Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,935: Silver and Red Droid Factory R2-Series Astromech Droid

R2-SERIES ASTROMECH DROID Silver Dome with Red Panels
Star Tours Droid Factory Customizable Figure
Item No.: No. ???
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Head, 2 legs, torso, central third leg, optional hat
Action Feature: Comes apart
Retail: $10-$12
Availability: 2012
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These figures do not have specific packaging or configurations.  As such, we will be treating each dome as a unique "figure" as that part is the most plentiful.   At this time there are 25 domes and while Hasbro sometimes seems to indicate they are not Hasbro product, they do have Hasbro copyright markings and as such we are classifying them under the Hasbro banner.

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: The red and silver R2-Series Astromech Droid is basically an update of R2-M5, an exclusive from a few years ago.  There are some differences to the dome design, such as the colors being slightly brighter and, of course, it's based on the build-a-droid mold rather than the R4-G9 body.  This means you can swap parts with other build-a-droid astromechs to your heart's content, but that probably means futzing with it for a week before settling on whatever configuration you prefer.    I went with this one.

While not necessarily a wow-wee, gee-whiz figure, this deco isn't all that bad.  Red is nice, and it fits in a few displays depending on how you're setting up your figures.   His optional hat hole is what makes the figure interesting, as it lets him have a distinctive, souvenir look if you're so inclined.  My guess is the bulk of people buying these are making good use of the hats.

Collector's Notes:  A red redeco of R2-D2 isn't part of the main line, so if you missed the 2006 exclusive Astromech Packs this is a pretty good substitute.   Of course, you can also add this dome to the red body with white panels if you're so inclined too.  As things go, it's not bad.  It's not exciting either, but it is distinctive enough to be worth some recognition.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,935: November 13, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,934: Darth Vader

DARTH VADER  Emperor's Wrath Redux
The Vintage Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 37499 No.  39654  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #VC115
Includes: Fist, lightning, lightsaber
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: July 2012
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo dump.

Commentary: Available on two different packages, Darth Vader brings back that ever-popular "Emperor's Wrath" look to pretty decent effect.  By recycling the 2005 Evolutions body which we're all sick of by now, the figure's newness comes from deco and accessories.  Oh, and a tweaked right arm.

This time around, the translucent helmet sports a skull inside which doesn't glow in the dark.  It's just there.   The figure is encased by blue Sith lightning boogers, which are relatively easy to get on and off despite the cape threading through them.  The lightsaber is nothing special, but the removable fist is interesting.  It's jointed and pops off at the wrist, revealing a painted stump underneath.  Vader's costume has black shoulder pads and some pretty vibrant silver on the chest, and this gives the figure a distinctive look compared to other takes on the mold.

With 14 points of articulation, this is not a bad figure.  Far from it, it's pretty neat but it's not what you would call versatile.  Given the "lightning" head, I don't know why they even include the blue energy snake things, at this point they might get a better figure by painting the lightning directly to the figure.  It's neat, but I would argue the late-2000 Power of the Jedi version is better because the head glows in the dark.

Collector's Notes:  Despite hitting in July, these figures didn't start showing up at retail until around September.  The assortment only has new figures, so it's pretty obvious if your store has/had any leftovers from the wave. This figure comes on a Return of the Jedi vintage cardback or a blue and black "Lost Line" look modeled after an abandoned, unused concept from the 1970s which frankly kind of sucks.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,934: November 12, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,933: Anakin Skywalker

ANAKIN SKYWALKER Commemorative DVD Collection
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 34542 No. 34576
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, display stand, Saesee Tiin, Clone Trooper figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Spring 2005
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Yes, this press release was taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: As part of the last batch of cartoony figures, Anakin Skywalker replicates his look on Nelvaan quite nicely.  A somewhat clever reuse of the previously-released Yavin duel version, this Jedi-in-the-making five four points of articulation and is basically a cool-looking and cheap statue.  The outfit isn't unique to this figure, a "realistic" take on this costume came out in 2007 so you've got choices if you dig this outfit.   The leech marks (or tattoos) on his skin are nicely done, painted in blue and they match the animation model pretty nicely.  Torn robes and pants are present, as is the robotic fist of Ghost Hand.    There's no articulation below the waist, so as toys go, this isn't a good one.  It's a nice display piece or desk accessory, and since it's pretty cheap I'd say it's a worthwhile purchase.

Collector's Notes:  This set is cheap on eBay, so yeah, no excuses for skipping it unless you flat-out don't want it.  Which is weird, I never saw this set at retail and got mine at a comic shop at basically SRP.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,933: November 9, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,932: Adi Gallia

ADI GALLIA Jedi High Council
Original Trilogy Collection Screen Scenes
Item No.: No. 32162
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: Scene 3
Includes: Base, extra base, 2 chairs, Anakin Skywalker, Saesee Tiin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: 2004
Appearances: The Phantom Menace

Bio: The Jedi High Council is the main interface between the Jedi and the government of the Republic. The twelve High Council members are chosen from the ranks of the Jedi Masters and represent a gathering of great minds who have proven themselves and their abilities in the service of peace and justice.   (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: While she has her fans, Adi Gallia hasn't had much love on the toy aisle.  After an iffy 1999 debut (I went through dozens to find non-wonky eyes), she got a retooled version in 2004 in this Jedi High Council set.  She lacks her outer robes, has no weapon, and is basically the same as the 1999 debut save for the added knee joints and a cloth "skirt" so she can sit.  It's a quickie, a limited-tooling option to fill out these packs in a hurry so you can finish your High Council diorama.  Given the lack of gear, the sets weren't much of a deal compared to basic figures in 2004.   She can stand, she can sit, and oh yes-- she can look incomplete.  9 points of articulation and no gear are bad enough, but to save a few more bucks, Hasbro opted to use this entire figure as Stass Allie for the same batch of exclusives.  They don't look all that much alike, but back then Hasbro was pretty adept at identifying and taking a shortcut.   This is a figure you track down for either the diorama pieces, or because you've gotta have them all.  The figure in and of itself was a bit of a dud in 2004, and today it really doesn't look any better.

I like Star Wars a lot, the action figures in particular, and 2004 was such a strange year in that we had some astonishingly good new sculpts (Saga J'Quille, Saga Admiral Ozzel, Vintage OTC Han Solo, OTC Dagobah Luke, OTC Yoda) and some unbelievably neat, well-priced items (Saga Wampa, Saga C-3PO with Escape Pod).  We also had some stuff that was just crap ("Is This Different?" OTC Bib Fortuna, most of the OTC Screen Scene figures, Vintage OTC C-3PO).   For better or worse, it makes 2004 one of the most interesting years to have gone through (and written about), but I guess you can't have the best of the best without some of the most boring of the boring, and Adi Gallia (and Stass Allie) make that cut.   Get the 1999 release, or cross your fingers for Hasbro to do another one some day.  Of course, since the last year where Phantom Menace will get a big push is now almost over, I wouldn't hold your breath.

Collector's Notes:  This set will probably cost you $30 on eBay today,  I would advise holding out for a cheaper price if you can.  Take that $30 and try getting some Glyos or Xevoz or SLUG Zombies or something instead.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,932: November 8, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,931: R2-D2

R2-D2 Wal-Mart Exclusive
30th Anniversary Collection Droid Factory
Item No.: Asst. 12980 No.     87755
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 4 of 6
Includes: Luke Skywalker, piece of C-3PX, lightsaber, hilt, helmet, blaster
Action Feature: Twist dome for leg retraction action
Retail: $9.99
Availability: May 2008
Appearances: Star Wars

Bio: Luke is a young Jedi who helps defeat the Empire. His Astromech droid R2-D2 is damaged during the attack on the first Death Star.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's shelf.

Commentary: I've got a lot to say about the Luke in this set, but today it's all about R2-D2.  The 2008 Droid Factory series of exclusives was a gift to fans of robots and weird repaints, as you could buy 13 figures for $60 and all of them save for one were, at the time, changed enough to be quite interesting.  R2 in particular brought us an amazingly detailed battle-damaged take on the figure, built on the R4-G9 mold with its retracting central leg activated by the dome twisting.   It looks spectacular.   The front of the figure looks distressed, panels are popped open, wires are exposed, and the light under his eye is dimmed signaling the fake-out of the droid's death from the end of the original film.  Cables, silver circuits, and plenty of grime are rubbed into his body while the legs are, aside from some dirt, pretty much the same as usual.  The back of the robot has bulging damaged panels and exposed wires as well, leading one to wonder just what kind of lovable genius sculpted (and also approved) such a depressing take on one of sci-fi cinema's most beloved plastic pals who's fun to be with.

The dome is also notable in that there are some serious scuffs, as well as more soot and blown-open panels.  This is a droid that looks like it was pulled out of a scrapyard, even the toy looks like it's seen better days.  It's really amazing, and to be honest I'm wondering if I missed this one in the archives.  It's so fantastic, you really ought to get one.  The price isn't too high, so you can if you're so inclined.  I know you've all got, what, something over 2 and something under 30 R2 figures by now, but go ahead and add this one to your stash.  And if Hasbro ever repaints the mold, get that too.

Collector's Notes:  This figure showed up with X-Wing Luke at Walmart for a mere $10 at first, and the duo (sans C-3PX part) were sold with a Toys R Us exclusive Death Star Trench Run boxed set (with an X-Wing, Darth Vader, and his TIE Fighter) late in 2011.  That R2-D2 was not significantly different than this one and for all intents and purposes, I'm classifying them as the same figure.   (The Vader from that set is just different enough to make you mad, though.)

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,931: November 7, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,930: Black R6-Series Astromech Droid

R6-SERIES ASTROMECH DROID Black Dome with Silver Panels
Star Tours Droid Factory Customizable Figure
Item No.: No. ???
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Head, 2 legs, torso, central third leg, optional hat
Action Feature: Comes apart
Retail: $10-$12
Availability: 2012
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These figures do not have specific packaging or configurations.  As such, we will be treating each dome as a unique "figure" as that part is the most plentiful.   At this time there are 25 domes and while Hasbro sometimes seems to indicate they are not Hasbro product, they do have Hasbro copyright markings and as such we are classifying them under the Hasbro banner.

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: Long-time readers of everything I do know I love astromech droid figures.  My first duty when I found out I was getting a job in the toy business was "OK, now how can I get a bunch of droids out in a hurry?" and those made it out in early 2006.  Disney did one better by cranking out 25 unique astromechs this year, including the Black R6-Series Astromech Droid dome.  I love this one.  The face of R2-D2 was basically transplanted on a trapezoid, and the end result is positively charming.  Little blue infrared receptors on the side of his face, a red light under his big eye, and silver panels galore implore you to put this head on a black-and-silver body.  (Which apparently is frequently out of stock.)   It looks good on the black body with white panels as well, but c'mon.  This one looks best.

If you only get one or two droids, make this one of them.  It's fantastic.   It looks different than most non-Disney Hasbro droids and does a great job of giving you something a little different for your toy stash.   Unless you're deep in to the novels, this design is all but unknown to you so your main motivation to buy it is a dogged desire to complete the set, a love of robots, or an affliction involving too much money.  $10 is a lot for these guys when multiplied out, but honestly if I could walk into the store and get more of these at that price, I would.

Collector's Notes:  This item was a customizable release at Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando, and you can configure them any way you wish.  The R6 dome mold is a Disney exclusive and to date is available in this color, white with yellow panels, and white with purple panels.   They can be expensive on eBay, so do some research prior to buying, or depending on your proximity to a Disney theme park, know it might be cheaper just to go there and buy them if you're gonna collect this subset.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,930: November 6, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,929: Shu Mai

SHU MAI Geonosian War Room
Saga Screen Scenes
Item No.: Asst. 84997 No. 84711
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: 2 of 2
Includes: Table, Passel Argente, Nute Gunray
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: Fall 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: In a conference room on Geonosis, leaders of the Confederacy of Independent Systems watch Republic and Separatist forces engage in what will become the first batle of the Clone Wars. unscrupulous opportunists who will do anything that will benefit them financially, they ally with Count Dooku to advance their own interests.  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: There truly aren't enough Star Wars figures named after things I can order at local Japanese eateries.  Shu Mai was a new mold at the time of her release, bringing us a new alien figure and a woman, which is always highly unusual in this line.   While a colorful, well-designed figure, I can't say she's exciting.   She's pretty neat, though.

The prequel aliens may be no less inventive than their original trilogy ancestors, but they were certainly not fetishized or canonized to the extent of the creatures from 1977-1983.  Imaginations ran rampant over what a Hammerhead was and debate still continues to this day, while Shu Mai is and always was some sort of evil banker.  OK, head of the Commerce Guild.  It's still not interesting.  Thankfully the figure is pretty sharp, and her outfit appears more vibrant than the character in the movies.  With no real leg movement to speak of thanks to her dress, the figure's neck and arms are really your main points of movement.  There's a jointed waist too, but this isn't really an action figure so much as it is a diorma filler.  Heck, she even came with half of a table to build said diorama.

The unique texture of the skin looks good under its blue deco, and the beedy little eyes pop nicely.   Her gold hat and neck gear contrast nicely with the bright red outfit, making this a figure that stands out on a shelf against the mostly brown and green creatures from Attack of the Clones.   There aren't a lot of Shu Mai toys out there, so this one is likely as good as you'll ever get.  She's certainly good enough as a collectible, but as a toy there's not a heck of a lot to play with here.  She can stand, she can point, she can look good.  She's certainly good enough, and the fact we even got her is something of an accomplishment.

Collector's Notes: These sets got dumped like a pregnant girl on prom night (is that a saying? Can it be?) at Kay-Bee toys, bringing the prices down to $10 or so.  Each Geonosian War Room goes for about $5-$10 these days, so if you're in a position to get them both for $20-$25, do so.  You get 6 pretty good figures and a great table in there, and if you've got any taste you'll add in a Wat Tambor too.  That's a fun figure, and as a collection these figures do go nicely together.   Just remember, these are basically display pieces lacking in fun accessories.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,929: November 5, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,928: Clone Commander Fox

CLONE COMMANDER FOX Launcher Fires Missile!
The Clone Wars Basic Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 37290 No. 38419
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: CW18
Includes: 2 pistols, display stand, launcher, projectile
Action Feature: Gun launches rocket
Retail: $8.99
Availability: July 2012
Appearances: Clone Wars TV series

Bio: This awesome CLONE COMMANDER Fox figure is rendered in careful detail to look just like the character in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series! Send him into missions to save the galaxy, armed with his blasters and firing missile launcher. Re-enact your favorite Star Wars battles or create brand new ones with this cool CLONE COMMANDER Fox figure!    (Taken from the figure's web site entry.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: Originally Hasbro told us that we'd only see 19 Clone Wars figures carded in 2012, and we complained.  And shortly after Clone Commander Fox came out we discovered this was a lie-- there would only be 18 and that this would be the only new figure in his wave.   That doesn't happen much.  For those keeping track, only 11 new individually carded figures based on The Clone Wars made it out this year.   By comparison, 12 new figures were cranked out in August and September 2011 alone.   But anyway, Fox.

Fox is at best acceptable.   The figure's body is basically the new Captain Rex with 8 points of articulation, but with Cody's helmet and new deco.  While the new Rex had deco so amazingly good people mistook the damage paint job for actual damage or discoloration, the new Fox is not only squeaky-clean, but lacking when compared to the trading card included with the figure.  The tubes on the helmet have fine detail, the figure is a little less refined.  The damage and color variation on the torso was skipped in favor of a solid red torso, plus the chin on the helmet lacks the white box on the animation model and packaging.  I realize some of you may think I'm harping on the level of deco, but when a figure is a redeco, that's really the only thing you can get right or wrong, and this is a pretty lackluster effort.

Were this just a figure Hasbro made up and never appeared on the show, I would say it's fantastic.  It looks cool, I love the red, the two small blasters are great, and I'm sick of giant rocket-firing launchers that simply cannot be held by the figure due to gravity.   The sum of its parts are quite good, but when it comes from a TV show, authenticity counts for a lot.   This one needs some work.   Here's hoping he makes it back in 2013 with an altered paint job... hey, it worked for Chewbacca this year!

Collector's Notes: If you make it, and you make it hard to get, they will come.  Due to his being 2 per case in only 1 case in a year where distribution isn't all it could be, eBay prices are north of $25.  Which, I guess, isn't awful but The Clone Wars secondary prices have a habit of huge surges which last a really long time.  If you want this one, I suggest lots of hunting, or waiting out the market.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,928: November 2, 2012

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,927: General Grievous

GENERAL GRIEVOUS Commemorative DVD Collection
Clone Wars Cartoon Network / Tartakovsky Animated Series Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. 34542 No.     34577
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 lightsabers, display stand, Commander Cody, Obi-Wan Kenobi figures
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $14.99
Availability: Spring 2005
Appearances: Clone Wars 2003 series

Bio: Through the creative vision of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars are brought to life in an exciting new series of short animated chapters. A unique animation style captures the drama of this epic period in galactic history along with its outstanding heroes and adversaries. Noble Jedi warriors lead Clone Troopers into battle against the evil Separatist forces and their droid armies. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda and their comrades struggle against the rising power of the dark side and confront personal challenges against a backdrop of war-torn planets.   (Yes, this press release was taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: While a smidgen awkward, General Grievous looks really cool as an animated figure.  Due to his evolving style, this version - the later, 3-pack release - looks more like the movie with its red-lined cape and warmer colors. The single-carded release looks cold, while this one looks like a cartooned-up version of the movie character.  I like this one a little more, even if the other one is arguably more interesting due to its overall weirdness.

The figure is a textbook definition of "action pose."  With his giant feet and complete lack of articulation below the waist, the photo is pretty much how he's going to look.  You can get a fair amount of motion out of his swivel waist, swivel shoulders, and ball-jointed neck, but it's still basically going to look pretty close.  The lines are simple and clean, with few extraneous details.  There are lightsabers on his belt, yellow eyes with a red organic lining, and a whole mess of armor under a cloth cape.  It's not easy to see in the picture but the action-packed cyborg is posed hunched over severely, giving him a lot of extra character that is pretty lacking in... well, frankly every other Grievous figure Hasbro has made.   While essentially a statue, it's neat.  I've got a shelf full of these animated guys and I love 'em, and if you're a Grievous fan (or know one) keep in mind that...

Collector's Notes: ...this figure, in all his styles, is close to worthless.  The 3-packs are worth significantly less than issue price and look pretty fantastic.  I get endless emails from fans going on how much they love that 2003-2005 animated Clone Wars cartoon, yet few bought the figures.  They're great.  Let's be honest, most of you aren't playing with these anyway, and they look fantastic.  You've got a desk at work, right?  Get some of these.  You won't be sorry, especially since they're significantly cheaper than the higher-end maquettes Gentle Giant put out.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,927: November 1, 2012