LOBOT Cloud City
Original Trilogy Collection Basic Figure
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 85060
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: OTC #20
Includes: Datapad, comlink, cyborg piece, stand
Action Feature: Cyborg piece in head is removable
Retail: $4.99
Availability: July 2004
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Lobot works with Lando Calrissian, the Baron Administrator of Cloud City and an old friend of Han Solo. Lobot has a device implanted in hos head that connects him to the city's operational systems. When the evil Darth Vader arrives at Cloud City to capture the Rebels, jeopardizing the city's future, Lobot assists Lando in helping the Rebels escape. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy room.

Commentary: For a character with no dialogue, Lobot has actually had pretty decent representation in the world of figures. Not only was he made in the original 1980s line, but Kenner made one in 1998, and another one (as Hasbro) in 2004. This figure is by far the best of them, with additional articulation in the arms, a sensible pose, and a lot of nifty accessories. Unlike the dancing combat positioning of the limbs on the 1998 figure, this Lobot has straight legs, arms with elbow and wrist articulation, and the ability to sit fairly well. His sculpt was good in nearly every generation, but improvements always come to pass and this figure certainly looks better than previous releases. There's a little more detail in the face and head, with the costume hanging off the figure in a slightly more pleasing fashion. Considering this figure was a) made recently, b) has little reason to have super-articulation, and c) didn't sell too well, odds are this is the "final" Lobot. It's entirely possible Hasbro will go back to the well one final time and redo him with 14 or more points of articulation (he presently has 10), but it seems pretty unlikely unless they somehow lose the molds. It's a wonderful figure well worth owning, unless Hasbro decides to do yet another one this is probably the go-to Lobot for our generation.

Collector's Notes: This sculpt has never been reused or reissued. This 2004 release was not a particularly great seller in some pockets, as unsold OTC Lobot figures stuck around in some stores for a couple of years after the line ended. They all seem to be gone now, but as a new sculpt in a line filled with repackaged figures and repaints, it just goes to show how casual fans, new collectors, and kids can do a lot more to sell a figure the hardcore collector sees as worthless than collectors can do to sell some of the best figures of all time. Oh, and his packaging is actually really pretty awesome.

Day 768: June 12, 2008