C-3PO McQuarrie Concept
30th Anniversary Collection Celebration IV/Europe Exclusive
Item No.: No. 87385
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Coin, companion R2-D2 figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $19.99
Availability: May 2007
Appearances: n/a

Bio: Ralph McQuarrie was commissioned by George Lucas to create several paintings. This scene depicts R2-D2 and C-3PO in a desert landscape. Even in this early rendering, Threepio already has a somewhat startled look, and Artoo reveals traces of his spunky nature. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: In a mock-up Republic Elite Forces box.

Commentary: For years, I've been dreaming of a McQuarrie Concept C-3PO. While I wasn't thrilled that it was an exclusive, well, it's not like we don't have access to these things right? The figure Hasbro cranked out was pretty simple, and also not quite what I had in mind. The head looks similar to the original artwork, but the eyes seem a little off. Of course, it's just eyelids, and since it was a concept design it there's a lot of room for interpretation as no 3D model (that I know of) was made based solely on these designs. The figure is molded in a single gold color with dark gold (or bronze) markings to bring out some detail. I think if they had his eyes beedier, black, and maybe minus the eyelids, it would be a stronger design. As it stands, he looks a little sleepy.

In terms of articulation, the figure is acceptable-- not great, and certainly not deserving of the premium pricing. You get a torso joint, ball jointed ankles, normal hips, normal shoulders, a ball jointed neck, normal wrists, and ball jointed elbows. The figure can stand and sit with few to no problems, and I'd say the design is, overall, a great toy. Fans of McQuarrie figures should dig this, and general fans might like it too because it's a neat, Star Wars-y droid that should go well in any diorama or collection setting. It's fairly fun to play with, but when you get right down to it, it doesn't do anything that other figures don't already do. Dude.

Collector's Notes: While not "common," it seems Hasbro made far, far too many of this gift set. How many? Well, unlike the Celebration 2 Jorg Sacul or the Celebration 3 Darth Vader, R2-D2 and C-3PO were sold with no limit by the end of the show and dumped online days within the end of the convention. It started life at $19.99, and today, you can still buy it from ShopStarWars or Toy Rocket for $19.99.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 721: April 26, 2008