Figure of the Day: Day 120: R2-D2 (Hoth)

R2-D2 Battle of Hoth
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85930
Number: 010
Includes: Cargo box, rations, lantern, personalized display stand, random bonus holographic figure
Action Feature: Removable third leg, twist dome to reveal pop-up sensorscope
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: As the assault on the Rebel's secret base on Hoth comes to an end, R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) is ready to take off in Luke Skywalker's X-Wing fighter. As the two flee the ice planet, Luke informs Artoo that he is not planning tomeet at the rendezvous point with the other Rebels. Instead, Luke is planning to go to the Dagobah system, a decision that makes Artoo a bit uneasy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Standing on the wing of the 2006 Toys "R" Us exclusive X-wing Fighter with Dagobah odds and ends.

Commentary: Few molds have been made in to as many "different" versions of the exact same character as this venerable R2-D2 mold. In 2004, it started life as a Vintage Original Trilogy Collection figure. It's basically the same as this release, except there was a panel you could pop off and attach some tools there. In 2005, it became the mail-in Early Bird R2-D2-- which is identical to this figure, except for the accessories and dirt deco. As release #3, it's probably the best looking, but the first release has the most functionality. The figure has a removable (not retractable) third leg, and the usual compliment of droid articulation-- "neck," feet, arms, etc. What really makes the figure shine are his many accessories for other figures, most of which were first packaged with a Toys "R" Us exclusive Dagobah X-wing from 2002. (Yeah, there's a lot of exclusive X-wings.)

Collector's Notes: This figure is currently available and in a variety of configurations and "variants." I use quotes because the only really significant change is that of the random holographic figure, which is available in six varieties and in red or blue. Blue being the first release, red being the second. So if you're crazy, collect all 12. If you're just wanting a good, solid R2-D2 figure at a decent price, you can find this particular release at most better low-traffic toy stores. So go to your local crappy Wal-Mart for this one.

Day 120: September 3, 2006