Figure of the Day: Day 350: Power Droid

POWER DROID GNK & Treadwell Droid
The Saga Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85971
Number: 014
Includes: Display base, treadwell droid, removable sensor array, sexy droid belly chain
Action Feature: Push button for "walking" action
Retail: $6.99
Availability: February 2006
Appearances: Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Power droids are among the most common droids in the galaxy. Both the Rebel Alliance and the Empire make use of these droids to supply power to all types of technology. During the Battle of Hoth, power droids are used to power up the Rebel Alliance's snowspeeders so that they can engage the invading enemy ground forces in battle. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: It's a battery with feet. The Power Droid is a super-dumb character but a brilliant idea-- why not make a battery that can walk over to where it needs to be? It's a genius idea, sadly unexploited on screen and in the toys. They could totally make vehicles and playsets designed to have this little guy plug in to them and activate action features, or just generally look cool-- which this figure certainly does. Based on a figure from 1999, this Power Droid takes the original sculpt of the POTF2 release and adds a sensor array "hat" and a "belly chain" while working in new paint and coloration to result in a figure that is, for all intents and purposes, new. His companion is a redecorated Treadwell Droid from Aunt Beru, and it's not exactly significantly different-- he's brighter and more metallic. Combined, the set is a great addition for any diorama fan's collection, and it just looks nifty. There's really no reason to not buy this one unless you don't like droids, and if you don't like droids, the problem isn't the figure.

Collector's Notes: This figure was shortpacked in early 2006, and shipped later in the year seemingly satisfying demand in most markets. As such, he's not super-easy to get but you might find some in the odd drugstore or the Target less traveled. The two droids are worth the seven bucks if you don't have any other versions, and even if you do, they're still fun. You can never get enough Hoth droids. It appears a third version of the figure is coming in a gift set in the future-- but details on this item's release are still a little scarce.

Day 350: April 21, 2007