R2-Q5
sw0213 · Star Wars
Classic Star Wars / Return of the Jedi · 2009
Figure ID
sw0213
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. This specific variant (sw0213) was only available in three sets between 2009 and 2014, including a polybag and a limited production advent calendar.
Head
Medium-sized truncated cone (R2-dome) in black. Features silver/grey and light blue eye-port printing. The print is limited to the front half of the dome.
Torso
Standard Astromech Droid body in black. Features high-detail front printing with silver metallic panels, bronze/orange accents on the upper vents, and blue tech details. There is no back printing.
Legs
Two standard Astromech Droid side legs in solid black. No printing on the sides or feet.
Accessories
Typically none included. This is a three-piece figure consisting of the dome, torso, and two legs.
Color Scheme
Mainly black with metallic silver, bronze-orange, and sand-blue printing accents.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the dome and torso front. The silver metallic ink is prone to scratching. This version lacks back printing, which is standard for droids of this era.
Variants
This is the 'Fine Printing' version (sw0213). It differs from the 1999 version (sw0033) which had much simpler, blockier grey printing, and the newer 2017 version (sw0845) which has improved printing and a different dome pattern.
Condition Notes
Prone to silver ink wear/rubbing on the torso. The black plastic shows scratches and 'scuffs' more easily than lighter colors. Check for 'neck' friction if the dome is loose.
Estimated Value
Used: $12 - $18 USD; New/Mint: $25 - $35 USD. Prices vary based on whether the silver printing is intact.
Price (New)
Originally released in set 10188 (Death Star) retailing for $399.99, and later in the 2014 Advent Calendar ($39.99).
Compatible Sets
10188 Death Star (2008 version), 75056 Star Wars Advent Calendar (2014), and 4649546 Promotional Polybag (2009).
Character Background
An Imperial astromech droid stationed on the second Death Star. R2-Q5 was tasked with maintaining the station's weapon systems and was eventually destroyed during the Battle of Endor.
Design Notes
Uses the standard R2-mold which has remained mostly unchanged for 20 years. The use of bronze/copper printing on the chest vents accurately reflects the character's appearance in 'Return of the Jedi'.
Similar Minifigures
sw0033 (Classic R2-Q5), sw0845 (2017 R2-Q5), sw0527 (R2-D2 with flat silver dome), sw0912 (R4-I9).
Collectibility
High. Imperial droids are popular for Death Star dioramas and 'army building' Imperial scenes. It maintains stable value due to its iconic black aesthetic.
History
First debuted in a very basic form in 1999 as part of the original TIE Interceptor set. This 2009 update significantly improved the detail before it was updated again in late 2017.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an Imperial 'villain' droid, it uses the exact same mold as the heroic R2-D2. The copper-colored vent prints are unique to this specific droid model in the LEGO lineup.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed next to Imperial Officers, Darth Vader, or inside a Death Star MOC. Contrast it with the white R2-D2 for a hero/villain dynamic.
Modification Potential
Excellent for creating custom 'Imperialized' droids. The black legs and torso are highly sought after for MOCs (My Own Creations) of other black R-series units.
Overall Assessment
A solid, essential droid for any Star Wars Imperial collector. The sw0213 variant is the 'sweet spot' for many collectors—better detail than the original 90s version without the high price of the very newest 'perfectionist' versions.