Figure of the Day: Day 1,108: R2-D2 with Datalink Accessories

R2-D2 with Datalink Accessories
Power of the Force Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 69570 No. 69831
Manufacturer: Kenner
Number: n/a
Includes: Freeze Frame slide, claw arm, saw arm
Action Feature: Pop-up sensorscope, plug-in arms, retractable data arm
Retail: $5.99
Availability: Summer 1998
Appearances: Star Wars

Image: Standing in front of one of my oldest friends' "save the date" postcard. He got married over the past weekend. Happy marital relations, Michael!

Bio: Inside the Imperial Death Star, R2-D2 uses one of his many mechanical assets to rescue his Rebel companions from certain death within a rapidly closing trash compactor. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: In 1998, Kenner decided it was time to start a trend which is now extremely common and expected: "improvements." This R2-D2 was only the second version of the figure released at the time, which is pretty stunning if you think about that between 1995 and 1998, we only got two. Nowadays, we get at least one new version every year between the basic carded assortments and the various battle packs. The action features introduced here were pretty awesome at the time, and I'd argue they're still pretty excellent. The most obvious one is the sensorscope-- press a button, and it pops up. It's a big improvement over the 1982 version, which required you to use your fingernail to pry the thing up a fraction of an inch.

The next feature of note is the datalink arm. This built-in appendage would extend as you rotate the figure's dome, allowing the droid to "hack" into Imperial targets. How cool is that? And how come it took 21 years? Ah well. It's a great addition, and one that was reintroduced with the second-ever animated R2-D2 in 2008. The figure also sports a socket in which to plug other accessories, so as long as you didn't lose them you could have R2-D2 saw his way out of a net or grab something with a small claw. Again, these were really clever and simple ideas which gave a figure with no new costume changes a second lease on life/sales. This was before Hasbro realized you could add some white, blue, green, or red to his feet and say "hey kids, it's the Endor one!"

Of course, I haven't even discussed the figure itself. This was interesting because it altered the perception of the droid in a big way by shrinking him down ever so slightly from the 1995 release, which some fans thought was the proper size. Scale has always been an issue in this line, and this figure kicked up additional questions as to just how big the figure should be. It's pretty close. The sculpt itself isn't a huge improvement over the 1995 release, but it is a little more subtle, the proportions are slightly better, and it dropped the third leg since the various internal mechanisms ate up the space needed for such an appendage. (This was before Hasbro decided you could just make it removable.) Overlal this was a great figure to get in its day, and fans were mostly excited to get a new and improved version of Artoo. Of course, nobody knew that new revisions would be an annual thing, if not more frequent, as pop-up lightsaber, Holographic Leia, and booster rocket versions of R2-D2 would all be released within a year following this figure's release.

Collector's Notes: This figure's mold was never reused to create other droids, nor was it reissued. But not to worry, there's like 25 other R2-D2s, most of which are based on the "vintage" 2004 mold. The "vintage" version is arguably the best new interpretation of the gizmos and accessories introduced on this nifty, but now outdated, release.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,108: September 11, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,107: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Starfighter Pilot, Attack of the Clones)

OBI-WAN KENOBI Jedi Starfighter Pilot
Saga Collection 1
Item No.: Asst. 84851 No. 84860
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0236
Includes: Lightsaber, cloak, binoculars, dish, dish stand
Action Feature: Dish plugs into Jedi starfighter, lightsaber-slashing attack
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Fall 2002
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Obi-Wan Kenobi is sent to Kamino by the Jedi Council to discover who is behind an assassination attempt. Piloting the Jedi Starfighter, Obi-Wan discovers an industrial facility in which a stunning cultivation is underway - one that may decide the fate of the encroaching civil war. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: Looking back on some figures in this column brings both feelings of delight and frustration. This Obi-Wan Kenobi figure in particular does both, showing us just how much more stuff Hasbro gave us with a figure at a lower price just a few short years ago. The figure itself will likely not impress you by current standards, The sculpt is pretty good, and the likeness was one of the better ones in 2002. The figure's look turned out pretty nicely, and this was despite having a seemingly completely unnecessary action feature. If you pressed a button on the back of his belt, he'd slash his lightsaber with both hands. He also had a magnet for holding the weapon, which I really liked, but I'm a sucker for magnet-based play features. Were it not for the headgear communications equipment, this would probably have been one of the better-overall Obi-Wan figures to come out of the second prequel. The non-removable gear may be an eyesore, but Hasbro found a way around that with a head swap a few years later.

As far as accessories and toy synergy goes, this figure impresses. Not only does it include a cloth cloak, but it sports a radar dish which plugs into a hole on the Jedi Starfighter released months earlier. There's also a stand for the dish if you don't have the ship, and a really tiny pair of binoculars. Like, it's so small, you'll probably lose it and forget you had it in the first place. Obi-Wan can't exactly look through them due to his limited articulation, but at least he has no problem swinging his lightsaber. The most interesting extra in this set was, to me, that dish. In 2002 Hasbro spent a lot of time designing its toys to connect to other toys-- playsets connected to deluxe figures, and figure accessories plugged into ships. It was a good idea. Despite having released multiple Jedi Starfighters over the years, this was the only instance of the radar dish seeing release. So you can't exactly easily deck out your armada with the accessory if you wanted to, but absolutely no fans seemed to care about this fact. It's interesting to see what does and doesn't set us off as a group, as we were crazy about Republic Gunship gun pods, but the dish? Total indifference. (I thought it was cool.)

Collector's Notes: This figure was essentially a one-timer, it was repackaged as a Kay-Bee exclusive with the Jedi Starfighter shortly after its release with no changes. In 2005, the body was recycled with a new head to make a less piloty Obi-Wan in the Jedi vs. Separatists Battle Pack.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,107: September 10, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,106: Ak-Rev

AK-REV with drum
The Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87677
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #BD05
Includes: Drum half, drum stick
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Ak-Rev is one of the drummers in the band that provides musical entertainment for Jabba in the Hutt’s palace court. The Weequay’s serious demeanor hides an angry nature; he’s always ready for a fight. Along with fellow drummer Umpass-stay, Ak-rev survives the debacle at the Pit of Carkoon. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: I like to think that Ak-Rev is a sign that fans are really, really gullible. In 2007, Hasbro released Umpass-Stay, a drummer with only one half of the drum. Fans asked Hasbro when the companion would come out, Hasbro remained coy, and fans on the forums actually went along with it. Do you people really think Hasbro would only release half of an accessory and never finish the job or say something like "just buy two?" Geez. Whatever, man.

Hasbro left knees off of this one, but failing that, there are 12 joints here to allow for a number of musical poses. The body itself has a lot of detail on it, but the neck seems a little too prominent and the resulting figure looks a little goofy. It's a very colorful figure with exceedingly bright eyes, but as a background character, you can't go wrong really. Take a look at the shoulder pads, the fringe, and the striped shirt and tell me that this guy wouldn't make a good pirate or, perhaps, a refugee from the Renaissance Faire. Still, Jabba's Palace aliens are few and far between so overall I have to say that this is a pretty good figure. Since it's not from the original cut of the film, nor is it perfect, I'd say that it isn't a must-buy unless you want the entire band and a complete drum. I would rank it as "good enough"-- better than no Ak-Rev, but hardly an impressive release compared to the other figures that shipped with him around the same time.

Collector's Notes: This one seemed to sell OK in some markets and slower in others. By now he's generally worked his way through the system, so you aren't too likely to stumble on him.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,106: September 9, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,105: Luke Skywalker (Dark Empire II)

LUKE SKYWALKER with Clone Emperor
The Legacy Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87504 No. 87745
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #12
Includes: Lightsaber, removable cloak, additional figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $13.99
Availability: January 2009
Appearances: Dark Empire II (comic series)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Luke Skywalker has discovered the existence of another Jedi, helping him further his goal of reestablishing the Jedi Knights. While he makes plans to go to Ossus to locate important Jedi artifacts, Emperor Palpatine is reborn in the body of another clone, and he makes immediate plans to crush the Alliance and the fledgling Jedi Knight. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One of the first figures I did for this column was Luke Skywalker from the first Dark Empire series, which I assumed they would never revisit in any form. And here we are! Colored differently and completely resculpted, the now-aging Jedi Master was represented as a much more action-packed figure, which is really out of character for the modern era. The crazy flowing capes and blowing robes were very 2002, so it was surprising to see the style repeated here. The giant cape piece is removable by sliding it over Luke's arms, although the figure looks extremely dull without it. As such, I suggest you leave it on.

This is a figure that really doesn't benefit from its super-articulated frame. What good are 14 points of articulation if a garment prevents the figure from taking advantage of these extra pieces? Hasbro's design for Luke makes a better statue than a toy, which is too bad because cloth robes or perhaps a slightly more understated piece would allow the figure to look good in anything but an action pose. Also, the resulting figure is unusually wide, making it tricky to store in most carry cases. Thankfully it looks good, with a slightly older looking face and lots of rings sculpted around his costume. He certainly looks like someone who could take down an AT-AT with the Force, which is good, because that stuff goes down in the comics.

Collector's Notes: Love Dark Empire? Well, here ya go. This is probably as good as the outfit will look in terms of modern sculpting, but I really do prefer the original release with its stylized lightsaber, blue highlights, and far stranger hair. Oh, and a less insane pose for his robes, that's a plus. Still, it's nice, and you can probably still find it at retail if you look hard enough.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,105: September 8, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,104: HK-47

HK-47 Build-A-Droid
The Legacy Collection Composite Figure
Item No.: Asst. 87535
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: July 2009
Appearances: Knights of the Old Republic (Various)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: HK-47 was a Hunter-Killer assassin droid and Jedi hunter constructed by Revan shortly after the beginning of the Jedi Civil War to assassinate those who Revan believed would destabilize the galaxy. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Commentary: While I enjoy poo-pooing some Knights of the Old Republic fans' requests for figures, even I can't deny that some of the designs for the robots and villains are stunning. HK-47 in particular looks both like a modern design or something that would have been at home as an original creation in the vintage Kenner line. Seriously, if this was some random thing that Luke had to fight, I'd believe it. Its red eyes, battle-damage, and panels seem like something out of a bygone, yet decidedly futuristic, era. The figure's parts come split between 6 different figures, actually, technically, 12 total. Each limb, when combined, will give you a super-articulated figure that's pretty fantastic. If you're a fan of the character, this figure should do right by you. Aside from the neck-- which isn't a ball-joint-- it's about as good as you should reasonably expect of a figure of this construction. Oh, but there's no ball joints at the shoulders, just FYI.

My only real beef with the figure is that he doesn't seem to like holding his gun too much. A lot of figures have this problem, but given there were no rubber bands to deform his hands, there's less of an excuse. It should just work, and unfortunately, it didn't for me. But hey, those that want this figure should still try and track it down.

Collector's Notes: You can't really use the RA7 limbs with it, because HK-47's are longer, but I suppose you could make a lopsided pile of junk if you wanted. This wave is a little difficult to find currently, so who knows what the future holds for this very popular game character. A silver repaint is, of course, on the way shortly.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,104: September 7, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,103: Plo Koon

PLO KOON Wal-Mart Exclusive Droid Factory Packs
30th Anniversary Collection Droid Factory
Item No.: Asst. 12980 No. 87759
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #1 of 6
Includes: Lightsaber, R4-F5 figure, C-3PX leg
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: June 2008
Appearances: Various, Prequel Trilogy

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: Jedi Master Plo Koon flies his Jedi starfighter into battle against Separatist forces, aided by is astromech droid R4-F5. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Commentary: This is a repaint of the 2005 Plo Koon, but it looks a little softer and slightly more alive than the original release. Also issued on a Saga Legends cardback, this particular Plo Koon is pretty sharp. The articulation won't likely impress, but it's pretty good. The leg joints are surprisingly awkward given when it came out, as the knee and boot articulation varies on each leg. Usually you get the same kind of joints on each limb, but not so here-- one rotates at the boot, the other, at the knee. My guess is that someone decided not to do a good job that day. he has cut joint elbows, normal wrists, and a lightsaber. In short, it's a good basic figure, but certainly not an impressive one. Because of the aforementioned weird construction it sort of sticks out like a sore thumb against other prequel Jedi figures, so if you can wait for the next one, go ahead and do that.

Collector's Notes: Once a very cheap $10, you can probably now get this for less than that, particularly as part of a lot on eBay. A super-articulated Plo Koon is coming soon, though, so while this is the best one you can get today an even better one is just around the corner if you can wait.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,103: September 4, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,102: C-3PX

C-3PX Wal-Mart Exclusive Droid Factory Packs
30th Anniversary Collection Droid Factory
Item No.: Asst. 12980 No. n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: n/a
Availability: June 2008
Appearances: Droids Comic Book

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: C-3PX started his operational style as a simple 3PX-series protocol droid in one of Cybot Galactica's many factories. Initially built as a protocol unit for Outer Rim usage, C-3PX, as well as the entire 3PX series, faced difficulty selling against Cybot Galactica's more successful 3PO-series protocol droid. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Commentary: One element of the appeal of build-a-droids is that in some respects, they don't quite exist. Sure, I have a C-3PX in my toy box, but you can't go out and specifically buy one-- you have to pick up several other sets to put it together, which in 2008 would have cost you about $60. Several two-packs were released, each with a different piece, and the entire set is really quite good. C-3PX was the only figure in the collection to be made of entirely new parts. He is indeed super-articulated, and even has a ball-jointed head that didn't quite work. The head itself is a little small, and it feels like the round peg puffs it out a bit. Still, it's an awesome release in that it's a non-chrome C-3PO-esque droid (fairly unusual) with red eyes and tons of guns, and numerous faux panels which hang open with these blasters poking out. Truly, it's the most violent version of the least violent character of the original trilogy.

While not perfect-- the head does look funky-- this is as good a C-3PX as you're likely to ever see. The eyes are red, the big "X" is on his face plate, and of course he's heavily armed. Heck, you can give him a gun to hold if you want, but one was not included. As Hasbro's very first build-a-figure in Star Wars, this figure spawned quite a legacy which would go on to include the likes of HK-47, R7-T1, MB-RA7, and many others. Just remember that the parts don't quite fit as well with subsequent droids if you're looking to swap them around.

Collector's Notes: The character has been retconned into the point of ridiculousness (built by Darth Maul?) by the RPG and Scholastic program (both of which are largely ignored), but the figure is still pretty good. If you only know him from Droids #3, all the better. The entire figure on eBay should set you back $15-$20, with each part coming in at about $5. Overall, you're probably best served buying the collection of six two-packs. According to people I talked with inside Kenner in the 1990s, the figure "Attack C-3PO" (solicited in 1996 and never produced) was planned to be C-3PX before being rejected by Lucasfilm.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,102: September 3, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,101: Corran Horn

CORRAN HORN Wal-Mart Exclusive Droid Factory Packs
The Legacy Collection Droid Factory
Item No.: Asst. 91939 No. 14860
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 5 of 5
Includes: Lightsaber, hilt, helmet, droid, Darktrooper torso
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $17.00
Availability: July 2009
Appearances: I, Jedi

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: From the book I, Jedi! Rogue Squadron pilot Corran Horn searches for his wife who has disappeared while on a covert mission to track down pirates. The Force-sensitive Horn is accompanied on his quest by his astromech droid R2 Whistler, who has programs useful in detective work, escape and evasion. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Commentary: I've never seen fans sour on a toy series quite so quickly as the 2009 Droid Factory packs, which were announced as $13 sets but ended up being closer to $17. The reasons for the price increase are unclear, so you might be left wondering if Corran Horn is worth the asking price. Given the $8 retail on basic figures, it doesn't seem incredibly outlandish although it certainly does carry a slight sting, although nobody seemed to gripe when Wal-Mart's Death Star Compactor scenes were released at a price nearly double that of basic figures. But I digress.

Corran Horn is an OK figure on his own merits. He uses the Pilot Luke Vintage body, warts and all, with a new head and redeco helmet. So he's short, and for some reason he has a Darth Vader-esque lightsaber and hilt with a blue blade. On the cover of I, Jedi he seems to have his hair shaved down and a green lightsaber. This figure has longer hair and a blue lightsaber. Another figure from Wizards of the Coast has him in green Jedi garb and a beard with a blue lightsaber. So it's kind of tough to say just how accurate it is since he's had pretty few officially licensed visual reference images created on his behalf. Obviously, it would be nice to see a slightly taller body, but this is what it is. For those of you who just want another pilot, or have a soft spot for the character, Hasbro's figure seems to take elements from a few of these illustrations to make a decent looking toy. I find this figure to be as welcome to my ranks of Rebel pilots as any other, so odds are you'll probably enjoy this one as long as you aren't too picky.

Collector's Notes: This figure seems to hold the distinction of most acceptable by most fans, who have taken a collective dump on this assortment. It does not seem to be the strongest seller so far, but hey, you never can tell.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,101: September 2, 2009

Figure of the Day: Day 1,100: Clone Commander Keller

COMMANDER KELLER Wal-Mart Exclusive Clone Trooper
30th Anniversary Collection Comic Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87557 No. 87559
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Blaster, Backpack, cloth poncho, Galactic Marine figure, comic book
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $11.87
Availability: January 2008
Appearances: Dark Horse comics

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Bio: The Clone Wars are over. The Galactic Republic army is defeated, and Order 66 has eliminated most of the Jedi or forced them into hiding. Wild rumors are spreading that the Jedi tried to overthrow the government and cannot be trusted. On the planet Toola in the Outer Rim, Commander Keller is hunting down two fugitive Jedi who survived Order 66. With the help of a Galactic Marine, Keller tracks them through the deep snow as they head toward Ithaqua Station. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Commentary: One of very few figures to grab people at the end of the run of Republic was Commander Keller, leader of a squad of cold-assault Clone Troopers. This figure is a real mishmash of others, with the bulk of the figure having been previously used as the various Airborne Clone Troopers. Hasbro added a different belt and some cloth elements, and the end result is one of the best arguments for the constant reuse of molds. The helmet comes off, the rifle is rifletastic, and there's a fair amount of deco under his garments which, most likely, you will never see. As super-articulated figures go, this one won't do much to surprise you, but it is a well-constructed figure. I mean, it can sit thanks to the cloth parts, so that's a step in the right direction.

So far, no other figures have recycled this specific construction. There are several figures that use this body mold and helmet, but as to the cloth bits, they're exclusive to this release. So far. For all I know Hasbro has announced another Clone Trooper repaint collection and this one's in it and black, if you're reading this far enough into the future.

Collector's Notes: This one's long gone, but thanks to the glut of new product you can get this one on eBay at or below the issue price. $13 or so shipped is very doable.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,100: September 1, 2009