Blue Micro Collection R2-D2 4-Up: Though the figure itself is not a genuine Micro Collection prototype--as the blue color indicates, it is actually a '90s copy--this 4-up hardcopy represents what the R2-D2 from the Dagobah playset(s) would have looked like had that playset been produced. What distinguishes this as a figure intended for the Dagobah set(s) is the distinctive base: similar to the bases of other Micro Dagobah prototypes, it has been sculpted so as to resemble terrain. In pose, the figure itself is pretty straight forward; but, at such a large scale, the intricate detailing of the droid's panels really becomes apparent, making this piece a real pleasure to look at. Also apparent at the 4:1 scale is that this R2-D2 was created around a wooden dowel (a close look at the cylindrical body reveals evidence of the wood grain), which suggests that the figure was at least partially patterned.

While this is undoubtedly a cool Micro Collection piece, it is of the utmost importance that this figure is seen and understood as a reproduction of the original prototype, and not as an actual pre-production vintage item. I have heard many excuses offered over the last few years, in attempts to legitimize these blue hardcopies, but the fact remains that they are copies of the original prototypes, and thus should be presented as such. So, if anyone offers you an elaborate story in trying to sell you one of these pieces, don't believe it, or ask around with some knowledgeable collectors prior to deciding on the purchase; its no fun getting stuck with something that you never really wanted. Of course, there are still plenty of reasons why someone would want a blue copy. If the piece is unproduced, for instance, a copy is often a very good way of procuring an example of a never-made toy. The figure shown above was bought with full awareness of its origin as a copy, and that's the way it should be.