Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 1,991: Yellow R8-Series Astromech Droid

R8-SERIES ASTROMECH DROID White Dome with Yellow 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: It's Yellow R8-Series Astromech Droid!  I really like this, and the yellow looks great.  I gave it an R7 body with yellow markings, as the deco makes it look quite different.  The eyeless dome is a little creepy, but the red dot and a dish help give him some personality.  The top of the head has a hole in it for a hat, and looks a little bit like a bowl in which to dip your chips.  I like it.  It's bright and cheery, yet decidedly retro with lots of rectangles.   I admire the restraint in its design as many other droids seem to be a little too busy, while this one almost seems like it took a step closer to the modern simplicity of personal electronics.   As a non-movie droid his appeal is probably squarely to tourists and droid weirdos, but I dig it and I think you might want to track it down.  The yellow Star Tours droids are all really swell.

Collector's Notes: It's not bad.  It's probably worth the extra few bucks.  Don't go bonkers, but if you have to shell out $20 it's pretty much worth it.  It's unique and unlike other droids you can buy in stores, it's a real shame you have to drop a $100 cover charge and a trip to Orlando to buy these.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,991: January 30, 2013