Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,649: Spider Assassin Droid

SPIDER ASSASSIN DROID Droid Attack on the Coronet
The Clone Wars Toys R Us Exclusive Set
Item No.: No. 32795
Number: n/a
Includes: Two clones, three mini spider droids, two blasters, three stands, cards
Action Feature: Head pops off to store mini-spiders
Retail: $24.99
Availability: September 2011
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: A spider assassin droid attacks clone troopers in the cargo hold of the Coronet. Duchess Satine is on board the ship, heading to Coruscant to meet with the Senate. The Mandalorian splinter group Death Watch, which wants the duchess out of the way, has sent a spider assassin droid to attack her. The deadly droid strikes two clones as assassin droid spawn slip away to carry out the treacherous mission. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' box of wires.

Commentary: One of the really cool things in the second season of The Clone Wars was the idea that we might see Mandalore and stuff on it in action. And then in the third season, we got to go see their school program. But before that, we were given cool things like this Spider Assassin Droid (or "assassin probe") which appeared in the middle segment of a three-parter which introduced the planet and its heavily armored army. Similar to Chameleon droids and the famous Probot, this mean figure is too big to fit in a normal blister card easily. It has eight legs, each of which has two (or three, depending on how you count) joints. It's a pretty simple toy, with a strong construction and so far it feels like it's actually a solid plaything. The little droid spawn can't can be stored inside its body, the top section of the head is actually removable. It's quite stiff, but the cap pops off just above the layer of orange eyes. Nice touch! The copyright and other information is stored in this interior compartment.

Due to the limited detail and light grey color palette, it feels almost like this Spider Assassin Droid is a product from a bygone era-- it feels like a real "vintage" toy (1980s) because it's so simple and well-constructed. You can pose its arms menacingly, attacking clones or stabbing at your favorite Jedi figures. I feel like I should be saying more, but there's not much to it. If you like what you see, it's a worthwhile purchase. My guess is I'll be a lot more excited about this item a year or so from now, as it fits the "it works" and "there's nothing bad about it" criteria which I hold up as the most important things a toy can have.

Collector's Notes: At $25 the set seems like a reasonable value. The set seems to be shipping in good order right now, so if you want it you can get it. The clones are repaints using the basic Stone construction (no ankles) without removable helmets, and the three teeny tiny droid spawn are candidates for the most likely to be lost extras of the decade. If it's on sale, grab it. At full price, it's still good enough to make me feel like I didn't get hosed. (Cough cough Death Star Trench Run.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,649: October 10, 2011