Original Review:  Bret - 4/30/2010 2:46 PM

This is a very good figure.  We’ve seen TPM Obi-Wan many times, but this is the best one.  He’s superarticulated.  He’s got a partial cloth “skirt”, so his legs are fully poseable.  The face sculpt leaves something to be desired, as it could be better.  Also, the padawan braid doesn’t lie well on his body as it drapes down from his head.  Perhaps simulated hair would work well for this, as Hasbro has done this before for this character.  The paint job is simple, but well done, except for this chronic issue Hasbro has with the ankle joints not being painted like the rest of the boots.  It’s a bit jarring.  He’s got a jedi robe that fits reasonably well, although it still suffers from Oversized Hood Syndrome.  He’s got a lightsaber which he can grip in both hands.  That’s about all you can ask.

The face sculpt is probably the worst part, but overall, it’s unlikely Hasbro can do better any time soon on this figure.  8/10.

Updated Review:  Bret - 9/28/2018 07:05 AM

Editor’s Note:  As this figure is identical (minus the added Jedi communicator accessory), we have re-posted the review we recently updated for the The Vintage Collection VC76 Obi-Wan Kenobi.  As the VC76 figure comes with the communicator, it essentially renders this figure obsolete - unless you are looking for the BAD part.

I’ll agree with Chris for downgrading the score from our earlier 8 to a 6.  [Editor’s note: Chris’s original review of the VC76 figure made reference to my having scored this TLC figure a 6]. After a couple of years, Hasbro really could have given us a definitive TPM Obi-Wan Kenobi, but like the Qui-Gon Jinn wavemate, this figure disappoints.  The head sculpt is pretty terrible, bearing no resemblance to Ewan MacGregor.  The articulation is pedestrian for a Jedi, even though the well-executed soft goods “skirt” would allow for ample range of motion of proper ball-jointed hips.  The sculpt is otherwise decent, but nothing to write home about.

The robe is huge.  It’s common, but still a negative.  The lightsaber has an edge over Qui-Gon’s, because latter’s weapon was Episode 1-era crap.  This is at least modern, with the blade “flare” and the slimmer hilt.  Speaking of hilt, this figure is missing an unlit one, which is a travesty.  He does come with a Jedi communicator, although unlike some previous figures, this version of Obi-Wan has no belt “hook” to secure the device, so good luck not losing it.

The lack of ball-jointed hips makes Jedi-posing nearly impossible.  It’s not a dynamic figure, which is terrible considering that the lightsaber fight with Qui-Gon is one of the great moments of the entire saga.  Hasbro really did next to nothing to give us a proper TPM Kenobi on a TVC cardback.  If you’re a completist, you’ll want this.  Otherwise, you’ll be angry it exists.  As Chris alluded to, it would have been so much better if Hasbro released the Episode III Obi-Wan, but with a good Episode I head sculpt.  Instead, we got some garbage.  It’s probably the best version of this figure available, but that’s not saying much.  Hasbro did so well with the other TPM figures in TVC, but Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan really got a raw deal, and so did you, as a collector.

Credits

Carded sample on loan from the collection of Randy S

Build-A-Droid 

Obi-Wan Kenobi (first release) contains the head of L8-L9.  This prototype combat droid participated in a multi-gladiator fight-to-the-death in the arena pits of the planet Rattatak.  L8-L9 was destroyed by another gladiator named Asajj Ventress.  Source:  Clone Wars (non canon).

OR

Obi-Wan Kenobi (carry forward) contains the head of BG-J38.  This worker drone droid served as Jabba the Hutt’s personal dejarik and hologames droid.  Source:  Return of the Jedi

Verdict: Re-sculpt (Medium Priority) 

Ebay prices are low to moderate, showing there is some demand for this figure, despite the shortcomings.  Along with Qui-Gon, Hasbro really needs to make available a definitive TPM Obi-Wan.  Ball jointed hips, an Ewan face, a hilt with a belt peg, a hook on the belt for the communicator, and a slimmer robe are musts.  Rocker ankles and ball jointed wrists would also be welcome additions to this key figure in the saga.  Throw in a re-breather, and you pretty much have the entire film covered with one figure.  Let’s get to it sooner rather than later. 

Verdict Guide:
Re-sculpt = The figure is not definitive, and a new version should be developed.
Re-issue = This version is definitive (or close enough), and shows sufficient secondary market demand to warrant a straight repack.
No Action = This release does not require new attention.