Figure of the Day: Day 181: R4-M9 (Star Tours)

R4-M9 Star Tours Exclusive
Star Tours Collection 2
Item No.: No. 10242
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: Light-up eyeport
Retail: $10.00
Availability: 2002
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio: Whenever your plans call for intergalactic transport, call on STAR TOURS for state of the art travel excitement! Tour the galaxy aboard the STARSPEEDER 3000, the most advanced transport vessel of its kind, and experience the expertise of the sector's newest and most reliable Droid pilots! Reservations are limited, so book your STAR TOURS adventure today! (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf.

Commentary: While some fans expected a reissue when they heard the name, this particular R4-M9 is the same mold as the first one, but with new paint and no accessories or companion droids. For $10, this one isn't much to look at-- it's a teal redeco that will appeal mostly to hardcore droid fans. Jointed at the "legs," "ankles," and "neck," the toy also has a retractable third leg and uses the same basic body construction used for all cone head R4 units, most clear dome R3 units, and select R2 units from 2001-2004. It's a little thinner and taller than the now-standard proportions seen on the likes of R5-D4, R2-X2, and R4-G9, but it's still quite good and the best body we have for this style of robot. Since the droid itself has been covered previously, the best thing there is to say here is "it's an Expanded Universe figure" and that it offers the same play value as other versions of this mold.

Collector's Notes: Released on a Power of the Jedi style package during Episode II's run, this unique droid can be had on eBay for less than the $10 Disney parks asked for this exclusive item. For kids or fans, it's not much to speak of because you get more interesting looking figures in the Entertainment Earth or Toys "R" Us gift sets, or the plain POTJ carded R4-M9 with grey panels. As it includes a mouse droid. There's nothing wrong with the figure, it's actually quite nice-- it just isn't particularly remarkable given the price or the amount of work you likely had to put into getting one.

Day 181: November 3, 2006