Figure of the Day: Day 448: K-3PO

K-3PO Echo Base Protocol Droid
Power of the Jedi Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84455 No. 84543
Number: n/a
Includes: Sensor pack, Force File
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2000
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: A very old and experienced protocol droid, K-3PO had the vital task of leading the roid pool at Echo Base on the ice planet Hoth. K-3PO helped to coordinate the evacuation of the Rebel outpost when it was attacked by the evil Empire. (Taken from the figure's Force File.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf.

Commentary: By 2000, Hasbro realized it was time to do what other toy companies do-- and that's repaint, rehash, and recycle. K-3PO is a white redeco of the TC-14 figure from earlier that year, made as part of a mandate to get more Trilogy product out shortly after Episode I. The figure is a cool one, and an example of why Hasbro should do repaints-- the mold is good, he had five points of articulation, and most importantly it looked right. Well, mostly-- there's some argument over the red dots on his chest and if they should be blue or not, but let's say this figure meets that "close enough" landmark that we all know and love. Droids are the perfect repaint fodder-- Hasbro can do one mold and reuse them forever, so a figure like this is pretty much perfect as it is. Sure, we could see a new version some day with enhanced articulation, but given the appeal of such a figure, I really, really don't think we'll ever see it.

Collector's Notes: Produced as a short-run figure in 2000, K-3PO sold a limited number of units and now, several years later, most fans don't care. It can be had, quite easily, for $2-$7 on eBay.

Day 448: July 28, 2007