Figure of the Day: Day 366: R4-G9

R4-G9 Sneak Preview
Revenge of the Sith Sneak Preview Collection
Item No.: Asst. 85172 No. 85364
Number: 4 of 4
Includes: Display base, planet projection
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: March 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: R4-G9 is an astromech droid that accompanies Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to the sinkhole planet of Utapau, where Obi-Wan hopes to destroy General Grievous, the supreme commander of the Separatist droid armies. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: Twist the dome, leg pops out. Lots of articulation. A socket to plug in a projection. R4-G9 has it all, and is one of the best astromech droid molds ever. The proportions are good, the gimmicks are great... what's not to love? It's a shame it was premiered on such an obscure droid, but hey, they reused it time and again to make old droids we always wanted and new versions of old favorites. This new gold droid has a little dirt, a little grime, and tons of personality. Sure, he didn't do much in the movie but he looks cool and that's what really matters with these droids. Fans of droids already bought it, and if you're looking to own all the astromechs, you just gotta get one. If you aren't a droid fan, or think one R2 unit is plenty, you can skip this one without fear of missing out.

Collector's Notes: Aside from being the basis of many, many astromech droids to follow, this figure was rereleased in 2006 in the Saga Collection-era Greatest Battles line. As such, there are two major packaging variants to be had.

Day 366: May 7, 2007