The great thing about having the Star Wars collectibles license, aside from its attractive global appeal, is the massive amount of characters available to pick and choose from. Kotobukiya has been taking advantage of this long list for some time now with their series of high quality plastic ARTFX+ Star Wars statues. While heavy hitters like Luke and Vader are to be expected, Koto hasn’t been shy about taking on more obscure roles. For every incarnation of R2-D2 and C-3PO, Koto has graced collectors with rare blink-and-you-missed-them droid units such as R3-A2 and K-3PO. The astromechs, in particular, have proven extremely popular with collectors thanks to their many colorful designs and bonus collector coins.
Recently Barnes & Noble, the largest retail bookseller in the United States, has joined in on the fun with a pair of Star Wars ARTFX+ exclusives. In-stock and available to order now, these include the black astromech R2-Q2 and red protocol droid R-3PO. Each figure is priced at $49.95 and limited to only 1500 pieces.
R2-Q2
R2-Q2 was seen for a few seconds at the beginning of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Wookipedia describes him as being an Imperial droid tasked with “scouring the Tantive IV’s databanks for information after that vessel was captured”. He’s shown in the scene rolling ahead of the Rebel prisoners along with his Imperial comrade R4-M9.
In scale with other Star Wars ARTFX+ statues, R2-Q2 measures a squat 4 1/2 inches tall (1/10th scale). As an ARTFX+ statue, some minor assembly is required. In the case of R2-Q2, it’s simply a matter of plugging on his legs. Here you have the option of displaying him standing at attention on his two main legs or rolling about on all three.
If choosing two legs, you’ll want to align the pegged limb with the top slot (see picture above). A small black rectangle attachment is also provided to plug up the bottom hole when the third leg is not in use. For three leg action, chose the bottom slot for the main legs so that they angle back. The third leg slides into the bottom of the astromech (once the attachment is removed) and is twisted into place. Articulated “feet” on the main legs allow you to level the figure and complete the tri-pod look. While not known for articulation, the R2-Q2 ARTFX+ statue also features a rotating head dome, adding even more display options for the droid.
In addition to a black metal base to pose the magnetic R2-Q2 on, Koto includes a bonus collector coin! Unique to Koto’s astromech ARTFX+ statues, the real metal coin reads “Astromech Droid Collection” on one side, while the opposite side displays logos for Star Wars and Kotobukiya, along with the droid’s name. It’s a really nice bonus item, the coin more than making up for R2-Q2’s smaller size.
R-3PO
R-3PO was first seen with the Rebel Alliance in Echo Base on Hoth in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Don’t worry, I don’t recall seeing him either (unlike the slightly more prominent white version, K-3PO). Regardless of his brief micro-second screen time, how cool is a red C-3PO unit? Speaking of, I wonder if R-3PO has something to do with Threepio’s red arm in The Force Awakens? (Update: It doesn’t, but I think it’d make for a better story).
Like R2-Q2, getting R-3PO ready to display is a snap. Just plug his five pieces together and magnetically attach him to his included metal display base. The protocol droid measures 6 ½ inches tall and is perfectly scaled to R2-Q2.
Also like R2-Q2, R-3PO features limited articulation, including a rotating head and arms. You can pose R-3PO with one arm raised in greeting or with both arms up in the air in alarm. Or have him with his hands by his side, displayed next to R2-Q2!
These two ARTFX+ droids make a great team on display, even if they are from opposing sides (however, in the video game LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, R-3PO does make a cameo as a First Order droid!). While essentially repaints of the more famous duo of R2-D2 and C-3PO, R2-Q2 and R-3PO stand unique with bold new color schemes. Nothing says “Imperial” quite like a black astromech droid and the crimson red on R-3PO is drop dead gorgeous. Combined with Kotobukiya’s keen eye for movie-accurate detail and you have yourself two awesome additions to any Star Wars collection. These are the droids you are looking for…
Grab yours at your local Barnes & Noble or online HERE.
Scroll on for even more photos!
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Sample Courtesy of Global Holdings
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