Figure of the Day: Day 1,053: R2-D2

R2-D2 Shield Generator Assault
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87779
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Energy bolts, Imperial Officer, Han Solo, Rebel Trooper in Scout Trooper disguise
Action Feature: Light-up eyeport, removable third leg, twist dome to raise or lower periscope
Retail: $19.99
Availability: August 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: The plucky astromech droid ignores blaster fire, focused totally on unlocking the bunker's blast doors, until a blaster shot disables him. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: For years I wondered why Hasbro never made R2-D2 repainted with energy bolts on his sides. Heck, they did pretty much that with a number of Transformers toys. Why were we being ignored while those people got a fancy repaint of Silverbolt with energy all over it?

It turns out that it was because Hasbro had a better idea-- sort of. The 37th (we estimate) reuse of the 2004 Vintage R2-D2 mold brings you a great figure, but now with snap-on energy bolts. The droid's third leg is still removable, but his body panels are glued down. R2-D2 has the same articulation you might expect, which means the dome, the ankles on the two outer legs, and the "shoulders." His deco is similar to other releases, but the dirt covers more of his body, creating a unique paint job for this figure when really all Hasbro had to do was make a good accessory.

And what an accessory it is, am I right folks? Not content to just add energy, Hasbro sculpted in tools and blasted-open panels, giving R2-D2 the appearance of having just been shot. The illusion basically works, the only real problem here is that the energy harness isn't a particularly snug fit. A few panels may be out of place, but from a decent distance it looks OK. Ideally Hasbro would create an all-new sculpt (or at least resculpt the body), but this is certainly better than what we had before its release. Which was, if you were keeping notes, absolutely nothing.

Collector's Notes: This same body has been used for multiple R2-D2s, including the 2004 Vintage release, the 2005 Early Bird release, the 2006 Hoth release, the 2007 Endor release, the 2009 Millennium Falcon Passengers Battle Pack, and so on and so forth. R2-R9 (2006-2007) was also created using this mold. The accessory included in this set is exclusive to it, at this time you won't see it sold elsewhere or individually. This adds to this particular Battle Pack's desirability, I'd suggest any of my Endor fans out there buy it.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,053: June 26, 2009