R2-S4M - Droid Factory

All different types of astromech droids populate the Star Wars galaxy. Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors. Affectionately known as "Sam," R2-S4M is an overworked astromech modified with a drink dispenser and serving tray who delivers drinks to denizens lounging around Jabba the Hutt's luxury sail barge, the Khetanna. May the Force be with you... and your droids!

The most impressive action figure release celebrating Return Of The Jedi 40 may be Disney's Droid Factory R2-S4M Build A Droid figure. It's remarkable because of its relative obscurity, its linkage to The Vintage Collection Jabba's Sail Barge (The Khetanna) HasLab, and also because it updates an incorrect previous version released as part of 2015's TBS [P3} Astromech Droid Pack Entertainment Earth exclusive. Until a short while ago, we didn't have an official name for this character. The Entertainment Earth set referred to it as Jabba's Bartender. Now, we know the character is R2-S4M (or "SAM" for short), and its unique markings are a nice contrast to BAR2-D2, the "other" astromech droid dispensing liquor to the various patrons on Jabba's sail barge. Yes, it's another Build A Droid figure without footwires, but it supersedes the first release because the paint operations are fantastic. They got the color flashes correct and then finished them with a dirt wash that helped bring realism and authenticity to the action figure. The Entertainment Earth set version does not have this critical wash, is incomplete, and has wrong deco applications. For accessories, Disney gave us a drink tray, dispenser, and seven drinks filled with green alcohol. When fully assembled, it's the perfect update to the previous version. And again, we have to commend Disney for even considering releasing this Droid Factory figure at all. It's a pleasant surprise, and because it improves upon what Hasbro created, it's a worthy addition to the Hasbro Star Wars basic figure line. We're grateful to get a Droid Factory figure sourced to Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi. They often focus on Disney Star Wars entertainment, and many have been losing interest. We find it encouraging when Disney returns to basics and what matters most.