Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,067: R2-S4M

R2-S4M Jabba's Bartender Has a Name
Star Wars Droid Factory
Item No.: ???
Manufacturer: Disney
Number: n/a
Includes: Drink dispenser, drink caddy, 7 glasses
Action Feature: Comes apart
Retail: $14.99
Availability: June 2023
Appearances: Return of the Jedi

Bio: All different types of astromech droid populate the Star Wars galaxy. Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors. Affectionately known as "Sam," R2-S4M is an overworked astromech modified with a drink dispenser and serving tray who delivers drinks to denizens lounging around Jabba the Hutt's luxury sail barge, the Khetanna. May the Force be with you... and your droids! (Taken from the packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: This is the second time we got this droid - and it doesn't look like the last one! In 2023 Disney brought us R2-S4M, a previously nameless figure sold by Hasbro as Jabba's Bartender [FOTD #2,299] as an Entertainment Earth exclusive back in 2016. Presumably, the person who was allowed to make up a name for the droid is a fan of Cheers.

Is this one more accurate? I'm honestly not sure - this is not a figure where we've ever seen good photos of it, and the Hasbro one existed because a friend of mine sent me a picture, which I sent to Hasbro, and I don't know what happened behind-the-scenes. Disney brought a white droid out, with dirt on it, and brighter red markings that don't look like the Hasbro figure. I guess whichever one you like is the right one. Disney seemed to copy the back of the Hasbro droid's body, but the legs lack the red stripes Hasbro gave it, and the panels on the front don't really match at all. It may as well be a completely different robot, and for all I know, it is. It's a real "buy both versions" situation.

I like each one for different reasons - this one is brighter, with green drinks and a more vibrant look. Hasbro's has a lot of weird panel designs and nice gold glasses. Functionally I like Hasbro's a bit more, because you have to remove (and not lose) the third leg for the drink tray to sit on his shoulders properly. Disney had some confused stock photos trying to get around this. I have no idea which one is truly the most accurate, so I guess teach the controversy? I'll buy dang near any original trilogy figure anybody makes these days, mostly because so few get made anymore. If you can get this one on sale - and right now, you can - you should go get yourself this one. Nobody will care in a year, but maybe they will in five years, and you'll be glad you have yours at home then. 

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Shop Disney at full price, but as I write this it's on clearance for $10.98.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,067: September 26, 2023