Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,862: Battle Droid

BATTLE DROID  with STAP
The Clone Wars Tpys R Us Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 18609 No.  18608  
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: 2 rockets, STAP, clear plastic stand, backpack
Action Feature: STAP fires rockets
Retail: $17.99
Availability: Fall 2009ish
Appearances: The Clone Wars

Bio: Celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga that changed the universe forever! This collection brings to life the incredible story of good versus evil that captured our imagination and took us to a galaxy far, far away. Iconic Star Wars heroes and villains are captured with incredible detail and premium features to commemorate each epic tale in the Star Wars saga. May the Force be with you!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.  No specific character information.)

Image: Adam's photo area.


Commentary:  This Battle Droid comes in red, but the thing is it doesn't match the bulk of the other red Battle Droids Hasbro has made in the cartoon style.  In 2010, we got a lot more vibrant figures, so this one really doesn't fit in well with the armies as they exist today.   I got this one because it was clearly different from my other Battle Droids, and the STAP is no slouch with its filthy deco and a Droid Army symbol.

The figure itself is interesting, but unremarkable.  It has eight joints (the standard 6 plus elbows) and no gun, so it's basically pretty iffy without the vehicle.  He's much darker and dirtier than later Battle Droids and unless I forgot one, the only animated red Battle Droid to include a STAP so far.  It's quite distinctive but it sticks out like a sore thumb, plus the price point wasn't exactly great.  These "mini" vehicles started creeping up and getting as expensive as the "starfighter" class, given Hasbro sold 2 STAPs and 2 figures in 2008 for about $20, this seemed a bit high.

I would not necessarily suggest getting this one on its own merits.  It's not bad, but you've probably got a few droids and STAPs, and with its hands rotated and lack of a gun it basically works best as a display or collector kind of thing.  If the price is right (like $10) by all means, get two, they're nice.  At the original retail cost-- or higher-- it really isn't all that exciting.

Collector's Notes: It's unlikely but possible you might see this former Toys R Us exclusive in a store near you.  It shipped alongside a grey redeco of the Speeder Bike.


--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,862: August 2, 2012