R4-G9 - ROTS - Sneak Preview (4 of 4)

R4-G9 is an astromech droid that accompanies Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to the sinkhole planet of Utapau, where Obi-Wan hopes to destroy General Grievous, the supreme commander of the Separatist droid armies.

Pivotal. Innovational. History changing. Important. Groundbreaking. These are all fair adjectives to which can be attributed to the brilliantly created R4-G9 figure part of the Sneak Preview set of Revenge Of The Sith figures that were released to whet collector’s appetites until the line hit retail in April of 2005. R4-G9 has changed the way collectors identify with their astromech droids. The figure is a triumph in every sense of the word and you can bet this will be the template for many astromech droids in the future. (Editor’s Note: Obviously this has come to pass in innumerable ways to date.) Just when we thought the VOTC R2-D2 sculpt could be improved upon, Hasbro comes through in an impressive way and develops an all-new sculpt. R4-G9 comes with a very well-functioning twist-up third leg feature (by turning its dome) and the leg completely rolls up into the cavity and the bottom of the foot is flush with the bottom of its body. What’s more, R4-G9’s third leg (when slid down) can be set to be flush with the other two outside legs while maintaining a natural angle. The wheels of the feet only make this entire figure all the better.

R4-G9 also has the distinction of being the only Sneak Preview figure that was a fans’ choice figure (of sorts). Although the character had been established for Episode III, members of the www.starwars.com Hyperspace fan club could vote in an online poll to determine the color and look of the new astromech droid for Obi-Wan Kenobi. (Obi-Wan Kenobi needed to replace his longtime companion R4-P17 after being destroyed during the Battle of Coruscant.) Fans and collectors could vote on the look of R4-G9 between July and August of 2003, quite a distant time away from the release of Revenge Of The Sith. Voters were presented with four different color schemes and ultimately the bronze and copper design ended up winning their hearts. Did you vote? Because of the significant advanced notice, Hasbro was able to get this figure out to collectors as a generous Sneak Preview “early” release. R4-G9 was a treat for collectors. The last Sneak Preview astromech droid was released at the tail end of the Power Of The Jedi line and it was sadly a disappointment in accuracy and aesthetics. R4-G9 remedies that beyond measure.

Just look at this figure’s amazing paint job! R4-G9 has been decorated to look as if it has seen every last battle of the Clone Wars.... and then some. In fact, R4-G9 from the Utapau scene in Episode II actually looks cleaner than this action figure! Stunning would be too calm of a word to describe just how impressively well this astromech droid has been decorated. A great all-new sculpt would have been enough, but the incredible paint job just makes this even better obviously. Hasbro knows they knocked this one out of the park. In fact, R4-P17 from the same Revenge Of The Sith line was made using this figure (and actually came out even better). We have the definitive astromech droid sculpt folks. You’ll likely see it repeated over and over again in the basic figure line for years to come. And it should because Hasbro has definitely gotten it right this time. (Editor’s Note: The 2008 TLC line brought a new astromech droid sculpt to the basic figure line. While many collectors enjoy the Build A Droid sculpt, many are still partial to this figure. We have to honestly say that we’re fond of both.) R4-G9 is an absolute must-have for your collection. And you’ll be able to say while you’re enjoying it that this was the figure to start it all, because R4-G9 has indeed done this.