Astromech Droid [Purple/White - Server] - Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost

The first wave of Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost Droid Factory Astromech Droids provided collectors with a decent selection of the droids we see throughout the Star Wars universe. One set gave us rockets, something we saw throughout the Prequel Trilogy and The Clone Wars. And then we received an Astromech Droid with an interchangeable dome giving us two characters in one. And the last was based on what we saw R2-D2 utilize on Jabba’s Sail Barge when he was a BAR2-D2 unit. Interestingly, the Astromech Droid [Purple/White - Server] release is the closest matching figure to a character in the Star Wars universe. While the colors aren’t exact, some may decide to utilize this figure as charitable R2-KT, released during the 30 (77-07) line in 2007. The panels are similarly colored, but the purple shade used is different, and it not accurate to refer to it as pink, and Hasbro used a lighter pink on the original R2-KT figure. Still, for collectors who missed that lovely action figure, this release might be the next best thing. But you’ll have to decide that for yourself. We’re happy to see that Droid Factory and Droid Depot are successful for Disney Parks, and they now want to see how they perform at retail. In collaboration with Hasbro, a new collection of droids through the Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost label is sold in a boutique type of arrangement through big-box retailers like TARGET.

Hasbro utilized the upgraded design of the Droid Factory figures for this sub-collection. They updated the figure by returning to the design that included “foot” wires, and they also filled the obnoxious and useless second lower holes in the legs. The latest iteration of the Build A Droid design is the long-awaited version fans wanted to see years ago. Hasbro must keep variety in the line and take the opportunity to produce screen-accurate droids from Star Wars Entertainment. There are so many characters needed for the 3.75” action figure. Where are R5-X2 or R8-B7 and the new droids from Disney Star Wars and original Star Wars and everything else in between? The Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost line is the way to get them out to collectors finally, and we’re happy to see this line available. For the inaugural release, Hasbro produced a wave of six Droid Factory figures. They are described as Astromech Droids or BB Units, and we received three of each. Each is special by coming with an exclusive accessory or an interchangeable dome. We’re calling this figure Astromech Droid [Purple/White - Server], and it comes with a serving tray and seven removable drinking glasses, likely for passengers on Jabba’s Sail Barge. The Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost “Build A Droid” series comes in attractive geometric packaging that doesn’t stack nicely. Each droid comes individually boxed and has a unique assortment number and UPC.

The new and revised version of the Build A Droid astromech figure can be traced back to 2017’s Star Wars [TLJ] R2-D2 Force Link figure. Hasbro eliminated the Force Link feature in these figures, but the upgrades are so much more critical, and collectors took notice of them. The design and updates closely match a screen-accurate astromech droid. And we’ve come far from the original R2 Unit design from 2009’s TLC R2-L3 Build A Droid figure. Astromech Droid [Purple/White - Server] comes with eight points of articulation. These points include a swivel dome, swivel left leg, swivel right leg, swivel left foot, swivel right foot, a hinge-jointed left leg wheel, a hinge-jointed right leg wheel, and a hinge-jointed third leg wheel. While the articulation system of this astromech droid design isn’t perfect, there is enough movement here to display the figure as needed in your collection or diorama in some interesting poses. You’re likely not going to complain. Astromech Droid [Purple/White - Server] has a distinct “Expanded Universe” feel to it, but we probably think that way because of the R2-KT action figure. The body is mostly white, and the mechanical arms and some panels are light purple. The dome is brushed nickel (a flat silver). Its legs are white as well. TARGET set up a remarkable Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost endcap to feature all of this exclusive Star Wars product. We only hope that all the various lines prove successful at the retail level because we’d love to see this line continue for years to come.