Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) [Star Wars 40] - TBS [AC] - Six Inch Figures

We genuinely applauded Hasbro’s efforts for the first wave of The Black Series 6-inch line back in 2013. Figures were loaded with accessories and incredible sculpts, and paint operations weren’t half bad. One figure that stuck in the collective craw, however, was R2-D2. It was too small in its scale, and the paint operations were wonky at best. It clogged shelves for a while. But once The Black Series 6-inch line picked up momentum, it soon disappeared, and people joining late collecting these figures were desperate to add the plucky astromech droid into their 6-inch collection. Well, here we are in 2017, and Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) [Star Wars 40] has been re-released in vintage Kenner-inspired packaging to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. The Black Series [Anniversary Collection] line brings collectors the original 12-Back figures from 1978 on a larger scale. They’ve also developed a replica of the display stand for these 12 characters with a “for now” exclusive Darth Vader figure. To sweeten the deal, Hasbro graciously put the first wave of these 40th Anniversary figures up for order under a “See Now, Buy Now” promotion. But the figures were actually in stock, and shipping started immediately. How cool is that? This first in the Star Wars line lit a fire under collectors. Even those who typically hesitate couldn’t place orders fast enough. Now that Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) [Star Wars 40] has finally been re-released, how does it look in 2017 compared to four years ago? Not much is different. Let’s go into detail.

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) [Star Wars 40] is still too short for an astromech droid in 6-inch scale. But this shouldn’t be a surprise since most figures in the first wave are all straight repacks. Instead of correcting the R2 sculpt early on in the line, Hasbro ignored this and retooled and repainted it to make new characters. Likely, this figure will never get properly resized…. and it’s a shame. The paint operations still aren’t perfect, but it’s safe to say they’re improved. Remember that blue line that wrapped around the base of his dome and how it “dipped” down in the front. It seems that Hasbro did everything it could to rectify that issue. Again, it’s not perfect, but it’s noticeably better. Aside from that, we’re having difficulty seeing any other differences. For an MSRP of $19.99, we get the same amount of accessories as in 2013. This is a great thing. We’re thankful that Hasbro didn’t cry about being unable to cost it out just a couple of years later for the re-release. We still wish Hasbro would have washed Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) to help define the detail that went into its tooling. It’s an impressive sculpt, but the detail is lost thanks to a pristinely white color. We shot Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) [Star Wars 40] in a darker light so that the shadows could better show the impressive detail etched into his body. But a better deco job would have been sublime.

As we’ve asserted, R2-D2 does succeed in coming with plenty of accessories. Ten separately sculpted parts come with it. Three separate dome panels are removable, allowing the collector to attach a unique utility tool or accessory inside the cavity they cover. Choose between R2-D2’s sensorscope or periscope and Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Knight lightsaber from Return Of The Jedi. R2-D2’s leg panels are also removable. You can switch them out for extended booster rocket jets to recreate the droid's appearances from Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of The Sith. You can see that The Black Series 6-inch R2-D2 can be sourced to every last film in the Star Wars saga. The Swiss army knife version of R2-D2 represents multiple film scenes. It’s hard to pick one film to base this action figure. Even though it’s meant to be the Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, we’re glad that Hasbro still included all of the other parts. We still think Hasbro could have released a “Prequel Trilogy” and “Original Trilogy” Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) figure to amortize costs. We think that would have gone over well with collectors. Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) [Star Wars 40] comes on a large-sized card back inspired by 1978 vintage Kenner packaging. The cardboard used for it is very thick and sturdy and will hold up the figure without bending. Hasbro was wise to do this. Hopefully, these figures will last long MOC for collectors that prefer that.