Figure of the Day: Day 1,071: Crab Droid

CRAB DROID The Second Attempt
The Clone Wars Figure & Vehicle Assortment
Item No.: Asst. 91349 No. 91362
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Cannon, projectile
Action Feature: Firing Missile Launcher
Retail: $16.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars

Bio: LM-432 crab droids are armored infantry units that easily move over rough ground. Their legs work independently of one another, allowing them to movie with agility and speed as they track their targets and take aim with their blasters. Also known as Muckracker droids, they threaten Republic forces on many planets during the war. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' couch.

Commentary: When Hasbro announced this run of the Crab Droid a lot of fans asked how this was different from the 2005 release, which was only $10 and sold as a deluxe action figure, and what could justify that kind of increase. Well, first of all, it's obvious Hasbro is looking to fill boxes rather than add value. Each item in this assortment has a little more or a little less compared to previous releases, so it's really inconsistent so far. Hopefully newly tooled vehicles and creatures will find their way into these boxes as we move forward.

This particular item is a straight repaint, which means that it is indeed improved. Just not significantly so-- the character isn't based on the model shown on the front of the box, so those big central red eyes aren't on the "face." There are other red lights which are now painted that weren't previously, so basically what you have here is an incremental improvement. The little antenna, claws, and other crab-like elements were really downplayed on the original toy's sculpt, so this figure is left still needing a complete overhaul. Or at least the "face" and the front pincers could use some work. If you have the original release, odds are you won't be very pleased with this one unless you were just looking to get more of the same, but barely different.

Collector's Notes: If history is any indication, this one could end up being a turkey which kills off this otherwise neat assortment. If you've been with us for a while, you won't be getting your money's worth here, but if you're new and just want a crab droid it's certainly more convenient than eBay.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,071: July 22, 2009