Hot Toys MMS511 R2-D2 Deluxe

I have the previous Sideshow Collectibles R2-D2 Deluxe figure set, which is still a pretty decent set with some great accessories. The first couple of Hot Toys releases for R2-D2 didn't really interest me too much, but their announcement of their own Deluxe version finally sold me with the Leia hologram accessories.

Check out the link below for my video review over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel. It's a great set that has definite improvements over the Sideshow version.

The set comes with a decent array of accessories. Many of the attachments are magnetic, which makes them very easy to attach to Artoo when you open up the panels. The detail and paint application on the attachments are much better than the Sideshow version. The only accessory I think the Sideshow version has that is worth using now is the drinks tray.

The little lamp is similar to the one that came with the Yoda set, but this time has an chord that also attaches to Artoo. The light is not too bright, but is good enough for what it is. The Star Wars logo remote control is nice, similar to the one that came with their first Darth Vader figure. It controls the lights and sound effects on the figure, which I surprisingly liked a lot more than I thought I would! I usually hate electronic features, but the iconic sounds from Artoo really did put a smile on my face.

The Leia holograms were the accessory that finally sold me on this set. The Sideshow Deluxe set had one too, but it was just transluscent blue plastic with not too many facial features. This upgrade from Hot Toys gives it a much better sculpt, and looks far more accurate to the scene on Tatooine.

The little base that provides the light is decent, and is quite bright. Unfortunately the light piping in the holograms really only allows the light into the lower half of the body. But the overall effect is decent.

The Sideshow version came with a more movie accurate table from that scene in Obi-wan's hut. I think using the new Hot Toys hologram on the old Sideshow table is the perfect combination! I haven't tried the light up effect of the Sideshow table to see how it looks with the new hologram, but I'm sure it'll be a decent enough effect.

The biggest improvement on the figure itself is the use of the diecast medal dome. The brushed finish is much nicer, and there is no longer an ugly plastic seam like the Sideshow had. The difference in the domes side by side is quite striking.

The body itself is pretty similar, but the internal detailings within the panels and the way the accessories attach is quite different. The Hot Toys version has much more subtle weathering, which I think is fine. The deeper blue also seems more accurate, and certainly looks better on display.

For now, I'll be keeping both versions, with the Sideshow Artoo and Threepio figures being my Return of the Jedi versions with Hot Toys Jedi Luke. The new Hot Toys version will go with my other Hot Toys figures from A New Hope.

If you're on the fence about getting this new Hot Toys, I think it's worth getting as an improvement over the Sideshow version. Side by side, there's no doubt it's a better looking figure on display. Whether it's better than the Tamashii Nations Artoo is debatable. I prefer the Hot Toys version since the Tamashii is far too clean, and I don't really like the rivets in the sculpt of the body.

Together with the rest of the core hero cast from A New Hope, I think this R2-D2 looks fantastic. Now I just hope Hot Toys gets off their arse and announce a decent version of C-3PO to complete the photo below!

Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization C-3PO

I've loved the Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization series right from the start, and I'm glad they're still releasing figures. They are definitely taking their sweet time between releases so, but this C-3PO was definitely worth the wait!

Click through to watch my full review over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel. Make sure to give the video a thumbs-up and to subscribe too! :)

The box art is the usual style, and the contents aren't that plentiful this time. I think the key focus for this release was more the unique mold and features of the figure, but more on that later. Accessories wise you get a couple of swap out pairs of hands, and his fanciful oriental styled fan.

The Japanese name is quite appropriate, meaning something along the lines of a "puppet interpreter". Coupled with the known mannerisms of Threepio, the fan goes beautifully with the more effeminate characteristics of Threepio. Everything swaps out easily enough with no delicate parts to worry about when doing the swap.

The figure itself has many new unique parts which makes it stand out from the rest of the collection. The overall gold metallic paint app is fantastic. The face sculpt is very nice too, with moveable eyes and mouth. You can get him into all sorts of derpy faces!

The articulation in the neck joint and lower neck piece allow quite a lot of motion for more expressive poses. The shoulders work well, but it's the elbows that need a bit of care. As always with Threepio figures, the pistons are an area of concern. The ones on the inside of the elbow aren't too delicate, but if you try to bend the elbows close to 90 degrees, the piston will flex. So I wouldn't push them too far in case they snap.

The rest of the articulation is on par with the previous figures. There is torso and hip movement, and the legs, knees, and ankles all work well. I love that they painted his right lower leg silver in keeping with the movie. The unique sculpting details in the feet, shins, and through the arms are a highlight.

I love the red drinking gourd, but have no idea what the key is meant to represent. If anyone knows, please let me know via Facebook message! Would love to know if that means something from feudal Japanese days!

Overall, this is another fantastic release by Bandai in this series. I have seen the IG-88 prototype figure shown at some toy fairs. I really hope they show a prototype of the Gamorrean Guard one day! Hopefully they keep this series going for a few years yet with some more original trilogy characters.

Sideshow Collectibles C-3PO 1/6th scale figure

Well in mid-January 2016 the Sideshow Threepio was finally released to complement their previous R2-D2 figure. I was looking forward to getting the figure since I really did want a weathered version to go with his droid friend.

But as you'll see in the video review below, I had a few issues with some paint defects that ultimately meant I got a refund from Sideshow since they wouldn't send me a replacement.

Main issues on mine were the paint marks/scratches that were not the intentional weathering effects, and also the left arm that was stuck at the joints. There were many other reports in the forums and groups regarding broken pistons.

Hopefully one day I can get this at a sale price, but for now, my Tamashii Nations version will do the job nicely :)

Some pics of the figure below. Overall it looks pretty good, especially next to Artoo. But build quality issues are what ruined it for me. I ended up having to destroy the figure and get a full refund from Sideshow.

Overall in terms of build quality, the Bandai Tamashii Nations Threepio still beats the Sideshow by a wide margin. If only Bandai actually produced the diecast Artoo that they teased along with their Threepio!

Worst defect, that annoyed the crap out of me because of how prominent it looked on display, was this weird paint scratch on his chest. At first I thought it was some weird residue, but it couldnt be rubbed off.

Paint scratches on the hip that affected the gold paint.

Not sure what the hell that weird protrusion is on the back of his head.

I hate it when I see fingerprints in paint applications on figures, especially at this high price point! Sideshow's QC and factory production process should be better than this.

In the end, a bit of a disappointment for me, especially after such a long wait. But I'll check out the sales towards the end of the year and see if I can get it at a discount cheap price.