Figure of the Day: Day 72: Obi-Wan Kenobi

BEN (OBI-WAN) KENOBI Flashback Photo
Power of the Force Flashback Photo ; The Original Trilogy Collection Kmart Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 69680 No. 84037; No. 34527
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Flashback Photo
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: December 1998-Spring 1999, Fall 2004
Appearances: Primarily Star Wars


Bio: Legendary among the heroes of the Rebel Alliance, Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi is regarded as one of the greatest Jedi Knights ever to have lived. As a young Jedi who had just completed his own training, Obi-Wan made a solemn pledge to train young Anakin Skywalker in the ways of the Force. Anakin became a Jedi but then turned to the dark side and became Darth Vader. Many years later, destiny would have an older and wiser Obi-Wan guiding Anakin's own son, Luke Skywalker, in the ways of the Force, and ultimately, in turning Vader back to the light side. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf. Shock.

Commentary: In 1998, Hasbro released the first action figures under its brand name (everything was Kenner before) and cranked out a number of core characters under a "new style," which was supposed to transition to Episode I. Fans assumed this meant new packaging, but more articulation and better paint jobs were the order of the day when Hasbro released Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi at the tail end of 1998. The original POTF2 Obi-Wan had 6 joints, and this one added several in the arms to allow for dueling action. It's no surprise that this is one of the best classic Obi-Wan figures, nor is it a big surprise it was reissued in 2004 with the blue Snaggletooth and Ponda Baba. It holds up well and aside from the now-simple face paint, it's really a gorgeous figure. Sure, they can do better, but it stands well, has articulated wrists and elbows, and most important of all, is cheap. I can't think of a good reason for you to not own this figure, so go buy it as it's as good as you can expect this week.

Collector's Notes: A great figure, the secondary market treated this figures like most: poorly. It's dirt cheap, you can get one for about two bucks. It's worth it, too. This was the first-ever Obi-Wan action figure in the 3 3/4-inch scale with his hood up, a few have been made since but this is arguably the best of them.

Day 72: July 17, 2006