![Imperial Speeder Bike [with Biker Scout Stormtrooper] - Hasbro - The Power of the Force [Red] (1995)](/star-wars-power-of-the-force-red/thumbs/potf2-red-vehicles-imperial-speeder-bike1-th.jpg "Imperial Speeder Bike [with Biker Scout Stormtrooper] - Hasbro - The Power of the Force [Red] (1995)")
The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six - THE POWER OF THE FORCE Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber
Welcome to another entry in our The Vintage Collection: The Ninety Six column. Hasbro recently committed to collectors that they will be “focusing” on characters in The Vintage Collection that fall under “The Ninety Six” banner. If you’re new to this, it means that there needs a modern counterpart for every classic Kenner figure. Between 2020 and 2021, Hasbro’s made an admirable effort by focusing on these characters. But there is more work to be done, and we’ll figure out where we are step by step. Today we assess Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber.
Just a few notes: We’re right in alignment with Hasbro in our vintage Kenner database with the count. There are 21 figures under the STAR WARS banner, 29 figures under THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK banner, 31 figures under the RETURN OF THE JEDI banner, and 15 figures under THE POWER OF THE FORCE banner. (Sy Snootles, Max Rebo, Droopy McCool, and Blue Snaggletooth bring the number to an even 100 figures.)
Read our assessment, and then please add your thoughts to the comments. Let us know if you agree or disagree. If you’re a customizer, show us your definitive custom figure in the comments as well! Who knows? It might give Hasbro some ideas.
THE POWER OF THE FORCE Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber
Is there a definitive modern counterpart to 1985’s POTF Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber?
2010’s TVC R2-D2 (VC25)
Has Hasbro added this character’s card art and action figure into THE VINTAGE COLLECTION? And is it definitive?
Yes, although the release feels somewhat incomplete.
Does THE VINTAGE COLLECTION release completely satisfy the modern counterpart to 1985’s THE POWER OF THE FORCE Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber figure?
Mostly. This figure features the “pop up” lightsaber feature, and that’s what sets apart that version of Artoo-Detoo from the rest of the figures in the Kenner Star Wars line.
If Hasbro didn’t release the figure yet, do we have a near-definitive or definitive release of this character that can be added to THE VINTAGE COLLECTION as a straight repack, repaint, or with little retooling to update it?
Some feel 2010’s TVC R2-D2 (VC25) figure is too small in scale. Also, many want to see the original card back featuring R2-D2 hit by Stormtrooper blaster fire in front of the bunker. But Hasbro did the correct thing by updating the card art image with a scene from the sail barge for THE VINTAGE COLLECTION.
What does Hasbro have to do so we can check off “Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber” from our Vintage Vs. Modern checklists?
Hasbro can release an all-new version of this character if they wish. The current release isn’t perfect, and collectors prefer perfection for this premium line of action figures.
The year and years elapsed (through 2021) since we last had this character in classic Kenner-styled packaging (vintage or modern)?
2010’s TVC R2-D2 (VC25) 11 years ago.
1985’s POTF Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber 36 years ago.
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Related Links
3.75-inch Super-Articulated Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with pop-up Lightsaber Battle Of Carkoon Battle Of Endor Hasbro Kenner R2 Unit R2-D2 R2-series Astromech Droid Rebel Alliance Return Of The Jedi Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi The Power Of The Force The Vintage Collection The Vintage Conversation
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