Figure of the Day: Day 1,023: C-3PO

C-3PO Protocol Droid
Saga Collection 1 Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84856
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0204
Includes: Box, 8 removable panels
Action Feature: Removable plating
Retail: $4.99
Availability: March 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones unfilmed scene

Bio: Built but left unfinished by Anakin Skywalker ten years earlier, C-3PO longs to be fully assembled. While living with Cliegg Lars and his family on a moisture farm near Mos Eisley on the planet Tatooine, C-3PO finally receives his first outer casing when he is visited by Anakin and Padmé. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's Kashyyyk insert from a Galactic Heroes set.

Commentary: Sometimes shooting schedules and the editing rooms can be a problem. Figures are developed months in advance of the final cut of a film at times, and this C-3PO comes from a scene that simply could not have taken place in the final cut as the fussy droid was fully assembled before Anakin showed up on Tatooine. Still, that doesn't mean you don't have a decent figure here. Hasbro modified the basic sculpt of its 1999 Episode I C-3PO to add some bits of plating and a lot of holes. These holes hold the new plating comfortably, making this one of few "quick-change"-style figures to come out of Kenner/Hasbro over the years that not only works, but works well. It's a pity that it didn't end up being from an actual scene of the film.

Our not-yet-golden hero has the basic six points of articulation and, for the most part, looks pretty great. The deco is good on the paneling, but under these faux armor chunks he's pretty plain-- the amazing wire paint job we saw on the original prequel release simply is not present. He still has a fair amount of personality and this is a good figure for anyone who considers themselves a droid fan, or someone who likes droid factory type setups. After all, he's essentially an unfinished droid and a pile of parts-- this is a nice release for kids or the droid collector. Yes, even if you have 12 other C-3POs-- none of them can do what this figure can do.

Collector's Notes: A one-timer, this figure will likely not see release again due to it being an unintentional deleted scene figure.

Day 1,023: May 15, 2009