Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,930: Black R6-Series Astromech Droid

R6-SERIES ASTROMECH DROID Black Dome with Silver Panels
Star Tours Droid Factory Customizable Figure
Item No.: No. ???
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Head, 2 legs, torso, central third leg, optional hat
Action Feature: Comes apart
Retail: $10-$12
Availability: 2012
Appearances: n/a

Bio: These figures do not have specific packaging or configurations.  As such, we will be treating each dome as a unique "figure" as that part is the most plentiful.   At this time there are 25 domes and while Hasbro sometimes seems to indicate they are not Hasbro product, they do have Hasbro copyright markings and as such we are classifying them under the Hasbro banner.

Image: Adam's photo hole.

Commentary: Long-time readers of everything I do know I love astromech droid figures.  My first duty when I found out I was getting a job in the toy business was "OK, now how can I get a bunch of droids out in a hurry?" and those made it out in early 2006.  Disney did one better by cranking out 25 unique astromechs this year, including the Black R6-Series Astromech Droid dome.  I love this one.  The face of R2-D2 was basically transplanted on a trapezoid, and the end result is positively charming.  Little blue infrared receptors on the side of his face, a red light under his big eye, and silver panels galore implore you to put this head on a black-and-silver body.  (Which apparently is frequently out of stock.)   It looks good on the black body with white panels as well, but c'mon.  This one looks best.

If you only get one or two droids, make this one of them.  It's fantastic.   It looks different than most non-Disney Hasbro droids and does a great job of giving you something a little different for your toy stash.   Unless you're deep in to the novels, this design is all but unknown to you so your main motivation to buy it is a dogged desire to complete the set, a love of robots, or an affliction involving too much money.  $10 is a lot for these guys when multiplied out, but honestly if I could walk into the store and get more of these at that price, I would.

Collector's Notes:  This item was a customizable release at Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando, and you can configure them any way you wish.  The R6 dome mold is a Disney exclusive and to date is available in this color, white with yellow panels, and white with purple panels.   They can be expensive on eBay, so do some research prior to buying, or depending on your proximity to a Disney theme park, know it might be cheaper just to go there and buy them if you're gonna collect this subset.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,930: November 6, 2012