Figure of the Day: Day 104: R2-M5

R2-M5 Astromech Droids Series #2
Saga Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87055 No. 87057
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: Turn the figure's head, and the third leg retracts/extends
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: Loyally serves the Naboo royalty. (Taken from the figure's box. Short, ain't it?)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: You want droids? You got droids. I've always got a kick out of robot toys, so when given the chance to make figures like R2-M5, even though I'm still not entirely sure if that's the correct name for him as he'd also been identified as R2-D1 elsewhere, well, how could I say no? As one of the many droids from the prequels, this guy is basically little more than R2-D2, but where he's blue, now he's red. There are a few other panel lines and details drawn in, but this repainted R4-G9 mold tends to work really well as everyone's basic astromech unit.

There's not a lot you can do with an R2 unit toy as far as articulation, but this figure manages to cram in everything you could hope for at this scale. It sports a rotating dome, articulated feet, and articulated legs. I suppose you could articulate the holographic projector, but at this 3 3/4-inch scale, that seems a little unrealistic. The figure also has wheels so he can roll instead of the traditional foot holes on most figures, as R2-M5 really has no use for a display stand.

Collector's Notes: This figure (and the whole droid pack series) caused a bunch of arguments, although not the ones I expected. A few minor details on each figure were incorrect, but most of the complaints/concerns came from a) where the figure appeared in the movies and b) how we had the audacity to release figures as repaints of R4-G9 and not using the "superior" molds for R2-R9 or R2-Q5. In the case of this droid, he appears in a lot of publicity photographs (which is why I wanted to have one) as well as the hangar on Naboo and in images of the Queen's starship. And, of course, you can use your imagination and use him in any situation you wish.

Day 104: August 18, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 103: Sandtrooper

SANDTROOPER Escape from Mos Eisley
Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 86830
Number: 037
Includes: Shoulder pauldron, blaster, backpack, detonator, prod, display stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: May 2006
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Jedi mind tricks often work on the weak-minded. Such is the case when a sqaud of sandtroopers ask Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi about the two droids he's escorting in a landspeeder. Obi-Wan makes short work of these sandtroopers, and they conclude that "these aren't the droids we're looking for." Luke Skywalker is amazed at Obi-Wan's ability to easily fool their pursuers. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: Fans love troopers, so Hasbro made a new Sandtrooper by taking the 2004 Vintage Stormtrooper, retooling the back, and giving it new accessories. As such, it's not entirely authentic to the film (different lenses on the helmet, for example) but it's darned good and for many fans, a dirty Stormtrooper is better than no Stormtrooper at all. With a full range of articulation (14 points), a holster, and removable accessories on its back, this is an excellent figure-- it even has a Dewback prod!

Easily customized for other ranks, this figure is a fan favorite and can be displayed in a variety of ways. Just switch shoulder pads, or perhaps change up the weapons, and it's like your duplicate figures turn into a unique army in no time. All you need, of course, are other troopers to use and swap parts from. The only thing this figure has going against it is the unusual dirt patterns which really don't look particularly natural. Still, it's a minor flaw all things considered.

Collector's Notes: While similar to the "Evolutions" Sandtrooper figures, there are significant differences in the sculpts, from the helmets to the waist articulation. This figure is, as mentioned above, based on a Stormtrooper and not a wholly (or at least mostly) original sculpt, as other Sandtroopers have been in the past. Numerous figures were buying this figure in absence of real Stormtroopers and painting them to be plain white, showing that there's a real unfilled demand for the basic white shocktrooper of the Empire.

Day 103: August 17, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 102: Death Star Droid

DEATH STAR DROID with Mouse Droid
Power of the Force Collection 3 Fan Club Exclusive, Toys "R" Us Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69705 No. 69862
Number: n/a
Includes: Mouse Droid, Freeze Frame Action Slide
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $1.97-$19.99
Availability: Fall 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: A Death Star Droid approaches what appears to be a routine prisoner relocation. The two stormtroopers are actually Han Solo and Luke Skywalker conspiring to rescue the imprisoned Princess Leia. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Nothing really annoyed fans as much as the decision to make the final 4 figures of 1998 (at the time, figures many assumed to be the end of the POTF2 line) exclusive to the Fan Club, especially seeing as it meant a price hike of $4 per figure in addition to limited distribution. The Death Star Droid was a figure many fans loved to see, especially seeing as it was the first-ever black protocol droid, and the finest figure of 5D6-RA-7 ever. The MSE droid was a nice touch, too.

With six points of articulation, the figure was typical for its day. It seems to have aged well and looks great next to most modern figures, despite being mostly one color and a fairly simplistic sculpt. Its accessory, the MSE droid, is hollow and has wheels that are merely for looks, so don't expect it to do much rolling.

Collector's Notes: Initially, this figure was announced to be part of the main line. Due to (alleged) low orders from the major toy chains, the item was removed from main line distribution in the USA and became a Fan Club exclusive. Internationally, this item was a main line item. In the year 2000, the item eventually found its way to retail as part of the legendary Toys "R" Us blowouts for a mere $1.97, along with Fan Club exclusives Pote Snitkin, Hoth Leia, the AT-AT Driver, and Wuher. The mold was reused for the Sandcrawler Droid in 2004.

Day 102: August 16, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 101: R3-T6

R3-T6 Astromech Droids Series #1
Saga Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87055 No. 87056
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Calculates hyperspace coordinates for the Empire. Does not survive the assault on the first Death Star. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: In 2005, I was granted an opportunity to help develop an exclusive, which is an anecdote I'll probably keep repeating until I die. One of many figures I've always wanted to see was R3-T6, a tiny, clear-domed droid in the service of the Empire aboard the first Death Star. As I've felt Hasbro doesn't make enough Imperial toys*, this was one of a few droids at the top of my list for production. He's based on the existing R3-T7 body (2002 Sneak Preview figure), and is exclusive to a 5-pack. He has a retractable third leg as well as articulated feet, legs, and of course, a rotating dome.

This figure is mostly there for droid fans, and for fans who need more figures for their Death Star dioramas. That, and it's rare to see an Imperial Astromech that isn't mostly black-- it's refreshing, isn't it? The figure is very much "what you see is what you get" and is fairly faithful to the props used on film. As its dome is virtually unpainted, it's a fantastic figure for customizing, and of course, for getting a good clean look inside its head.

Collector's Notes: At this time, this figure is still available from Entertainment Earth. Those uninterested in buying the 5-pack would be well-served to go to eBay, as fans break up the set and sell the figure for a few dollars. (In R3-T6's case, $5 or less before shipping.) The R3-T7 (light green with lightning bolts) mold was not only used for R3-T6, but also R3-A2 (orange, Toys "R" Us exclusive) and R3-Y2 (dark green, EE exclusive).

Day 101: August 15, 2006

* - This is no fault of Hasbro's. Much like aliens from Jabba's Palace, one can never have enough Imperial toys.

Figure of the Day: Day 100: Carnor Jax

CARNOR JAX Crimson Empire
Expanded Universe Internet Exclusive (EntertainmentEarth.com, ShopStarWars.com, HasbroToyShop.com)
Item No.: No. 87264
Number: 1
Includes: Staff, blaster, removable cape, removable helmet
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: September 2006
Appearances: Crimson Empire

Bio: Carnor Jax was a Royal Guard and aspiring Sith Lord who made a bid for the vacant Imperial throne. With his master, the self-proclaimed Dark Lady of the Sith Lumiya, Carnor Jax was responsible for the failure of the last of the reborn Palpatine's clone bodies and the extermination of the Prophets of the Dark Side. (Taken from Wookieepedia. [I have yet to see the final packaging for bio information.])

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray. It should be noted that this is an advance sample, although I've been told that this loaner is more or less final product.

Commentary: Hasbro's newfound commitment to the Expanded Universe begins (again) here. The Kir Kanos and Carnor Jax 2-pack is the first in a series of 2-packs that each feature a comic book and two action figures for a decent price. This particular figure fulfills a common fan request: that Hasbro convert a Royal Guard into the characters from the Crimson Empire comic books. While fans largely expected a minor tweak to the neck and a new head, it was a little surprising just how much actual new work Hasbro put in to the creation of this figure (and its sibling, Kir Kanos, which is pretty much the same figure except the paint and head.)




So, Carnor Jax. This figure takes the upper shoulders, lower legs, and upper legs from the 2005 Royal Guard figures, and adds an all-new torso, an all-new crotch, an all-new head, and all-new hands. Oh, and the small Biker Scout pistol? That's recycled. But the helmet is new, as is the double-bladed Force Pike. While the body looks like the same as the old one at first, if you look at the figure's back, it's quite different than the old one. For example the 2005 guards have an armored back, and these two figures have a back that's rather plain. The armor has been retooled on the front as well, but it's subtle-- similar, yet different enough. His face has a subtle sneer on it, and as far as I know this is the first time we've seen Carnor Jax out of his helmet without being dead. (Yeah yeah, spoiler alert.)

The good news about this figure? It's more new than old. New capes, new heads, new everything. The bad news is that the retooled body restricts one of the points of articulation. Sadly, the figures are no longer moveable at the waist. The neck has a ball joint, though, and you can get the figures to assume a number of battle-ready poses. The articulation's almost just as good as the Royal Guard's last year, and they're a lot of fun. The cape is easily removable, and it's nice to have another Sith Lord of sorts in the toy line, even if he doesn't have a lightsaber or isn't named "Darth."

Collector's Notes: The figure presented (and reviewed here) was an advance sample that you may have seen in San Diego in July. There may be some minor changes between this and the final release, but hey, it's worth previewing here I'd say. It should be available online next month, but preorders are available now and if you like Expanded Universe offerings, you might want to buy this one. Solidarity.

And I should also point out that the visor does NOT look pink in person, nor does the cloak appear to have a heavy red tint.

Day 100: August 14, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 99: Super Battle Droid

SUPER BATTLE DROID Droid Army
Clone Wars Deluxe Figures Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84845 No. 84992
Number: n/a
Includes: Packaged with red Battle Droid, Destroyer Droid figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones, Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Battle Droids are produced in massive foundries on Geonosis. Despite a treaty forbidding the expansion of those armies, Geonosian foundries are currently running at maximum capacity, with thousands more battle droids secretly massing on Geonosis. Destroyer Droids, also known as droidekas, are engineered specifically as mobile machines of destruction, capable of eliminating practically any opposition. They roll into battle in the shape of a wheel, then unfold to full-standing combat stance for assault. Super Battle Droids operate independently rather than in groups, making them stronger, more efficient models of technological weaponry. (Taken from the set's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy hole.

Commentary: In 2003, it hit Hasbro-- it's time to put out low-cost army building packs! For a mere ten bucks, you could get this Droid Army set with a Super Battle Droid. This newly sculpted figure had all sorts of dents and dings, and four points of articulation. Given the droid's design, it's a pretty solid figure for the price, it's a more solid design than some other Super Battle Droid figures and its unique pose is a great addition to any diorama. The grit and dirt looks great, and the overall design makes this one of the best (if not best) action feature-free versions of this particular piece of separatist weaponry. As seen in the image, a display stand helps a lot, which does speak of the chief design flaw of this toy-- he falls over. If you can get past that, though, the final product is quite good and his other two brothers in the set are pretty great too. Why not get one? It's worth your while.

Collector's Notes: There's not a lot to say about this. It shows Hasbro's progress in refining this design by adding "flaws" to the armor, and even with its limited articulation it just looks so gosh darn good that this item, formerly part of a pegwarming set in many markets, should be a must-own collector's figure. The entire set can be had for as little as its original retail price, about ten dollars, if you shop around-- like many Clone Wars items, most collectors have gravitated toward this Expanded Universe release and its popularity is causing it to actually be worth something. Unlike pretty much everything else from 1995-2005.

Day 99: August 13, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 98: Padmé Amidala (Lars Homestead)

PADMÉ AMIDALA Lars Homestead
Saga Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84843
Number: 0336
Includes: Cloak, display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99-$5.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: While being guarded by Anakin Skywalker after attempts were made on her life, Padmé accompanies Anakin to Tatooine on a mission to rescue his mother. Tormented by nightmares, Anakin decides he can wait no longer to go to her aid, and Padmé chooses to stay by his side, even if it means going against the decisions of the Jedi Council who are trying to ensure her safety. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy hole.

Commentary: With the advent of the ball-jointed neck, figures like this Padmé Amidala had new and interesting features that could really only be exploited by popping off their heads. With a great sculpt and a colorful costume (as there isn't a whole lot of bright blue in Star Wars), this is a figure that makes a lot of fans happy, mostly because it shows a lot of skin, I presume. The figure has very limited articulation and upon its release, I commandeered her display base for Asajj Ventress. This version of the former queen can stand find with no added support, and as such, is a great figure. Except, like many complain, she's essentially a statue-- you buy her to look at her. She won't be sitting in any vehicles, nor will she be taking a seat at the bar. If your figures spend their lives on the shelf, this is a figure for you-- it looks great and does little. If you buy it in the package, take note: her cloak is packaged off to the side.

Collector's Notes: The tail end of 2003 was a nasty time and a lot of the figures were a little tough to get, including this version of Padmé. She hasn't been reissued and I think she's got the most defined midsection in the 3 3/4-inch action figure scale. As such, as a collector, she's worth snagging-- Padmé had a lot of great costumes in the second prequel and this one manages to give you two in one! Also take note at the neck on the cloak. The figure's cardback shows the neck clasp area separated, the actual production piece is fully connected. To date, I am not aware of a production change, it just seems Hasbro changed the production piece.

Day 98: August 12, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 97: Logray

EWOKS: Wicket & LOGRAY
The Power of the Force Collection 2; Original Trilogy Collection
Item No.: Asst. 69605 No. 69711; No. 34515
Number: n/a
Includes: Staff, hat, sash, Freeze Frame Action Slide (1998 only)
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99; $19.99
Availability: Spring 1998; Fall 2004
Appearances: Return of the Jedi



Bio: Logray and the Ewoks stand amazed as their newfound idol, protocol droid C-3PO, begins to "magically" levitate as Luke Skywalker uses the power of the Force. (Taken from the figure's cardback; 1998 release.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Upon its release in 1998, this set of Ewoks: Wicket & Logray was a little baffling. Wicket was huge, or Logray was too short. In 2006, it seems the jury is still out-- the newly released Chief Chirpa seems sized to match Logray nicely, but that means Wicket is gargantuan. But that would also mean Teebo is too big, meaning that in all seriousness, this set probably isn't sized to itself. The Logray figure by itself, though, is pretty great. His hat has decent paint, his articulation is fairly good, but he's a little too cute. The vintage figure from 1983 looked downright mean in comparison, this one better matches the image on the packaging but could stand a little more... true grit? Also, the pointy ears are interesting as it seems that they are not quite so elvish in the movies or on any of the previous toys from over the years.

Collector's Notes: The figure was rereleased in the Endor Ambush gift pack at Toys "R" Us in 2004. As far as I can tell there are no significant changes. Ewok fans, take note: so far in the modern line Hasbro has revisited Logray, Wicket, Teebo, Chief Chirpa, and Paploo, leaving Warok, Romba, and Lumat as of yet un-remade.

Day 97: August 11, 2006

Figure of the Day: Day 96: R4-M9

R4-M9
The Power of the Jedi Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84666
Number: n/a
Includes: MSE Droid
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2001/Early 2002
Appearances: Star Wars


Bio: R4-M9 is a standard multiple-use droid used to control and repair vehicles and computers. An Industrial Automaton R4 astromech droid, R4-M9 was stationed on the Star Destroyer Devastator and used by the Empire to search the computer banks of the Rebel Blockade Runner Tantive IV, in order to find data on the stolen plans for the first Death Star. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: As one of two figures with the name, R4-M9 can be had in this version and a teal Star Tours flavor. This version is designed on the opening shots of Star Wars, although a nearly identical droid without the vertical stripes appears in the Rebel hangar on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. This figure has an articulated dome, legs, "feet," and a retractable third leg as well as a light-up eyeport. Thanks to the coloring, the eye typically looks dark or black, and the top of the dome doesn't stand out as being awkwardly colored. All in all, it's a fantastic design using the best generic astromech body up until the R4-G9 mold became available. With the accessory MSE droid, this is a fantastic set well worth purchasing.

Collector's Notes: When buying R4-M9, be sure it's the Star Tours or the Power of the Jedi release-- only the latter has the Mouse Droid, and they have unique colors. This figure was recolored as R4-A22 (Entertainment Earth exclusive), R4-E1 (Entertainment Earth exclusive), and R4-I9 (Toys "R" Us Exclusive). If you like droids, there's quite a selection of Astromechs to be had!

Day 96: August 10, 2006