Research Droids Reviews Recap

Emperor Palpatine - Mini Busts
Gentle Giant has always been a purveyor of quality high-end Star Wars collectibles for years, but we really want to know what went wrong with, what may very well be on of the most eagerly anticipated Star Wars characters realized in their very popular Mini Bust format, Emperor Palpatine.... (read the full review)

General Grievous - ROTS - Sneak Preview (1 of 4)
Episode III was eagerly anticipated perhaps at a higher level than the first two prequels. Some may argue that Episode I was, but we believe that hardcore Star Wars fans knew that George Lucas had one last opportunity to connect the dots between Episode III and Episode IV (very quickly no less) since very little progress was made towards Anakin’s downfall in the first two films.... (read the full review)

Palpatine - ROTS - Basic (III 35)
The Revenge Of The Sith line had some great moments, but other moments were quite disappointing. Take for instance the Palpatine (III 35) figure. What in the world was Hasbro thinking making a salt or pepper shaker with a stupid action feature? Because that’s exactly what Palpatine is. His “feet” are actually a fused-together lever to activate the action feature.... (read the full review)

Anakin Skywalker - ROTS - Basic (III 28)
Toy makers are typically at a disadvantage when there is a huge multimedia event like a brand new film that their own products must support, but Hasbro did a fine job for most of the Revenge Of The Sith line, arguably the biggest Star Wars event in years. Not given enough “inside scoop” or free reign of the reference materials will only effect the accuracy of the toy line and its obvious that Hasbro wasn’t privy to all of Episode III’s secrets.... (read the full review)

Captain Rex - Mini Busts
Do you find it odd that Gentle Giant Ltd, would relegate what may be regarded as the most popular character from The Clone Wars television show as a PGM exclusive? And on top of that created less than 2500 pieces of the character for a free gift in the Collector’s Club? We find it especially disheartening that so many Mini Bust collectors will have to forfeit the opportunity to secure Captain Rex for their respective collections with very little choice of their own.... (read the full review)

Shadow Guard - Mini Busts
The Force Unleashed may rank as one of the most successful multimedia events of all time in the Star Wars universe. Collectors, including those who don’t play video games, became instantly enthralled with the characters introduced in this very cool Expanded Universe source and we couldn’t wait until collectible licensees brought them to life in their respective formats.... (read the full review)

Han Solo In Hoth Gear - Ultimate Quarter Scale
Take it or leave it, the brave Ultimate Quarter Scale line only appeals to a niche audience, an audience of which we proudly are in alliance. But if it's a line you're willing to consider, there are some very impressive products to choose from including Han Solo In Hoth Gear.... (read the full review)

Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope) - Ultimate Quarter Scale
The Ultimate Quarter Scale line is sadly at a disadvantage. Collectors tend to think that if something is bigger, its likeness should be better. Seemingly this trend proves itself over and over again, but when it comes to the UQS line, there is no guarantee that likeness will be spot on, even in this large-scaled format. Obi-Wan Kenobi, who actually has a frustratingly great head sculpt is made inferior by its paint job.... (read the full review)

TIE Fighter Pilot [Black Three] - Mini Busts
When Gentle Giant Ltd makes an incredible Mini Bust, it's well, incredible. This is particularly true for the TIE Fighter Pilot Mini Bust which comes in two flavors actually. Out of 4200 total pieces, 700 were reserved and painted with a few extra silver details like the "ace stripes" while the remaining 3500 pieces were simply the standard "all black" and generic version. ... (read the full review)

Anakin Skywalker - Ultimate Quarter Scale
There really is no middle of the road for Diamond Select Toys’ Ultimate Quarter Scale line. Sure, it goes without saying that some of the figures are better than others. Some likenesses are excellent while others leave a lot to be desired. But in general this is a line that you’ll absolutely collect or not collect due to the sheer size and weight of them.... (read the full review)

Mace Windu - Ultimate Quarter Scale
There is always at least one star that shines extra brightly in any given line of Star Wars collectibles. For the Ultimate Quarter Scale line, that award may just have to go to Mace Windu. Mace Windu is a fan favorite Star Wars character. He looks exactly the same in every single film in the Prequel Trilogy which makes things extra easy for Star Wars licenses, he knows how to wield a lightsaber, and his role in the Star Wars saga was pivotal in many ways.... (read the full review)

Tusken Raider - Premium Format Figures
Sideshow Collectibles has picked some interesting Star Wars characters for their Premium Format Figures line. Sure, they started out with some core characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, but then they took a diversion from the main characters and produced background characters like the Tusken Raider.... (read the full review)

Yoda - Life Size Busts
They say that third time is the charm, but maybe that doesn’t apply so much to Sideshow Collectibles’ Life Size Bust high-end collectibles line. After a spectacular Darth Maul and an even better Greedo (and even that’s debatable), Sideshow Collectibles sadly takes a few steps backwards with their eagerly anticipated Yoda Life Size Bust, an interpretation of Yoda based on his look from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.... (read the full review)

Admiral Ackbar - Life Size Busts
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the University of Mississippi petitioned to make Admiral Ackbar their new college mascot. It brought so much national attention and ended up catching the ears of Lucasfilm executives (who interestingly showed their support for the movement although admitting that it would need to be approved by Lucasfilm Ltd.).... (read the full review)