Figure of the Day: Day 1,225: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Jedi Master
30th Anniversary Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87500 No. 87237
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #3005
Includes: Pistol, Electropole, Rebreather, Coin
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99
Availability: March 2007
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Obi-Wan travels to Utapau to confront General Grievous. The general is a master with the lightsaber, as is Obi-Wan, so the duel between the tenacious Jedi and the ruthless cyborg is grueling. But in the end, a well-aimed blaster shot by Obi-Wan destroys Grievous’ organ jar, putting an end to the general's mission of destruction. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's front yard.

Commentary: Sometimes Hasbro really likes a mold, to the point where they realize they pretty much don't need to redo it. This Obi-Wan Kenobi is based on a 2005 figure, specifically the "Red Leader" Pilot version of the Jedi Master. Except for the head, it's pretty much the same toy-- same great 14 points of articulation, same good sculpt, same quality paint job. The main new addition is the head, which has a mouth sculpted so you can put a rebreather inside his chompers if you're so inclined. Hasbro doesn't get enough praise for how well this was pulled off, because the mouth is open without looking ridiculous or like some poor blow-up-doll, it actually turned out fairly well. Also, Obi-Wan's likeness is great, and his slicked-back hair makes him unique among the many, many version of the character that would use this body. He can stand, he can fight, really this is about as much as you can ask out of a swimming/fighting-specific version of the figure. It plays well and looks nice, and for a just-killed-a-cyborg action figure, I daresay Hasbro did a fine job. If you aren't all Kenobi-ed out, I suggest you snag this one. (Plus the coin is really nice.) The only thing Hasbro could've done to make this figure perfect, and I admit I'm nitpicking, would be to include a lightsaber or an alternate head.

...Hasbro would go on to make this figure more perfect in 2008 with a new head sculpt and lateral hip joints. You can see more here.

Collector's Notes: This figure has not yet been repackaged or repainted. Several figures use the same body, including the 2005 Pilot, the 2006 cloth robes Jedi Master, the 2007 comic pack version, this release, and the 2008 Mustafar Duel, to name a few.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,225: February 23, 2010