Figure of the Day: Day 862: Obi-Wan Kenobi

OBI-WAN KENOBI & ARC Trooper Commander
30th Anniversary Collection Order 66 Target Exclusive
Item No.: Asst. 87356 No. 87666
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, robe, ARC Trooper Commander
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $9.99
Availability: March 2008
Appearances: n/a

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Bio: Obi-Wan is assisted on many of his missions during the Clone Wars by an ARC Trooper Commander and his elite supercommandos. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Commentary: Does the world really need another Obi-Wan Kenobi? Yes, and no. Mostly no. Hasbro has milked the character quite nicely over the past decade and change, resulting in dozens of young versions of the Jedi hero. This particular one is a repaint of the 2003 Clone Wars figure, minus the wacky extra accessories. With only 8 points of articulation, it's unlikely to impress, however it does have a fantastic paint job. Perhaps one of the best you'll find on a prequel Obi-Wan figure. His filthy robes are very similar to those seen in Attack of the Clones, but there are added pockets on his sleeves and also his pants. Presumably for cigarettes, or perhaps his iPhone. The toy's lightsaber is from the second prequel as well, and his most distinctive addition is his robe. While the cloth garments always sit a little awkwardly, this one is notable in that it was one of the very first figures Hasbro sold with a little piece of wire at the bottom of the robes. This allows you to pose the accessory, wrapping it around the figure tightly or letting it flow in the fake breeze. It's a minor detail, but it really does add a lot of options to your displays. Or rather, it adds options beyond "stand here, look good." It's hard to advise you to buy the figure just for the accessory, but it is pretty neat-- and the red ARC Trooper Obi-Wan comes with is a must-buy. Overall, it's a good set, but Obi-Wan alone may not be enough "new" for you if you've picked up this figure in a previous release.

Collector's Notes: Widely available for a month or so, the figure ended up on Target's increasingly impatient clearance racks before Spring ended. Today, it's eBay or bust.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 862: October 2, 2008