OBI-WAN KENOBI Episode IIThe Legacy Collection Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87535 No. 87978
Number: #BD44
Includes: Lightsaber, communicator, droid part
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: June 2009
Appearances: Attack of the Clones
Bio: Obi-Wan heads to the planet Kamino to investigate rumors of a clone army. He uncovers more puzzles and secrets during his visit to the watery planet - and has an ultimately contentious encounter with the mysterious Jango Fett. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)
Image: Adam Pawlus' TV tray.
Commentary: The last completely new movie-specific Obi-Wan Kenobi from Episode II was released in 2003. At the time, it had pretty top-notch articulation, a chunk of a bar, a drink, and a decent likeness. Today, he's viewed as junk because Hasbro makes astonishingly improved product nowadays. This new 2009 release really is the best ever done of this particular Obi-Wan, and for the most part Hasbro got it right-- I'll get to the nitpicks later. The head sculpt is pretty fantastic, although this particular hairstyle seems to give Hasbro trouble, or perhaps I'm just too picky. Since Hasbro basically nailed the costume back in 2002, it should come as no surprise that this version is just as good as the ones you already have-- there's not much of a challenge into getting a perfect-er costume after a few figures come out.
About that articulation-- in addition to the 14 points which constitute a "super articulated" (or if you read most forums, "standard") figure, Hasbro included those bonus hip joints we all love so much. The figure has the full range of hip motion because the engineers at Hasbro incorporated soft goods on the sides of the figure so as not to hinder lateral leg movement, and the plastic robes hanging down in front are flexible enough to allow this figure to sit. I'm impressed, Hasbro! I didn't think I would enjoy this figure as much as I did, but seeing the Hasbro designers work hard to make this figure meet the requirements of articulation fiends, people who play with their figures, and collectors, I'd say they did a decent job. The communicator which plugs into the back of the belt is what sold me on this one, it fits perfectly and it looks great. But can I nitpick? Oh, you know it.
- Lightsaber taken from Episode I release, no flare on blade
- The head seems small relative to the torso but this may be an illusion
- Belt has a hole, but no lightsaber hilt
- No dark brown cloak was included
If Hasbro wanted to reuse this mold, I'm sure a rain-soaked version with the brown cloak and an alternate head would be easy. A new version with a hilt and a cloak would be as well. As such, I'd say that you can pretty much count on Hasbro using this mold again with some modifications down the road, but don't let that deter you from buying this one. It's a solid release, and while I find the reused lightsaber to be particularly a cheap move in 2009, the figure is what counts-- and it's great.
Collector's Notes: The first release has the head of HK-47 in addition to the figure's weapon.
Day 1,044: June 15, 2009
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