure on the Blockade Runner at the beginning of Star Wars and another, very similar one in Biggs' droid socket at the end of the film. I found a couple of very minor changes between their domes, but given the accuracy of some other Astromech figures, this would fall into an accuracy "margin of error" that I think most fans would consider acceptable and not requiring a second figure.

The figure itself is, like most Astromechs, a repaint. The figure is based on R4-G9, but is totally repainted in a dark grey and what can be best called very Oreo-like colors. With lights, highlights, panels, and other markings all over, this may be one of the most ornate droids in the entire line, and he doesn't even have battle damage. It may not have every little panel exactly like the film, but it's quite good and quite ornate.

Collector's Notes: At this time, this figure is still available from Entertainment Earth. Those uninterested in buying the 5-pack would be well-served to go to eBay, as fans break up the set and sell the figure for a few dollars. I love this figure. I think you should get one, or two. Easily one of the best looking Astromech droids in the whole line. This droid is packaged with R3-T2, R2-C4, R4-A22, and R3-T6.

Day 223: December 15, 2006