Figure of the Day: Day 951: SP-4

JN-66 & SP-4 Research Droids
Saga Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 84861 No. 84924
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #0305
Includes: Extra droid figure with hover stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $5.99
Availability: January 2003
Appearances: Attack of the Clones Deleted Scene

Bio: The analysis droids SP-4 and JN-66 assist Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi when he seeks their help in identifying a small toxic dart. The origin of the mysterious weapon may provide the only clue in discovering who is behind the assassination attempt on Senator Amidala. Deep within the great Jedi Temple, in an encased analysis room, the SP-4 droid examines the dart and searches for a possible link in its streaming bank of datya. Typically reliable for such research, the analysis droid's assessment is less informative than the Jedi had hoped. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: What combines the fun of a librarian with the action packed excitement of a legless robot? Why, it's SP-4, the adorable examination droid! This little guy works at the Jedi Archives on Coruscant and was a pretty great little design that reminded me of Nintendo's ROB (Robotic Operating Buddy) from the NES days. Unlike his partner, this figure has legs and a little more articulation. One of the problems you'll see with the figure is that he's loaded with thin plastic pieces coming off his head. These have a habit of bending, or coming pre-bent. A little hot water can fix this, but it's a problem you can avoid and prevent. Store this one carefully, or better still, keep him standing up. He has a fair amount of detail, and there are all sorts of little rivets and panels brought to life on the fairly tall figure. While short, he's still bigger than an astromech droid. Each arm bends at the elbow, there are two head joints (one at the base of the skull, the other where the neck meets the torso) and he can sort of pivot the head forward. It's impressive, and if sold alone he'd probably have been a pretty good deal were he packed with more gear. Seeing that he has an extra figure with him, he's a wonderful droid and a great deal. Just not a particularly exciting deal.

Collector's Notes: They came, they went, nobody really seemed to notice. Deleted scenes figures are always an interesting proposition, and these sold surprisingly well given that there's no action, no real recognition, and the only people who knew who they were were hardcore fans with DVDs and reference guides. Heck, I can't even keep the names straight between these two.

Day 951: February 4, 2009