Super Battle Droid Variant 3 (2009-2011) Lego Star Wars Minifigure Review

The Super Battle Droids are first seen in the Star Wars Universe in Episode II:  Attack Of The Clones during the Battle of Geonosis and are thereafter a common sight amongst the ranks of the Separatist droid armies on battlefields during the Clone Wars.

Super Battle Droids were manufactured after the Battle of Naboo when the case for stronger droids was clearly demonstrated.  Specialized battle droids encased in thick shells of armour they were equipped with heavy weapons: typically wrist mounted repeating blasters or missile launchers.  Whilst the droids rarely if ever spoke, they are seen in battles marching on the front lines acting as a shield to less robust units.

At the time of writing, Lego have made 3 variants of the Super Battle Droid.  There has been little by way of variation between the variants.  The first variant was seen in 2002 in set 7163 Republic Gunship and was made of unique parts following a unique design that could not have been crafted with standard Lego components.  

The first variant had a metal pearl-blue colour, the second variant was identical, but for a change in colour being pearl-dark grey in colour.  The second variant has become the standard having first appeared in 2007 it has persisted through to the present day.  

A third variant appeared in two sets between 2009 and 2011, which differed only in the left forearm being replaced by a blaster/rocket launcher.

The Third variant appeared in two Lego sets:

• 8018 Armoured Assault Tank (AAT) (2009);
• 7869 Battle For Geonosis (2011).

In the same manner as previous variants, the minifigure stands 3 or 4 mm taller than a regular Lego minifigure.  The minifigure is composed of 4 pieces, three of which are exclusive to the Super Battle Droid Minifigures, the mechanical leg piece being the exception which is also found on the MagnaGuard and TX-20 Tactical Droid.

The specially moulded head-and-torso piece is large and wedge-shaped.  The head is set at shoulder level, with no neck.

The arms have two grips with a circular immobile hinge near the middle.  The hinge is closer to one end than the other, defining a shorter upper than forearm.  On the right arm, the forearm is narrow near the front grip and gets wider closer to the hinge.

The left arm is the major and only point of differentiation to the previous variant.  At the elbow joint the arm becomes cylindrical and extends farther forward in a representation of a blaster/rocket launcher.  Previous variants included a mechanical forearm with a small tube representing the arm-mounted repeating blaster.

Having invested in creating unique parts to recreate what we see on screen, it seems unlikely that Lego will depart significantly from the variants that have already been seen.  At the time of writing it appears that the second variant can be found in a number of the Lego sets due to be released in 2014.  

Whilst the individuality of the clone trooper is brought out through troopers dying their hair, use of tattoos, unit insignia and colouration during the Clone Wars TV series it seems unlikely the basic mould of the Super Battle Droid will change.  Given how common the second variant is and the fact that the third variant is only found in two sets revel in a little bit of exclusivity if you own the third variant. 

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