Figure of the Day: Day 58: Padmé Amidala (Droid Factory Chase)

PADMÉ AMIDALA Droid Factory Chase
Saga Collection Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84923
Number: 0304
Includes: Blaster, removable cape, conveyor display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99-$5.99
Availability: Janaury 2003
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars: Attack of the Clones


Bio: The beautiful Padmé Amidala, a member of the Galactic Senate, strives for a peaceful resolution to the civil strife plaguing the Republic. After narrowly escaping two assassination attempts linked to the expanding Separatist movement, Padmé seeks retreat under the protection of Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker. Soon, the heroic pair is lured to the heart of the Separatist stronghold, where cataclysmic events propel them into the midst of a deadly battle and the explosive onslaught of war. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Collection room fun.

Commentary: For Episode II, Hasbro decided to get the most out of its "real scan" technology and got some very true-to-life sculpts with some very... peculiar facial expressions. Along with a Mace Windu figure, this version of Padmé Amidala has a screaming face which, if a normal face, would have made this an excellent figure. With 13 points of articulation, this was a most impressive figure for 2003, and to this day is one of the best figures based on Natalie Portman-- which is great, and a shame, as her facial expression is hard to get past even three years later. Her rubbery cape is easily removed in case it gets in the way, and her scene-specific sculpt could be easily adapted to a more normal looking figure through the addition of a new head. As, in a way, an update to the 2002 quick-draw version of this costume, this was a huge improvement across the board and seeing how nicely articulated it was and how good it turned out, it's a little surprising more fans aren't clamoring for it today. On eBay, it goes for barely a couple of dollars above its original in-store price.

Collector's Notes: Padmé's display base was specially designed to connect to several other toys. You can build a partial Droid Factory Assembly Line by combining her with the Deluxe Super Battle Droid (2003), the Deluxe C-3PO (2002), and the Arena Playset (2002). Neat! This is the closest, to date, Hasbro has come in the modern line to making a large playset through the use of several smaller, lower-priced components. If you'd like to see how such a concept turned out, consider buying these items and taking a look. At which point you can tell Hasbro how much you dig it.

Day 58: July 3, 2006