Figure of the Day: Day 1,234: Wedge Antilles' Astromech Droid R2-A3

WEDGE ANTILLES' ASTROMECH DROID Later Named R2-A3
The Legacy Collection Target Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87847
Number: n/a
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: X-Wing, Wedge Antilles
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99, part of a set
Availability: August 2009
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars

Bio: The X-Wing Fighter has become the symbol of the Rebellion. Swift, reliable and highly responsive in battle, this rugged craft is capable of absorbing plenty of damage in combat. X-Wings have flown in all the major battles against the Empire and are the preferred fighters of Rebel pilots. In the bustling Alliance hangars, X-Wings are prepared for another battle with Imperial fighters, as pilots and technicians check engines, instruments and weapons. Once Alliance pilot, Wedge Antilles, flew an X-Wing in the Battle of Yavin as Red Two and as Red Leader in the Battle of Endor. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.

Commentary: For some reason Hasbro randomly decides not to give Astromech Droid figures a name sometimes, and this is one of those times. The robot is the 2005 R4-G9 mold, repainted to look like the robot on many of the models from the original trilogy. (There seem to be some possible consistency issues with the droid's design in the socket.) With the added dirt and a very uniquely colored red central eye, the figure actually has a slightly different personality than the other red-and-white Astromechs, of which there have been a few. (Actually, Wal-Mart got a very similar one just weeks before this one hit stores.) Odds are you have no good reason to buy the droid at the price of the whole vehicle package, but it's nice enough and certainly a nice nameless addition to your Rebel armada.

Collector's Notes: This set stuck around for a while, and depending on your Target may still be available. Only some stores marked these down while they remained at full price elsewhere. The name was released by Hasbro in this Q&A installment from the Raving Toy Maniac.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,234: March 8, 2010