Figure of the Day: Day 1,263: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Cold Weather Gear)

OBI-WAN KENOBI Cold Weather Gear
The Clone Wars Basic Figures
Item No.: Asst. 87638 No. 93819
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #48
Includes: Lightsaber, hood, goggles
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: March 2010
Appearances: Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode Trespass

Bio: Obi-Wan wears cold weather gear to protect himself from the icy conditions on Orto Plutonia. The Jedi Master is part of a team that investigates the disappearance of clone troopers stationed on the snow-covered world in the Pantora system. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's yard.

Commentary: Fact: "Trespass" is one of the best episodes of The Clone Wars. It only makes sense that Hasbro decided to make several figures who have never appeared anywhere else. (It's just that neat.) This Obi-Wan Kenobi is another great addition to the set, along with Anakin Skywalker, Thi-Sen, and the Cold Gear Captain Rex. The biggest surprise about Obi-Wan Kenobi is that Hasbro bucked expectations (and financial sensibilities) with this one, giving him a completely new body when odds are Hasbro could have just reused the cold gear Anakin body and nobody would know the difference. The fact that this new Obi-Wan is clearly different in its wrinkles, boots, and how the fabric on the back of his parka folds is proof positive that the bean counters at Hasbro are asleep and the designers are just trying to give us something a little better than we would expect from them. Kudos.

The figure itself has 12 points of articulation (no ankles, increasingly common) and some removable head stuff. The hood of his coat is removable, and fits on snuggly. Also removable-- and I presume easily lost (and eventually broken) are set of goggles. Be careful with these. The new head sculpt is a step up, although due to the fact his beard is mostly covered and his eyebrows look a little more judgmental I keep saying that it looks like Ron Swanson. (Can someone get Nick Offerman a bit part in Star Wars? He'd be good.) Anyway, enough of my sitcom nerditry. Be sure to snag this one as it's good. My guess is we'll see a "hood down" variation down the road in some form of battle pack, but as of today this is it and it is pretty good.

Collector's Notes: A new figure, not too hard to find yet, so get it while you can!

Clone Wars Notes: Seriously, go check out the episode "Trespass," it's great. StarWars.com streams it from time to time. You get big furball warriors, evil blue dudes, and C-3PO gets to translate.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 1,263: April 16, 2010