Droid Factory Action Figures: Watto & R2-T0
Sunday, June 22, 2008
When it comes to exclusives, it's rare that one comes along that totally wows fans. Usually you get two or three neat items, along with another one or two you could do without, or worse, already own. Seeing as reducing costs and increasing value may also hurt the wow-wee factor of a new product, it's rare that Hasbro manages to make something really cool that's merely an old toy with new paint that is also awesome.
"Watto sells used droids and mechanical parts in his shop on Tatooine. One of the droids for sale is R2-T0" (From back of packaging.)
Fan reaction toward Watto was mixed on his debut in 1999, as it was a wonderfully designed character, a decent digital performance, and one of the more interesting looking new aliens of the then-new movie The Phantom Menace. This figure uses the same mold as the 1999 action figure, with a sculpt allegedly by Art Asylum. Back in 1999, the paint job was based on pre-release illustrations, so we never really got one that matched the movie until this new exclusive version. He's got the same articulation (head, arms, legs) and pop-off wings, but his appearance is so much improved that I'd suggest fans track it down, even if you have one, two, or all three previously released Watto action figures. His accessory is the same view screen from the original release.
Full Photo Set on Flickr
Watto's companion caught the eye of many fans when behind-the-scenes photos began making the rounds, and today we actually have an R2-T0 of our very own. Based on the mold used for R4-G9 in 2005 (and other droids since then), it's a shoo-in for fan love. The deco is dirty and awesome, the articulation is great, and this robot has everything we saw in the movie except for the exposed and opened panels. The paint job seems to be one of Hasbro's best, as the toy looks like it was left out in the sun and wasn't a highly-prized part of Watto's scrap heap. If you have any taste at all, you're going to want to get this one.
PROS: Droid shows amazing deco. Watto also has amazing deco. The entire package is a great illustration of what Hasbro can do with a little paint at a low price.
CONS: Distribution expected to be limited. Watto still has some problems standing up, and his wings pop off easily.
VALUE: Insanely great. You're getting Watto, who sold for $7 with an inferior paint job in 1999. You're getting the head of C-3PX, which you probably want, and if you don't another collector will happily take it off your hands. You're also getting R2-T0, a fantastic repaint that rivals anything Hasbro has done in the size. And it's all $9.96.
OVERALL RATING: *****
This is one of few items I would advise collectors to buy, and for parents to get for their kids. If you have a kid who thought Watto was neat, this is the best Watto money can buy. The droid is awesome, and kids should love it just as much if not more than collectors. I can't gush enough about this set-- as a repaint, it's about as good as you can ever hope to get. If you have the means and opportunity, get this set.
I got this at a Wal-Mart in Los Angeles for $9.96, on June 19, 2008.
Posted byAdam16bit at 12:55 AM
Labels: 30th Anniversary Collection, Exclusives, Hasbro
