Obi-Wan Kenobi - TCW [SOTDS] - Basic (CW02)

Obi-Wan learns that Anakin and his team have located Jabba the Hutt's kidnapped son Rotta on the remote world called Teth, but they are under attack by Separatist forces. The Jedi Master races to the planet to bring much-need[ed] reinforcements to Anakin and his embattled team.

The Clone Wars line hit hard in July 2008 with the release of eight brand new figures in a new animated style. Hasbro expressed that the figures would actually fall somewhere in between realistic and animated, but fans and collectors concluded that they were definitely designed with the animated look in mind. It’s interesting to say the least because Hasbro has always been a licensee who has based their toys on realistic designs time and again and moved away from animated style whenever possible (like the original Clone Wars for example), so we are thinking that some pressure from Lucasfilm, Ltd. may have resulted in the line going the way that it did – all animated that is. And for good reason! It is certainly a nice change of pace from the main line. This “second” line of figures has been warmly embraced by all and we can’t seem to get enough clones into our collections (as well as all the other main characters). Obi-Wan Kenobi is obviously not one of the clones, but he does his best to fit in by wearing some clone trooper armor. (And this is a very familiar look for him, one that has been seen many times in multiple “Clone Wars” multimedia events.) While not entirely “Obi-Wan Kenobi in Clone Trooper gear,” he is outfitted in enough armor that is well designed and tailor fitted for his tall and lean frame. And it has been redefined to fit in perfectly with the new television series. This figure was hugely popular since its release in 2008. This is the reason that prompted Hasbro to include him in The Clone Wars [Shadow Of The Dark Side] preliminary wave in 2010.

Although excellent, we feel that his likeness is off a tad bit. Don’t get us wrong. This figure definitely looks like ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’, but there are some details lacking and we cannot exactly pinpoint what would be needed to improve upon it to make him more authentic. He comes in an expertly crafted outfit that has exceeded our own expectations of what Hasbro is capable of producing for us. There are dirty washes on his Jedi robes as well as his clone trooper armor parts. This beautiful attention to realism is such a relief and we hope that Hasbro will continue with this finishing process. He has a Jedi Temple insignia on his left shoulder armor and it is so explicit and clear we are simply amazed how Hasbro replicated this fine detail so well! It is masterful to say the least! Obi-Wan also comes with a removable backpack and while this is a pretty cool accessory, if you don’t leave it attached to him, he has a big old hole on his back. This is unfortunate but unavoidable. (We also wish Hasbro would give us plugs for the extra astromech Build A Droid figure holes they included.) Hasbro apparently decided not to futz around with designing a removable helmet and instead gave us a bonus interchangeable head to pop onto his head. It is a revisited phase I clone trooper head with an antenna and it simply looks fantastic! Let us say and offer our opinion that this is the way that most action figures should be! Removable helmets are a plain joy for some figures that require it, but when the helmets become too big and bulky we think this method (the removable head piece) is the better option. It works for Obi-Wan Kenobi stunningly!

If you recall, this figurehad a couple of different variations in the way the color of Obi-Wan’s beard was colored. We're happy to report that this has since been resolved and there is only one variation in this line look. We have also found variances in the color used on his Jedi robes. But since he is a figure that utilizes the final dirty wash, we think this could be responsible for drawing us towards these details. We are not trying to imply that these are variations per se, but there are some existing noticeable differences. Obi-Wan Kenobi is another figure that suffers from “eye” issues. We have found perfectly painted sample and then others where the eyes are off center from where they should be. We recommend being selective when purchasing your sample because it does make a big difference. So far, the 2010 release looks great. Obi-Wan Kenobi is not super-articulated, but he is just fine the way he is. He has a bit of a wide stance and this helps keep him standing very well and erect. And his plastic molded robes inhibit his hip movement. This particular Obi-Wan is not meant to be infinitely posed, hopefully a more super-articulated interpretation is coming down the road. It is needed and we hope Hasbro doesn’t make us wait too long for it. On top of his backpack, backpack projectile and interchangeable head, he also comes with his signature lightsaber and it is very detailed and authentic to what was seen in The Clone Wars film and TV show. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a great and fun action figure (and a necessary purchase)! We are sure you already own him by now, but if you don’t, what are you waiting for? You have another chance right now. Don't miss out!