Figure of the Day: Day 30: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID Separatist Army
Revenge of the Sith Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 85174 No. 85293
Number: III-17
Includes: Blaster, red "energy bolt" blast, display stand, backpack
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99-$5.99
Availability: April 2005
Appearances: Find them in the Prequel Trilogy in varying forms

Bio: Sent throughout the galaxy in countless numbers, battle droids are the foot soldiers of the Separatist army. Serving Count Dooku and his Confederacy of Independent Systems, battle droids relentlessly attack Republic forces. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Separatist Vehicles shelf.

Commentary: One thing Hasbro has been pretty good about from the get-go is making the entire line of Battle Droid action figures look good. Be it battle damage, various ranks, or integrating an action feature well, it's rare to see Hasbro design one poorly. Of course, there is a downfall-- rubbery plastic was used on a number of figures, which cause them to bend out of shape when placed on a display stand and eventually fall over. Thankfully, this figure doesn't suffer as much as some of the others when it comes to this problem. Modeled after the 2002 Battle Droid mold made for Attack of the Clones, this repainted droid is the best decorated one yet. With silver-colored wires for his backpack, dirt markings, and even lettering on his backpack, this little guy looks as good as they get and as of today, is the best Battle Droid that Hasbro has produced in terms of looks. (However, the four made for Episode I are a bit sturdier.) It's a good looking figure at a decent enough price, plus the red last effect can be placed on the gun or on the figure, so he can either shoot or be shot. It's useful!

Collector's Notes: Battle Droids are a staple of the line, and almost all of them look alike. As such, if you were to buy 1 of each, you'd have a healthy looking army. This particular mold has been used at least 3 times: this release, the AOTC version in tan, and a reissue of the AOTC version in the corrected red color. This version is largely the same, minus the blue "energy overload" attachments, and plus a new stand. I tend to think this one is the best of the 3.

Day 30: June 5, 2006