Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,393: R5-X2

R5-X2 Remote Control
The Legacy Collection (US Target Exclusive, pictured), 30th Anniversary Collection (Japan Wide Release/StarWarsShop.com exclusive)
Item No.: Asst. 89051 No. 87849
Manufacturer: Hasbro (US), Tomy (Japan)
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber remote
Action Feature: Beeps, moves, lights up
Retail: $16.99 (US), $20 (Japan)
Availability: 2009 (US), 2005 (Japan)
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: R5-X2 was an astromech droid from the R5-series. He belonged to Jabba the Hutt, and was used to calculate betting odds at podraces. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam's desk.

Commentary: Astromech droids are a repaint fans can get behind-- particularly when they belong to a gangster. R5-X2 was one of Jabba's possessions, and based on a mold of a Japanese remote control R5-D4. Since the basic design of the body was done in 2005, you'll note it may seem primitive given how far our droid figures have come. The wiring is tied right to the feet, the panels are a little less remarkable, and the proportions are a little off. The head design doesn't quite match the movie, as some prequel R5 units had different looking heads than the other films. Basically, Tomy (and Hasbro) did what made sense financially: take R5-D4 and give it the best R5-X2 paint job that was sensible at the time. For the purposes of displays or dioramas, it certainly meets the mark of "good enough" but if Hasbro felt like using a more modern Droid body and a new head, it could be slightly improved-- but this one has a little remote control, and it beeps, and it moves. Any imperfections in authenticity can be forgiven if a toy is really fun, and these RC droids are a blast. Some collectors love them, some hate them, but I think it's safe to say every Star Wars fan you know should get a chance to play with one, or keep one on their desk at work. They're really nice toys, if the price isn't a big issue for you.

Collector's Notes: This assortment seemed to come and go, depending on who you asked, it may or may not be hard to get. eBay's prices don't make it obvious what the reality was, because some go for about what they cost at retail, and some command a slight premium. Since this is the only R5-X2 figure from Hasbro so far, it's not like you have an alternative yet. The Japanese release is still available at StarWarsShop.com for $19.99 at press time.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,393: October 15, 2010