R2-KT - TAC - Exclusives

R2-KT was created in 2005 to honor Katie Johnson, a very special little girl who trgaically passed away from brain cancer on August 9, 2005 at the age of seven. Her father, Albin Johnson, is the founder of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club that performs charity work around the world. Katie had a special wish: to visit Walt Disney World. Through the generosity of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Katie's wish was granted. Then one more special dream came true. Katie's sister, Allie, was inspired one day while watching Attack Of The Clones, in which R2-D2 watches over the sleeping Padmé. Allie thought how great it would be if Artoo could watch over Katie while she underwent treatment, and for the droid to be named "KT" after her sister. The R2 Builders Club made Allie's idea a reality by creating a unique R2 unit especially for Katie. The 501st Legion approached Hasbro with the idea of producing a figure to commemorate R2-KT. This inspired Hasbro and Lucasfilm to help make more wishes come true for children like Katie. Hasbro and Lucasfilm together are donating $100,000 in Katie's memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundations of South Carolina and San Diego.

Philanthropy can truly be a beautiful thing, can’t it? It seems to strike the strongest chord of emotion when involves children, especially those afflicted with a terminal disease. Hasbro stepped up to the plate big time and donated their time and a generous financial gift to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in California and South Carolina. And it all began with the story of a precious little seven year old girl named Katie Johnson who sadly lost her battle with brain cancer. Little Katie had indirect ties to the Star Wars community. Her father is the founder of the 501st Legion – the fan club that dresses up in various Imperial gear at various charity events and conventions across the country. Katie’s father presented the idea to Hasbro to develop a Star Wars figure to commemorate Katie in a magnificent way. But this idea stemmed from an original concept by Katie’s sister who was inspired by a scene in Attack Of The Clones when R2-D2 serves as a sentry to guard Padme Amidala when she was sleeping on Coruscant (after the many attempts on her life). Allie thought it would be cool to have a special astromech watch over Katie during her very difficult treatments at the hospital. So did the rest of the collecting community.

To bring Katie’s special R2 unit to life, The R2 Builders Club stepped in and immediately came up with a unique concept, a pink R2 astromech droid, and Katie’s sister came up with the name “KT” to give it a monogrammed vibe. And the rest is history. (Read the full journey of this droid at www.rtkt.com.) A cool pink astromech droid was finalized and presented to the Star Wars universe. Katie’s father then in turn brought the action figure idea to Hasbro and it was quickly embraced by the staff at Hasbro and Lucasfilm. Released as an exclusive in multiple ways, R2-KT was first released as a 2007 SDCC exclusive and it was quickly embraced by collectors everywhere. R2-KT is a touching action figure because on its back is the memoriam for Katie Johnson and the droid’s name. But Hasbro did it with the perfect amount of sensitivity and respect for little Katie and her family is forever grateful for the realization of this special R2 unit in the basic figure line. It isn’t too often we get action figures like this for our collections, so not only is it special for Katie’s family, it' should be quite special for collectors as well.

R2-KT is a rework of 2005’s ROTS R4-G9 (4 of 4) Sneak Preview figure. By spinning the dome the third leg rises and lowers and you can completely hide it inside of the body cavity of the figure. It rolls up completely flush at the bottom of the body. All three legs come with wheels. Not only does this add authenticity, it adds functionality to an otherwise simple sculpt. Hasbro mimicked the paint scheme of the full-sized R2 unit designed by the R2 Builders Club. The pink is spot on (and a perfect color for cancer awareness) and the brushed nickel dome couldn’t look better. The red lettering on the back which pays tribute to Katie Johnson looks a little odd with the rest of the colors on the droid, but there is no denying that the powerful words stand out and help us to remember why we bought the action figure in the first place. But this figure is about philanthropy and tribute to a very special girl. And you know you want a pink R2 astromech in your collection anyhow. Be sure to support Katie indirectly and help Hasbro make more wishes come true. Also inlcuded is a 501st Legon collectors' card which highlights some of the details surrounding R2-KT.