Ki-Adi Mundi is in dire need of an updated super-articulated movie figure, but interestingly, he does have a rather rich and diverse history as an action figure, even if these don’t give us his main film costume.  Ki-Adi has translucent hologram version, which is underarticulated and based on his Episode 1-era sculpt.  It’s not the most egregious thing, as we can probably accept this particular version in 5POA an move on with our lives.  Hasbro also gave us a version based on his appearance in the comics, and was released as part of a comic 2-pack.  That figure is quite good, although frustratingly lacks ankle articulation.  He’s got some kind of gas mask and stuff.  Then we get this figure, which is fully articulated to acceptable standards.  It’s a figure based on some concept artwork for Revenge of the Sith.  It is, by far, the best quality Ki-Adi-Mundi figure available, but of course, is just a niche figure.  The best movie figure we have has no ankles, no wrists, and swivel elbows, while obviously lacking any more modern JLA (Jedi-level articulation) such as rocker ankles and/or ball jointed wrists, waist, or hips.  So while this is not the Ki-Adi you are looking for, it’s still pretty neat.

The figure is based on some Episode III concept art.  It was seemingly meant to show Ki-Adi in a more soldier/warrior look than is typical for a Jedi, in order to show him as a veteran of the Clone Wars.  Several Jedi had such appearances in both the no longer canon microseries, as well as the canon TCW series.  This version of Ki-Adi looks like it belongs more in one of those shows than he does in the film.  Of course, in retrospect, it does seem a little odd that the Jedi were often geared up for battle during the TV series, but were only seen wearing traditional robes in ROTS itself.  Ki Adi evokes a more swashbuckling pirate-ish look than that of a Jedi.  In the end, the look was obviously scrapped in favor of what we see on film. 

Hasbro did a great job bringing this look to plastic form.  The sculpt is excellent, with nice detailing throughout the outfit.  The head sculpt is particularly good, along with the non-removable eye-patch.  The articulation is sufficient for full SA standards, but lacks nothing additional, as we might expect by today’s standards, especially for a Jedi.  The paint applications on my sample are solid.  The skin tone is very much lighter than what we see on screen, but I suspect this is forgivable since the figure is sourced from concept artwork.

For accessories, Ki-Adi comes with a separately sculpted cloak/bandolier/belt combo.  It looks like you can work this piece of the figure, but I was too afraid I’d break it using my caveman abilities.  The assembly fits nicely over the figure, and helps complete the dashing warrior look.  Ki-Adi also has a lit lightsaber. His hands are sculpted a little to wide open to complete a solid grip, unfortunately.  But with some manipulation, he can wield the saber in a number of action poses.  He can also just barely accomplish the “resting” THWG. 

All in all, it’s not a spectacular figure, but it is actually the best Ki-Adi figure available.  This, of course, needs to be remedied very soon by Hasbro in the TVC line.  In the meantime, this unique concept niche figure is a fun addition to your collection.  I’ll give it a solid 7.

Credits

Carded sample on loan from the collection of Randy S

Build-A-Droid 

Ki-Adi Mundi (Concept) contains the right leg for the astromech R4-P44.  This droid could possibly be seen inside ARC-170 star fighters as part of Obi-Wan’s Fifth Fleet during the battles of Coruscant and Cato Nemoidia.  Source:  Revenge of the Sith.

Verdict: No Action

Doesn’t seem to be much secondary market demand for this figure.  It can be had for about $20, or even less, if you shop around ebay.  It’s a nice figure to display along with the myriad other concept figures that have been offered by Hasbro over the years.  But Hasbro should consider the book closed on this, and instead, concentrate some effort on a TVC-quality movie version of Ki-Adi Mundi.

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.