R2-D2 - TAC - Basic (30 04)

Given to improvisation, which is itself a unique trait for a droid, R2-D2 has fought his way out of more sticky situations than most. From unorthodox uses for his arc welder to jets of highly flammable lubricants, this little droid always has a trick or two just beneath his chassis.

It’s a guarantee that we’ll see R2-D2 in every basic figure line look until the line dies. And interestingly, the inclusion of R2-D2 (or multiple versions) in the basic figure line each year doesn’t really get old. Hasbro successfully changes up the accessories or features enough to make each version unique for the most part. And after 30 years, we almost have every scene-specific version of R2-D2 possible. We were particularly excited about the R2-D2 in the first wave of the 30 (77-07) line. It’s a lot of plastic and it’s probably the most colorful R2-D2 we will ever receive. Based on the scene when R2-D2, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi are on General Grievous’ Invisible Hand trying to rescue Senator Palpatine from Count Dooku and company. R2-D2 tries his best to hide from the Super Battle Droids responding to Obi-Wan’s voice blaring out of the communicator. And even though R2 tosses inside his can, it doesn’t do much to deter the Separatist droids from finding him out. They attack R2-D2 until the astromech sprays them with grease and lights them on fire with his rocket jets. This truly proves that R2-D2 is indeed an “attack” R2-D2. (That’s for all you POTF2 people!)

Hasbro cleverly replicated this scene verbatim via an awesomely sculpted “fire” stand where the jets serve as plugs that go into holes in the stand. Even the Super Battle Droid (30 08) that joins R2-D2 in the same wave can interact together to really complete the scene! (But you’ll have to read that review for more information.) While “fire” in the past has looked pretty silly, the complete opposite is true for R2-D2. Not only does it look like believable fire, but its functionality is only surpasses by the brilliant (and bright) paint job Hasbro gave it. There are many levels of “heat” that can be seen in the sculpt as you’ll find orange, yellow and black mixed throughout. It’s extremely well done! When you perch R2-D2 on the stand, it has almost perfect balance and R2 can fit perfectly in the middle of it. R2 remains straight and centered and we couldn’t be happier with the final result. While this version of R2-D2 is extremely specific to a few seconds in the film, we think an action figure based on this sequence is just as viable to the line as a generic one. R2-D2 is one of the main characters and we want to see them in all of their “hats” in the various films.

R2-D2 is a significant rework of the ultra popular 2005 ROTS R4-G9 Sneak Preview (4 of 4) figure mold. You can twist his dome and his leg ascends up into his body cavity. As collectors, we adore this version of an astromech. The paint job isn't perfect as there are some issues with the blue details, but he does come with a brushed nickel dome instead of a shiny one. If you separate R2-D2 from the “fire” stand, you may not be as impressed with the figure. R2-D2 is very heavily colored in a yellow wash to represent the reflection of the fire against his body. It’s remarkably done, but you have to admit that this flavor of him just won’t do unless you’re recreating Qui-Gon’s funeral scene because if there isn’t a fire around, well, this R2 unit will be R2-WON’T DO. But if there is a fire, well, it’s perfect. There’s a ton of grease stains, damage and dirt that make it appear as if R2 has been to hell and back. He’s taken a beating and still have the ability to get the job done. R2-D2 in wave 1 of the 30 (77-07) line is definitely a guilty pleasure for us. It’s not a figure that makes our jaws drop to the ground. Not at all. But the execution of the stand and how R2-D2 looks on it really knocks this one home for us. We’re so glad Hasbro decided to go with this version of R2-D2. It’s definitely one of the most unique versions of him we’ll ever receive.