Figure of the Day: Day 1,465: Magnaguard

MAGNAGUARD General Grievous Bodyguard Droid
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 93821
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #CW49
Includes: Staff, energy bolts, cape
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: March 2010
Appearances: The Clone Wars TV series

Bio: IG series 100 MagnaGuards are General Grievous' personal bodyguards. These warrior droids have been trained by the cyborg general to make them exceptionally agile fighters, even against the Jedi. Their primary weapon is a powerful electrostaff. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' former back yard.

Commentary: This is a good one. In early 2009, Hasbro released a version of this figure with fewer accessories and less articulation. The 2010 Magnaguard builds on the charm of the previous model, adding in additional leg articulation which was sorely lacking in the previous version while retaining the same basic sculpt. The cloth cape is a nice touch too, but what fans really seemed to want were the added knee joints and enhanced hip articulation. If you only get one cartoon-style Magnaguard figure, this is the better engineered of the two, although I would say the previous gunmetal deco looked cooler.

Given the need of the line to have more villains, you owe it to yourself to track down one or more of these and crack 'em open. Unfortunately, this proved difficult as this particular Magnaguard was in the final "2009-style" packaging, which came and went pretty quickly in most markets. If you're a stickler for articulation, Hasbro managed to cram in more of what you like on this figure, which should mean less of a hassle getting him into most vehicles. (Again, a plus.) It's worth noting that this figure's head has a hood sculpted over it as well, which really does set it apart nicely from the previous model. If Hasbro decided to redeco this mold in the other color, I'd certainly pick up one or six.

Collector's Notes: At press time, it is extremely unlikely that you will find this figure for under $10. As such, prepare to wait, buy it in a lot of figures, or just shell out and call it a day.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,465: January 25, 2011