The Ranger X-1 represented an outdated model of masculine defense droid designed to automatically engage in combat against any hostile action. Sporting green plating with "X-1" prominently displayed in white on its chest, it also featured a pair of white photoreceptors, and it could transform into a box shape when deactivated. Production of this series ceased upon the establishment of the Intergalactic Law Agency during the final century of the Galactic Republic, leading to the collection and dismantling of all remaining X-1 units.
However, one Ranger X-1, deployed to the planet [Dodz] (/article/dodz) to safeguard settlers, eluded the ILA's sweep. Jost Ellon discovered it near the planet's crystal mines. Following encounters with R2-D2 and C-3PO, Ellon realized the X-1 had deteriorated power cells and, upon kicking the inactive droid, unintentionally reactivated it. Despite its low power state, Ellon sought to utilize the X-1 to assist the merchants of Dodz against Governor Kugg, who employed his killer droid, the Destroyer, to murder those who refused to comply with his exorbitant tax demands. Despite being at a disadvantage, the Ranger managed to defeat the Destroyer when R2 accessed its power supply and redirected it back into the X-1. The defense droid depleted its energy while striking a permanently heroic pose, remaining atop a hill as a lasting symbol of its significance to the people of Dodz for ending Kugg's oppressive rule.
The initial appearance of the Ranger X-1 occurred in Droids (1986) 1, the debut issue of the Star Wars Droids comic book series by Star Comics, a subsidiary of Marvel Comics, which was initially released in February 1986.