ASTROMECH DROID ARC-170 Elite Squad30th Anniversary Collection Target Exclusive Battle Pack
Item No.: No. 87388
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 ARC-170 Troopers, 2 Clone Pilots
Action Feature: Twist dome, third leg retracts
Retail: $19.99
Availability: November 2007
Appearances: n/a
Bio: A small number of the Republic ARC-170 starfighters are crewed by elite Clone Troopers, trained to go deep into enemy territory on the most dangerous scouting missions and raids. These squads undergo advanced "aggressive reconnaissance" training taught by Advanced Recon Commandos to equip them with the skills necessary to survive the varied and treacherous mission profiles to which they are assigned. The ARC-170 Elite Squads served with distinction during the Outer Rim sieges, providing crucial intelligence and support during campaigns on the major Separatist homeworlds. (Taken from the figure's box.)
Image: Adam's yard, again.
Commentary: Seriously, what the Hell Hasbro? Is "Astromech Droid" the best you and Lucas Licensing could come up with for this one? Was the format of R[number 2-5]-[letter][number] a challenge? What next, are we going to see a new Cantina alien labeled "Some Dude"? Geez.
Whatever effort Hasbro would have "wasted" on nomenclature was put into a fairly colorful original droid design, easily one of Hasbro's best original efforts. This little guy has a red dome, blue legs and body, and a really dark brown set of feet. Since it's the R4-G9 mold once again, Hasbro managed to use one of their best designs to bring you this generally nameless little droid. Do you like the colors? Then you'll like this figure. If you're any sort of purist, this figure has appeared in exactly nothing outside the toy line. While I admire new droids getting made, well, uh, I guess this one is easier to skip than most due to its not being from anything. But since it comes in a box of clones, really, why not get it, I guess? Whatever.
Collector's Notes: Designed to match the Clone Wars "space whale" ARC-170 Fighter (or Gunship), this is a decent enough release if not exactly something that fans were begging for. It's a little frustrating to not have a name for it. It's not like Hasbro and Lucas didn't make up names for other droids that needed them. This was a one-time release and, not surprisingly for Target, hit the clearance bins pretty quickly.
--Adam Pawlus
Day 1,063: July 10, 2009
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