Figure of the Day: Day 175: R-3PO

R-3PO Hoth Evacuation
Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84726
Number: 0402
Includes: Display base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: January 2004
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: A protocol droid at the Rebels' base on Hoth, R-3PO was present when the Imperial Forces attacked Echo Base, which had to be adandonded to the enemy. Protocol droids were vital in smoothing differences encountered by the many far-flung cultures interacting on a regular basis throughout the galaxy. Programmed in etiquette and equipped with formidable language skills, they served as aides to diplomats, politicians and other high-ranking officials. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf, in front of a 2004 shipping case, oddly enough.

Commentary: My favorites are all over the place, and R-3PO is my favorite protocol droid figure. He's really nothing too special on paper, but he has nifty arms with doodads hanging off of them, a really spiffy dark red paint job, and a great black wash (or good plastic) that brings out all of the details as well as gold eyes and all sorts of highlights all over his person. With no accessories and barely the normal six points of articulation, it's hard to stand out-- but this figure has a lot of little things that make it really fun. There's snow painted on his feet, for example, but it's so subtle that you wouldn't necessarily have it get in the way of another display were R-3PO to appear on, say, Tatooine. The figure is simple and holds together nicely, and like many of my favorites, it's hard to explain-- if you hold it in your hand and play around with it, it's got a little of that "great figure" magic. If you're looking to add droids to your stash, get an R-3PO with my blessing.

Collector's Notes: Like so many recent figures, nobody seems to care about recent great figures unless there's some massive perception of it being rare. (Even if this is not the case.) On the secondary market, there's really very little interest for this droid. It can be had for about two or three dollars before shipping on eBay, which is a real steal. The 2004 line was positively stuffed with awesome figures, fan favorites, and the basis of an awesome Trilogy collection (as no new prequel figures were released as basic figures in 2004.) You should totally track this one down, preferably as part of a lot, because then you'll get more stuff and save on shipping. That or snag one at a dealer table at your next convention. Just get one.

Day 175: October 28, 2006