Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,690: R2 Astromech (Color-Changing Droids, Droid Factory Line Look)

R2 ASTROMECH Color-Changing Droids
Star Wars Disney Droid Depot
Item No.: No. ???
Manufacturer: Disney
Number: n/a
Includes: 4 droids - RA-7 Protocol Droid, BB Unit, R2 Astromech, C1 Astromech
Action Feature: Pops apart, changes from white to blue
Retail: $39.99
Availability: ca. July 2019
Appearances: n/a

Bio: All different types of Astromech droids populate the galaxy.  Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors.  These droids have the special ability to change color!  (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  Time to get back to the color-change droids!  This R2 Astromech is, clearly, R2-D2.  Or is close enough.   You've seen this mold oh so many times, and there are no obvious tooling changes here.  You've got the wheeled feet, the articulated dome and ankles, the swivel arms, and of course the removable third leg.   The proportions are pretty consistent for this and almost every major droid since 2005, with the same advantages and shortcomings we've been getting from Disney since they produced their own droids.  The detail is similar to Hasbro's figures, but softer and you don't get the wires on the feet.   It's a downer, but I'm betting most fans won't miss it.  The fact that the dome is right on the money for most of us is going to be enough.

The core figure is great, but you're buying this one for the color-change paint.  With a body molded in white plastic, the figure is coated in a unique red pigment that either turns white or clear - I am not sure which - with heat.  Put the figure in the freezer for a pinkish red R2-D2, hold it in your hand for a plain white robot.  The color sticks quite nicely if you don't handle it, as it seems to require somewhat extreme temperatures to change.  Your hands or fridge should do the trick.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from my pal Shannon. Thanks Shannon!  There are 2 droid 4-packs and 1 droid playset with a Gonk Droid at this time.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,690: May 14, 2020