R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) - SW [S - P3] - Basic (’04 #02)

A protocol droid at the Rebels' base on Hoth, R-3PO was present when the Imperial Forces attacked Echo Base, which had to be adandonded to the enemy. Protocol droids were vital in smoothing differences encountered by the many far-flung cultures interacting on a regular basis throughout the galaxy. Programmed in etiquette and equipped with formidable language skills, they served as aides to diplomats, politicians and other high-ranking officials.

Excluding articulation, there exists some action figures that Hasbro will never be able to outdo. A perfect example of this is R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) from the 2004 phase of the Star Wars “Saga” line. The figure is done so incredibly well (as far as its deco is concerned) that you’ll probably need some time to register that this figure has no more articulation than its The Power Of The Force “2” predecessors. Undoubtedly, R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) has a tremendously modern sculpt which also helps to soften its lack of articulation too. There isn’t any bulkiness or exaggerated features on this protocol droid so this action figure is going to look fantastic in your Star Wars collection. We will get to all of the specifics in a few moments, but we have to make it clear that although R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) isn’t perfect and may not cater to each and every last detail for a collector, there are just some action figures that shine for other more important reasons. And we feel that is where R-3PO’s strengths lie. Sure, it would be wonderful to get a super-articulated protocol droid sculpt in the Star Wars “Saga” line, but this all-new figure brings plenty of other things to the table that are arguably more impressive. A never before released character, it’s finally nice to have R-3PO (Ar-Threepio) as a single-packed basic figure now.

R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) comes with a mere five points of articulation. He comes with a swivel head, two swivel shoulders, and two swivel hips. Our sample has an awkwardly positioned left leg which makes it difficult to stand up on its two feet, but other than that the figure has a pretty incredible sculpt. The droid’s arms are slightly bent at the elbows as they should be and its body is slightly cocked in a position that gives it a task-driven body language. Be sure to note the pistons and gears Hasbro added to the arms. It’s very impressive detailing. Wookieepedia goes on to explain that R-3PO was a spy at Echo Base, so if that’s the case, Hasbro did a great job in making the droid appear seamless and unassuming in the action figure line too. R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) seems a bit short for a protocol droid, but this is more subtle than blatant. And it could be his posturing adding to that perception. Additionally, you’ll be distracted by one of its more positive attributes anyway (more on that in a minute). The action figure only comes with a display stand, but that’s more than fair since the character didn’t have anything in its hands in The Empire Strikes Back. In fact, the droid can barely be seen in the various scenes in Episode V anyway.

R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation)’s strongest points however are in the stunning paint operations. Again, we’ll stand by our statement that we will never receive a better looking version of R-3PO than this Star Wars “Saga” action figure, even if we get a super-articulated version in the future. The paint job is so good that you’ll just have to forgive its lack of articulation, or for that matter any other faults it may have in your eyes. Cast in a deep, dark maroon red plastic, it seems that Hasbro did everything in their power to "hide" its shortcomings. Specifically, we mean that R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) is covered in washes and highlights that distract your eyes from the figure's base color. This is a great thing. You’ll see elements of scratches and you’ll see dirt accumulations here and there as well. Even its feet have some snow (or some other terrain) residue on them. R-3PO’s head sculpt is also done very well and accented with bright “glowing” photoreceptors that look not entirely perfect, but great nonetheless. R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation) is a fantastic release in the Star Wars “Saga” basic figure lineup. Characters like this are great for background diorama fodder as well as for collectors that concentrate their collections are character types. We’re thrilled about this action figure. We know he isn’t perfect, but sometimes perfection isn’t the most important thing.