R2-D2
It took Bandai 4 years to release R2-D2 after the release of C-3PO in 2013. It then took ME 5 years after that to finally get one of these glorious 12PM x Chogokin R2-D2 figures. This thing is insane and I love it.
The box is nice enough, with a foil slipcase outside a foil-covered box.
Inside, it rests in a styrofoam tray.
This R2 is about 2 pounds of metal and 1/6 scale. It feels like a hand grenade in your hand.
It’s been a bit, so let me reiterate what makes these so special, aside from the copius amount of metal. The designers at Bandai examine every frame of the source material to get as perfect of a model as they can from a very specific look. This is R2 from A New Hope, specifically from the Tantive IV just before he escapes with the Death Star plans down to Tattoine. As such, he is very clean without weathering, and he has certain design choices that are specific to that scene, such as the little rivet holes on the chest. This also means he does not have some of the features that the later appearances of R2 have, such as the pop-up lightsaber and sensorscope.
Another thing that sets this apart from other R2 toys is the inclusion of parts to mimic when Kenny Baker was actually inside.
The hose-like connectors under the body are where Kenny Baker would put his feet when in the costume. These parts are magnetic and snap into place.
Another fun magnet gimmick is the restraining bolt. It attaches via a magnet on a front panel but only in that one place.
There are all kinds of panels that open, and special tool is provided. You actually have to pop open the panel from the side WITH the joint, and then open the panel from the other side.
The right-hand arm has an extending communications port.
The other side has some other kind of tool, maybe the one used to fix the X-Wing.
R2’s third leg drops down in a spring loaded fashion. Its a one-click move. Push it up until it clicks to keep it in place, push it again to let it spring down.
The wheels are shiny metal – the middle one has omnidirectional balls while the other legs have rollers. I wish there was some more detail under here.
There are lights and sounds with this one as well. Remove the head to access the battery compartment. You’ll need 2 AAA batteries (not included) and don’t forget to turn the power to the on position. Unfortunately the head is not metal, but it’s about the only thing that isn’t!
Press the button on the top for a few seconds to turn on the lights.
Each subsequent press plays 1 of 6 sounds, plus there are two bonus “hidden” sounds that happen randomly.
Some of the lights pulse and shimmer. The big blue light switches to red every so often.
The dial on the back of the head activates the projector light on the front. The light can be positioned.
Finally, a stand is included. There are indents for displaying R2 with 2 or 3 legs. There is an additional stand piece for just using 2 legs. There is no storage for accessories under the base. Like C-3PO the bases are a bit large and they do not connect together. I doubt I will use mine for display.
I’m glad I have this tremendous piece in my collection, and I’m glad C-3PO has his buddy next to him.
