Figure of the Day: Day 176: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Bongo)

OBI-WAN KENOBI with Gungan Scout Sub
Episode I Invasion Force
Item No.: Asst. 84205 No. 84397
Number: n/a
Includes: Scout sub "vehicle"
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: Spring 2000
Appearances: Technically Episode I

Bio: A compact, one being transport, the scout sub's organic design is typical of Gungan artisans. Though its design is often mistaken for a tasty morsel by the sea monsters of Naboo, it's high speed capabilities and powerful defensive claw succeed in keeping it out of danger. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelf.

Commentary: While I loved the concept of the original Mini-Rigs, the Invasion Force which included the likes of this Obi-Wan Kenobi were a real mixed bag. For example, there was a mini version of the Trade Federation Tank, and a new version of Darth Maul's Sith Speeder. These are awesome, but not from the film. There's a Gungan Cannon, which comes from the movie but isn't too exciting. And then there's the Obi-Wan Kenobi with Gungan Scout Sub, which is basically a glorified Batman backpack with a very peculiar Obi-Wan Kenobi. More so than any other modern figure, this figure strikes me as it was designed to mimic the sensibilities of the vintage line, with a very flat pose, a squared-off t-crotch, and eyes which defy description. Since Obi-Wan was under water with his exterior brown robes, this figure doesn't really belong with the movies either-- it's to be part of a play pattern that never really takes place anywhere in the mythos. It's neat, though, and just from a "holy cow is this a weird figure" stand point, it's one that every collector should take a look at. With six joints and decent paint, it's nothing to sneeze at.

Collector's Notes: Depending on where you lived, this was either really common or really hard to get. If your timing was good, odds are you saw it on clearance exclusively and ended up dropping maybe five bucks on it. That's about what it's worth-- the figure is very plain and the vehicle really isn't any fun. (And it pains me to write that about any original concept out of Kenner/Hasbro as they usually make things that are, at the worst, fun.) You can get this set as low as $3 on the secondary market, and since the claw attack action is pretty worthless, I can't say it's a crying shame that nobody appreciates this piece. There are very good reasons to not appreciate this piece.

Day 176: October 29, 2006