Figure of the Day: Day 404: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI Mustafar Final Duel Playset
Revenge of the Sith Collection
Item No.: No. 85243
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, playset, Darth Vader figure
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $29.99-$39.99
Availability: Late 2005
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: Darth Vader takes on Obi-Wan Kenobi in a final duel on a planet of erupting volcanos! Vader, who was once the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, has turned to the dark side and now fights on the side of evil against his former Master. Vader and Obi-Wan meet in a climactic confrontation and fight to the finish while dodging blasts from a volcano and overcoming dangerous obstacles! Re-create this ultimate battle that decides the fate of the galaxy for the next generation! (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Mustafar playset.

Commentary: This Obi-Wan Kenobi figure is notable for reasons beyond its mere four points of articulation and distressed Jedi robes. Sure, his body from the waist down is one piece, and his head and arms can move-- but that's about it. That's all he needs, however, to be a good display figure. Because the figure's face is painted, not molded, in flesh color it looks a lot different than a regular basic figure. His expression and hair seem a little bit more tired from a fight than a regular release, which is nice, but unfortunately the distressed garments could use more paint to really bring out the tearing and tattered edges. One thing this figure has that few others do is in his sleeves-- as you can see, around the hands, there's some very dark brown to represent his clothes under the outer robes. Usually, they're unpainted or the same color as the outer garment. Score one for a new detail, Hasbro! The figure has no problems holding his lightsaber but doesn't always stand too well. Reduced articulation can be troublesome like that-- if a figure is malformed, you can compensate by repositioning his feet or legs. If that isn't an option, you get to worry that the figure is likely to fall over easily.

This figure is worth getting if you're a collector that has to have every version of Obi-Wan Kenobi. It really doesn't offer much special beyond a few minor details, and can't do much more as a toy than any other action figure. In fact, it can't sit, so it does less. I think it's a nice addition to a playset, but if Hasbro sold this figure on an individual package for $5-$7 I think you would be quite upset with it. (But as part of a $30 playset? A great deal.)

Collector's Notes: This figure was also released in the Wal-Mart "DVD 3-packs" sold in Fall 2005. You got this figure, Anakin from the Battle Arena, and an Episode I Mace Windu with a new lightsaber in a box for $9.96. It was a killer deal-- and a pity it was somewhat hard to find.

Day 404: June 14, 2007