R2-X2 - LC - Basic (BD52)

R2-X2 is the on-board astromech droid for Red Ten during the Battle of Yavin. The R2 series astromech droid aids the Rebel Alliance X-wing fighter pilot during the Trench Run to destroy the Galactic Empire's Death Star battle station.

R2-X2 is probably the most perplexing figure in the red phase of the Legacy Collection. Not because we don’t “get” this figure, but because he came out of left field for a basic figure release and is considered a “new” and not “repacked” figure. To us, he is no different than the Boba Fett (BD36) figure or the Ugnaught (BD28) figure. Boba Fett and the Ugnaught are considered repacks (which doesn’t make sense to us at all since Boba Fett is a completely new repaint and the Ugnaught is essentially a new figure – he has new parts and even repainted clones aren’t retooled like this) and R2-X2 really has all the same characteristics and prerequisites for recognizing it as new enough. Whatever your take is on how to classify a figure, we must admit that R2-X2 is worthy of “new” status to us and the droid is ultimately a remarkable addition into the line. Not fitting into the theme of The Empire Strikes Back and also coming with the same droid part as one of the “other new” figures in the wave, R2-X2 enters the basic figure line for the first time, although it’s not the first time we ever received it (well, at least in this color). We got this droid originally in 2006's TSC Astromech Droid Pack Series II, an Entertainment Earth exclusive multipack, with a different color scheme. The black has been replaced with a very dark green and after intense research with various sources we have discovered that the green is indeed the correct color. There will undoubtedly be many of you out there who disagree with this, but if you check the sources, you will find that the actual color is dark green. Appearing in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, R2-X2 is the astromech droid that was partnered with Theron Nett (Red 10 and who has yet to be immortalized as an action figure) during the Battle of Yavin. Unfortunately for them both, they were shot down in the crossfire. R2-X2 has an Imperial feel to it, not doubt due to the dark coloring and the droid has a design and pattern on it that isn’t commonly used. R2-X2 is a very distinct astromech and will certainly stand out from the rest of your many currently owned R2 units. R2-X2 is easily one of our favorite astromech droids. It is that good!

R2-X2 is a repaint of 2005's ROTS R4-G9 (Sneak Preview) (4 of 4) figure, a fan favorite sculpt. We love this sculpt too, but we think many of you out there may not be aware of how many times Hasbro installs the third leg backwards on figures that utilize it. Or maybe you do and just don't care. But for us, if you are unable to set all three legs flush on a flat surface no matter how much you futz with it (i.e. the third leg is angled up off the surface a little), we will continue to be bothered by this. It's a shame that the third leg has been erroneously reversed as often as it has been. However, if it is assembled correctly, it lays completely flat and works like a charm and looks so much better. Hasbro messes this up as frequently as much as the upside-down clone trooper belts (on 2005's ROTS Clone Trooper (III 41) figure). Go check out your astromechs (that use the R4-G9 mold), you may just be shocked on how many third legs are assembled incorrectly. R2-X2 regrettably has the same issue. We won’t hold out breath, but we wonder if the third leg will be interchangeably assembled on this droid too. As most of you are familiar with the R4-G9 sculpt by now, you know that clockwise lifts up the leg and counterclockwise lowers it back down. A great little gimmick, we think it works wonderfully well and eliminates the needs for a detachable third leg. It also is authentic to the film, since the third leg goes up into the body cavity as well (R2-D2 shows this functionality a few times in the films). But we think that both styles of astromech droid are equal in their levels of authenticity. Both look great and are very faithful to the film in action figure form. The droid has been painted marvelously and all the lines and changes in color are clean and sharp. The 2006 figure was a bit sloppy and uneven in the paint job department, but Hasbro cleaned it up significantly with this release especially since R2-X2 is a droid that has a paint scheme that would make for a messy paint job. We are impressed with this release and we think R2-X2 is a great addition to your A New Hope subset of figures! Most noticeable on the new R2-X2 are the thin lines that go around the head. They aren’t wavy, they are very straight.

Shipping in a wave full of The Empire Strikes Back themed figures, R2-X2 is a little out of place (being the seventh figure in a six figure wave of protocol droid parts). But we have to say we are thrilled that Hasbro gave us a little more variety and diversity by giving us new options for droid parts instead of continually carrying forward the same old figures. R2-X2 and the Snowtrooper are the two figures that are ‘new’ to this wave. You will find other repeat figures with new HK-50 droid parts, but at least an effort was made to give us more choices. Plus, how awesome is it to get a corrected version of R2-X2 entered into the line (and as a basic figure no less)? We are extremely thankful for this. Rebel astromech droids have always been popular and it seems that we are quickly getting through all the ones that appeared during the Battle Of Yavin sequence. R4-D6, R5-K6 (from 2009's TLC Scramble On Yavin Battle Packs set), and now R2-X2 are just some of the examples of the droids from these scenes that have been forever immortalized in plastic. We don’t think that too many more choices exist and we hope Hasbro will one day complete them all. Astromech (and protocol) droid repaints are great ideas for helping to pad assortments. We hope the trend continues because not only is it cost-effective for Hasbro, but it gives us new figures at the same time. And you know this by now, but these “reissues” will allow dollars to be spent on phenomenal sculpts like the Luke Skywalker (BD51) figure. And we all want figures like him to keep coming our way! R2-X2 will no doubt be a hot seller. We do not expect the droid to hang on shelves for long. All of his wave mates will be hot sellers as well and we expect them to be a little bit harder that most other figures in the Legacy Collection. If you see him, grab him. He is not expected to be carried forward after this wave, but just like anything, this can change at any time. But R2-X2 is a very striking astromech droid and is worth entrance into your collection based on its own merits. This should be reason enough to pick it up!