Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,640: R4 Astromech (Color-Changing Droids, Droid Factory, Galaxy's Edge)

R4 ASTROMECH Color-Changing Droids
Star Wars Disney Droid Depot
Item No.: No. ???
Manufacturer: Disney
Number: n/a
Includes: 4 droids - CZ, 3PO, R4, BB
Action Feature: Pops apart, changes from white to orange
Retail: $39.99
Availability: ca. July 2019
Appearances: n/a

Bio: All different types of Astromech droids populate the galaxy.  Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors.  These droids have the special ability to change color!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: More indie than indie toys, the R4 Astromech droid is a marvel.  Really!  I had it in the fridge before opening it, a few days later I took it out of the box.  When cold, the same-as-it-ever-was droid mold is black and silver like R4-I9 or similar creations.  When heated, it's green with a white body not unlike R4-J1.  Neither is an exact match, but you get the rough idea as to the flavors of the two modes.  The dome and legs all pop off, the articulation is fine as always.  You know what to expect here.

What really struck me is how the heat from my fingers made the once-black droid look like the paint was dripping off of it. Parts of it looked like it was soaked in oil or covered in sludge, too.  The gradual and random patina my hands put on this figure is positively stunning, giving fans a sort of "damage" or "worn look" that's unique every time you play with it.  I am not unimpressed here - this could've been $20 and while you would likely have turned your nose up at it, it is 100% worth it.  The contrast is so great that you can't ignore what a dramatic transition takes place between the "cold" and "hot" elements.

Either mode looks good, but that gritty in-between one if the best.  Fight me.   I still love the green trim around the bottom of the feet, the silver bands and box around the eye look great, but that transitionary state between black and silver plus green and white is just the best.   It's not based on any specific movie thing, but as toys go this is one of the more fun figures I've bought in a while.  I like futzing with it, and if you dig color-change I bet you will too.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from my pal Shannon. Thanks Shannon!  There are 2 droid 4-packs and 1 droid playset with a Gonk Droid at this time.  "Warm" colors on the droids are their movie-like state.  "Cold" colors tend to be a lot stranger.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,640: November 21, 2019