There is another exclusive only available in Canada (for now). The Star Wars line is in a terrible and unfortunate state of flux. Many of the planned exclusives are either only available internationally, or need to find a new home in the USA in the wake of Toys R Us’ closure. One set part of the Star Wars [Solo] line might have the most success were it reserved for a mainline release. That would be the C-3PO/R2-D2 Force Link 2.0 Two-Packs set. Hasbro took two figures from the Star Wars [The Last Jedi] line, repainted them, added Force Link 2.0 technology and called it a day. At the moment, the set is exclusively available in Canadian Toys R Us store (as well as some countries in Asia). It’s a great set, and although it’s redundant, Hasbro made the figures new enough to be interesting again. As the simply-articulated 5POA line continues to divide collectors, Hasbro is continually looking for ways to make the line more interesting for everyone involved. They may have succeeded with this pack.
C-3PO still needs vac-metallization. That’s a given. But Hasbro did the next best thing for this figure and found a metallic gold paint that seems to capture the look and feel of C-3PO’s onscreen finish quite well. What’s more, the final paint operations include lots of dirt and carbon-scoring and imitates the character we see walking the Tatooine desert in the early moments of A New Hope. You still don’t get that mirror effect that you do from vac-metallization, but the action figure of C-3PO turned out pretty good in our opinion, and for us, he lacks in articulation. This repainted figure, although retooled from previously existing sculpts here and there, comes with the standard five points of articulation. His arms are slightly bent at the elbow inward to recreate his infamous posture. The sculpt is pretty good, and all the details are here. C-3PO comes without any accessories, although this is nothing new with this character. Generally speaking, he rarely comes with anything else besides himself.
Everything changed when Hasbro released a 2009 The Legacy Collection Build A Droid figure in the Star Wars [The Last Jedi] Force Link line. They elevated R2-D2 with that release, and it’s one of the best versions of him you can buy. R2-D2 has foot wirings and can now speak once again thanks to Force Link 2.0 technology. The original sculpt of R2-D2 dates back pretty far into the Hasbro line. The first time we ever saw an R2-series astromech droid that utilized this sculpt was 2009’s TLC R2-L3 Build A Droid figure. R2-D2 is not perfect as he is missing some key paint operations here and there, but for the most part, the figure meets our expectations. Its sculpt is as accurate, and the scale is about perfect. And now he comes with an enhanced paint job that makes him look more realistic and screen-accurate than he ever has. Hasbro also carried-forward his rocket booster accessories. The inclusion of these accessories technically makes this R2-D2 action based on his appearance from Episode II. Either way, this Two-Packs set looks fantastic, and many collectors are going to want it.
Collector Notes
C-3PO/R2-D2
Assortment Number: E4590
UPC: 630509741199
Retail: $19.99 USD
Market Value: Click here to check the latest prices based on listings.
C-3PO
Status: C-3PO is a repaint of 2017's SW [TLJ] C-3PO Force Link figure.
Articulation Count: 5 points (5 areas of articulation)
Articulation Details: swivel head (1), swivel left shoulder (1), swivel right shoulder (1), swivel left hip (1), swivel right hip (1)
Accessory Count: None
Accessory Details: None
Date Stamp: N/A
R2-D2
Status: R2-D2 is a repaint of 2017's SW [TLJ] R2-D2 Force Link figure.
Articulation Count: 8 points (8 areas of articulation)
Articulation Details: swivel dome (1), swivel left leg (1), swivel right leg (1), hinge-jointed left foot (1), hinge-jointed right foot (1), left leg rolling wheel (1), right leg rolling wheel (1), third leg rolling wheel (1)
Accessory Count: 4
Accessory Details: left booster rocket attachment, right booster rocket attachment, left flame, right flame
Date Stamp: 2008