R2-D2/Yoda - R - Mission Series (MS16)

R2-D2 encounters the mysterious Yoda on the planet Dagobah.

“The uncontested absurdities of today are the accepted slogans of tomorrow....” That quote could be interpreted in many different ways we assume. But we’re going to try to apply it to the way longtime collectors have been viewing their hobby of collecting Star Wars figures from Hasbro in modern times. We feel this quote is especially true when looking at the R2-D2/Yoda Mission Series set in particular. Please don’t be misled. We think the figures aren’t terrible and we will go into detail for both of them shortly. When you realize that Hasbro stuffed the 3.75” TBS [P1] Yoda (#22) action figure with only five points of articulation in The Black Series line and charged us all $10+ for him, things wouldn't fare any better in the 5POA line. So what do they do? They release another Yoda action figure with five points of articulation.... AND ADD A WHOLE OTHER ACTION FIGURE TO THE PACKAGE.... for the same price. It not only is senseless, but it also proves that Hasbro is talking from both sides of their mouth. Hasbro is destined to say “but that TBS figure has soft-goods” and we would retort “who cares?” instantly back at them. The point is that the same exact figure (for all intents and purposes more or less) has been added to a two-pack $9.99 and a single basic figure collectors’ premium line for $12.99. In what bizarre universe does this remotely make sense? We’re unable to rationalize it at all. And maybe we shouldn’t. Five points of swivel articulation are five points of swivel articulation. We’re just not buying the excuses anymore.

That being all said (and now done), we are happy to report that collectors have a new option for a borderline excellent Yoda figure. Sure, there are no soft-goods here and some of his accessories (like his belt and flute) are permanently part of the sculpt. But the likeness is rather fantastic and the paint operations, well let’s just say we have seen a whole lot worse in the Saga Legends and Mission Series ranges released previously to this set. As you know, Yoda comes with five points of articulation, and they are all of the standard points that these figures have. Yoda’s robe is too light, but the sculpt is excellent and captures the burlap-like texture and drape that we know so well through the film and even the various collectibles and action figures we have received in the past. Yoda’s skin color also looks pretty darn good. The figure doesn’t utilize multiple uses of color for shading and texture, but none of us should expect Hasbro to ever use these elevated techniques in the budget line. For accessories, Yoda comes with the lamp he stole from Luke and his infamous gimer stick which he used as a bludgeoning weapon during the tug of war he partook in with R2-D2 trying to keep that lamp in his possession. Incidentally, we don’t think the sculpt of the lamp is that good. It has a rounded base (which doesn’t look screen accurate to us) this giving it the appearance of a thumbtack instead of a lamp accessory. Oh, and Yoda’s walking stick? Yeah, it’s the same one they have The Black Series Yoda (#22) figure.

R2-D2 is a little less easy to praise. This is bittersweet because Hasbro made an effort to keep him a lot more interesting this time when compared to the previously released simply articulated R2-D2 action figures in this range. R2-D2 is an all-new figure, but instead of just three points of articulation, Hasbro has added a hinge-jointed front panel door and a hinge-jointed utility arm. This version is not only a welcome upgrade to R2-D2, but it helps kids and collectors to recreate the unforgettable wrestling scene the spunky astromech droid shared with Yoda. And it’s honestly a surprise to see this addition to an otherwise disappointing action figure. The figure of R2-D2 is very poorly painted. Our sample is strewn with scratches, missing paint applications and overall sloppily applied color. It looks like R2-D2 has been through the mill, unfortunately. It’s true that R2-D2 was a bit battle-damaged on Dagobah, but it is evident that this action figure was just poorly decorated. As a set, there is no way anyone can deny that there is not any value here. You may not be interested in getting any more action figures in this vein, but as a set that is inspired from The Empire Strikes Back, it may just interest more than are willing to admit it. Yoda has a better likeness than The Black Series Yoda (#22) figure. And the interesting play feature that comes with R2-D2 (as well as it being an all-new sculpt) should spell success for the Rebels Mission Series R2-D2/Yoda two-pack. It should do very well. However, no matter what, Hasbro MUST remedy these paint operation issues.... and be a little more consistent. Let's stop being absurd. And let's reject what is wrong, so these issues don't become the norm.