Kenner R5-D4

R5-D4 didn’t do much in the movie, but he serves a good purpose as an action figure. Of the Kenner guys, you don’t have any astromech besides this guy and R2-D2. Without painting him, R2-D2 could only serve in a collection as himself. R5-D4 on the other hand, is a fairly generic droid that does look mistakable for a few others in the films. As such, he serves an integral part of my collection, as an astromech that’s not R2-D2.

R5 is both a charming figure as well as one that leaves a little to be desired. It would have been nice if some sculpted details could have taken the place of the sticker used for his main body, which is my biggest gripe with the figure. At the same time it does contribute to what makes the figure neat: his simplicity. Another nice touch is the ratcheted joint in his head that clicks when you turn it. I’m not 100% sure why this was done, but it adds a more mechanical feel to the toy I find to be very nice.

Kenner Imperial Commanders

Out of all the Kenner vintage figures to choose from, I pegged this guy out as one I had to have. While Kenner made a lot of strong sculpts based on the Imperial designs, this one might stand out as the strongest. The sculpt on this guy is so good I’d go as far to say he even looks alright alongside modern figures.

One thing that stands out to me is the expression on this guy. It’s a little subtle, but he’s somewhat frowning and appears a tad more grim than the normal, more neutral expression usual given to generics. It’s very appropriate given how many of these guys Vader offed during ESB, almost as if he’s next.

There are two interesting variants of this figure, one with a textured uniform (pictured above) and one with a smooth uniform (pictured below). I think the texturing really adds to the look of the figure, so it’s the one I personally prefer.