R2-D2 - Real Action Heroes

A resourceful, spunky and adventurous astromech droid, R2-D2 has saved the day time and again. His little .96-meter tall frame is packed with all sorts of tool-tipped appendages that make him a great starship mechanic and computer interface specialist.

Medicom Toy has produced an astounding one-sixth scale version of R2-D2, although they always state a disclaimer that their own one-sixth scale line is slightly smaller than other companies that produce one-sixth scale figures. There is a great deal to talk about here so let’s go through all of the major points step by step. R2-D2 is truly a masterpiece. Medicom Toy did stellar waork on this figure and we can't believe they didn't make a bigger deal out of this figure than they did. Every important crevice or line on R2-D2 has been considered here. The fine details like the black lines that outline the major panels of this astromech droid have been enhanced to stand out and appear just like the droid in the film. Medicom Toy intelligently enhanced these details between actually using a dark application of outlines in addition to utilizing a final paint operation of a moderately applied weathering technique. They didn't just ignore them like some licenses. The colorful parts of R2-D2 including the dome and even some areas on the body cavity are perfectly painted. We cannot overstate that enough. These are some of the finest paint operations we have ever seen on a one-sixth scaled figure. Even the coloring used for the leg wired is perfect.

The varying shapes, size, contours and textures on his panels and body have all been tediously replicated to be as exact to the film prop as possible. We’re so thoroughly impressed with this figure that we want to get multiples of him. Hopefully you can sense and catch our infectious delight for it. R2-D2 really does have an incredible design. The two main legs each contain a pair of rollers (which are awesome by the way). And even the third leg has these added as well and can spin independently of the other feet. But what’s so amazing about this design is that the third leg is double-spring loaded. In order to rake advantage of this functionality you first push the third leg “in” to release it and continue to pull it out until it “locks” in place. And then you push it back “in” and again lock it back into place in the “up” position where R2-D2 will store it until needed again. It goes all the way up into the body cavity beautifully and remains hidden until you want to utilize it again. When the third leg is pulled out, it too will lock into place in the out position. And the third leg has been given hinge-jointed articulation which maximizes how many posing options you have. Once you properly adjust the third leg and the two main legs at the correct angle, R2-D2 will stand, roll or do whatever you want him to do in a three-legged "tripod" position.

R2-D2 comes with basic electronics, but they’re incredibly impressive and beautiful at the same time. His head completely comes off and there is a battery compartment which houses two AAA batteries. Once you add the batteries, you simply press a “hidden” button at the left side of his main eye port (his left/your right) and the electronics in the dome light up. Press it again and they shut off. What’s nice about the lights is that they’re bright and solid. They don’t blink and are continuously glowing. But even on this small scale they add such character and accuracy to this astromech droid. They’re very colorful as well. If all of these features weren’t enough, R2-D2’s dome rotates 360 degrees on one plane. The removable dome sits upon a disc with three prongs which lock the head to the body. As you can see, R2-D2 has been approached with such care and intense attention to detail and we’re completely thrilled with the way it turned out. But one issue that we have with this figure is the MSRP. It retails for a wallet-crushing $199.99. This is no doubt a great deal of money. But dare we say that Medicom Toy spared no expense making R2-D2 and we have to say he is worth the price. There are no shortcuts made to the paint operations, the sculpted details, and even the electronics. This figure has been manufactured with the highest quality standards we have ever seen from Medicom Toy. And that makes us hapy we own him.