Figure of the Day: Day 922: R3-Y2

R3-Y2 Astromech Droid Pack Series II
The Saga Collection Entertainment Earth Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87055 No. 87057
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $39.99
Availability: January 2006
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Assists the Rebels during their escape from Echo Base on the planet Hoth. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' slab of cardboard.

Commentary: Of all the droids done up by Hasbro, R3-Y2 is one of the most obscure that reportedly exists on film. Sure, some were made up just for the sake of toys, and others eventually showed up in The Clone Wars, but this one actually appears in The Empire Strikes Back and may or may not be on model. I expect the coloring on the panels is off, and the dirt isn't quite right, but it's not like I can prove this. Authenticity really isn't important when a figure is basically unseen by the audience, all that really matters is that the final figure looks good. And this one, for its time, was certainly decent. It just wasn't quite a slam-dunk. The figure used the now-old astromech body, which is a little long and thin, with less detail than that used on most current figures. The third leg is retractable, and the feet are articulated, but other than that there's not much to write home about here. The figure's main function is as scenery, and as such it will look great in any Hoth playset you might decide to buy. Of the figures in these exclusive sets, I'd say this might be the dullest.

Collector's Notes: It took a while, but these sets are (seemingly) totally sold through. Your best bet is eBay and various collector shops.

Day 922: December 25, 2008