Figure of the Day: Day 896: Super Battle Droid

SUPER BATTLE DROID ...without the holes
The Legacy Collection Saga Legends
Item No.: Asst. 87995 No. 89039
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #SL10
Includes: Weapons crate
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith

Bio: After the introduction of the massive clone army, the Trade Federation revisits the design of its battle droids and decides that a slightly smarter, more independent and more heavily armed droid is needed. The result is the much more powerful and deadly super battle droid. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam's tables.

Commentary: Based on the 2007 version, this Super Battle Droid is one of those "just different enough" figures. Basically, Hasbro listened to fan requests-- in 2007, the figure had holes in its chest for plug-in accessories, like flames or detonators. This figure filled them in, but aside from that it's largely the same as the previous figure. So to reiterate, Hasbro placated fans by dropping an accessory, and later raising the price. How the heck does that work?

Being based on an existing mold, it has all the same articulation and detail. Swivel and bending elbows, bending knees, ball shoulders, normal hips, and a nicely articulated waist are all here for you to enjoy-- along with battle-dented armor. While it looks cool, the characters in the movie tend to appear more smooth. Hasbro has yet to make a really smooth, mostly super articulated version of this particular droid. It is what it is-- a quality figure that delivers on authenticity and articulation without sucking. If you only get one Saga Legends figure from The Legacy Collection, odds are this should be it-- unlike many of the others, it's actually been changed a little bit. Plus the weapons locker will no doubt please those of you who can't get enough weapons for your prequel-era armies. I got one, and I may get another.

Collector's Notes: While not overly difficult to find, it does seem to be one of the better sellers so far in some markets. As it's new enough, by some standards, it makes sense that people are gobbling it up. It's at least the fourth Super Battle Droid to be based on this particular mold.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 896: November 19, 2008