The Legacy Collection (Blue)
MB-RA-7
Yesterday we did a short review of 5D6-RA-7. This black protocol droid is the actual “Death Star Droid” that is seen passing in front of the disguised heroes on board the battle station. Kenner had produced a silver “Death Star Droid”, but it was the wrong color. Here we have a silver “Death Star Droid.” But as it wasn’t actually on board the Death Star, many fans assume it’s the one on the Sandcrawler. But that is also incorrect. That droid actually has a bit of a bronze/gold hue to it. Hasbro released that droid as a pack in for the OTC Sandcrawler, and named it RA-7. Its full EU name is actually 3B6-RA-7. So if the actual DSD is black, and if the Sandcrawler droid is bronze, then who in tarnation is this?
Well, it’s MB-RA-7. This silver protocol droid is from the old EU, and was an art instructor in the waning days of the Republic. That’s right. An art instructor during the Clone Wars. RA-7 is the basic model of the droid, while the “MB” comes from the initials of the artist Matt Busch who created the droid for Star Wars Kids magazine, which was available through the Fan Club from 1998-2000.
This might be the worst EU documentation for a character of all time. I would have to assume that Hasbro created the figure as an homage to the Kenner version, and that was that. But technically, this character has no place in the films, and even its very existence in the old canon is about as flimsy as it gets. It’s almost as bad as R7-Z0. It’s good for nostalgia, I suppose.
As for the figure itself, it’s just a repainted 5D6-RA-7. It’s decent, but is deficient in the articulation department, especially not have ankles. I have two of them, and they both have slightly warped shins, and are nearly impossible to stand. Fortunately, I coaxed it into a standing position just long enough to take some photos, but I should get a major award for this accomplishment. While the figure shouldn’t warp, at least some ankle articulation would help it stand, in addition to providing opportunities for other poses.
As a throwback Kenner figure update, it’s cool enough. As an actual EU character, it’s ridiculous. 6/10.
What you need to build MB-RA-7:
