Figure of the Day: Day 953: Super Battle Droid

SUPER BATTLE DROID Battle of Kashyyyk
The Saga Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 85770 No. 87331
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #061
Includes: Projectile, blast effect, firing arm, standard arm, display stand
Action Feature: Swap arms, firing rocket
Retail: $6.99
Availability: Late 2006
Appearances: Expanded Universe (well, maybe some day)

Bio: The tough, deadly and durable super battle droids are used by Separatist forces in battle. The manufacturers of battle droids corrected those droids’ shortcomings to create a more powerful and much deadlier version. These droid armies clash with the clone troopers throughout the galaxy. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' desk.

Commentary: A recurring theme in the Star Wars action figure line is that Kenner and Hasbro want to make figures that look like they were just out of range of the camera. This is a fine example. While we really didn't see a camo Super Battle Droid (as far as I can tell) anywhere in the fiction, it looks like it fits. Based on the 2002 "deluxe" mold which has been reused a few times, it's also an example of how Hasbro can dress up a less desirable figure into something you really want to have. Or at least, I wanted this one. In an era of so many different clone troopers, it's nice to see Hasbro tried to crank out some nifty repaints for them to fight. Very few Super Battle Droids exist in any color that isn't bluish grey, so this is more than a little compelling. I mean, it's brown! It's green! Sadly, there's not much else to write about other than that this looks cool. The mold itself isn't so fantastic (as you've seen in previous installments), but it will snazz up a diorama quite nicely. Hasbro's deco artists put on a nifty Droid Army logo on his arm-- I love those-- and lots of green detailing. Some said it looked goofy, but hey, I'm OK with that. I like the design, but it would have been nice to see it applied to the more highly articulated mold which was released about a quarter after this figure hit shelves.

Collector's Notes: This figure was fairly easy to find, I found quite a few on markdown when it first came out as well. Fan reaction will no doubt keep this cheap for those who admire truly unusual action figures. Score one more for an original Hasbro design!

Day 953: February 6, 2009