Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 521: C-3PO with Battle Droid Head

C-3PO with Battle Droid Head
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 85982
Number: 017
Includes: Blaster, stand, backpack, spare head
Action Feature: Head can be exchanged to create Battle Droid
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Spring 2006-present
Appearances: Attack of the Clones

Bio: R2-D2 has always had a knack for getting C-3PO into trouble. Such is the case when the two droids stumble upon the massive droid factories on Geonosis. An impatient Artoo accidentally knocks C-3PO onto one of the conveyer belts, where he is filled with a new droid head. The usually cordial Threepio briefly takes on a new, more aggressive persona until Artoo makes sure that his counterpart doesn't lose his head anymore. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's TV tray.

Commentary: This figure started life in 2002, when it was part of a larger "deluxe" set. The sculpts were identical, but both heads included a magnet so you could pull them out with an included "playset" which allowed you to "build" droids. The deco was similar, and the set also included a full body for the Battle Droid. Overall, it was a great set for the money, and its legacy lives on in this set. Hasbro keeps shipping them to stores, much to the disappointment of collectors, but kids seem to enjoy buying this one because it's a really fun figure. The deco seems to be cleaner on this release, so if you're all about the paint job, this is probably the one for you.

The figure can be taken apart (the head, arms, and legs are removable) and its parts can be switched with the Battle Droids in the two-packs currently on the market. Mix and match them to make your own freakish droid! Or don't. The main selling point for this figure is that it's configurable and actually gives C-3PO a battle function, which, nearly a decade after the announcement and non-release of the "Attack C-3PO" action figure, is something most fans probably wouldn't think about. Still, it's C-3PO, and he has a gun, so he can do more than just whine for once. If you don't have any version of this figure, you should totally get it. And if you do, well, it's up to you-- it has a nice package and the wires on his torso are painted well, so I'd buy one, although it is going to be in an upcoming Battle Pack so you'll no doubt have several more shots at it.

Collector's Notes: There are several variations of this figure. In the Saga Collection packaging, the figure is configured either with the C-3PO head on the body, or the Droid head on the body. The C-3PO head one has a "good guy" hologram, and the battle droid has a "bad guy" hologram. Also, the figure is available with blue or red holograms. As an added bonus, the figure was rereleased in Saga Collection packaging, resulting in yet another variant, this time with a coin. As far as variations on a single figure go, I believe this one has the most-- are you up to the challenge?

Day 521: October 9, 2007