Obi-Wan Kenobi - TVC - Basic (VC31)

How often will Hasbro release The Legacy Collection Obi-Wan Kenobi (BD 44) figure? Our answer is as many times as it takes to get it right. Thankfully, they did with the 2011 The Vintage Collection release. And now the 2022 reissued version is a step above the latter. Hasbro finally nailed the color of Obi-Wan Kenobi's hair. And with Photo Real applications, the figure now looks better than ever. We already know what a spectacular figure this is, but you should be aware of the improvements made to the paint job the figure needed. Hasbro only slightly repainted for TLC version, but the TVC reissue is a massive upgrade. We see significant enhancements. Besides dramatically updating the figure’s paint operations, they also changed some paint details missing on Obi-Wan’s lightsaber’s hilt. With a rich, brown, soft-goods Jedi outer robe included, we have a definitive Episode II version of this character. If you recall, the original 2009 release of this figure came with an Episode I lightsaber. But that was because 2009’s TLC Obi-Wan Kenobi (BD 34), 2009’s TLC Obi-Wan Kenobi (BD 44), and 2009’s LC Obi-Wan Kenobi (BD06) were all intended to be part of what would have been a significant Evolutions set before the line got canceled. Perhaps (and most likely) the accessories got mixed up. At the same rate, we are thrilled we got them all as basic action figures single-carded, the way all action figures should be released, in our opinion.

Based on the character's Episode II appearance, Obi-Wan Kenobi is not a figure Hasbro has treated well throughout the years. While Hasbro attempted the character more times than we can count, most came to us during an era when articulation and accuracy took a backseat to action features and gimmicks. And besides, most came with terrible prepositioned poses and second-class likenesses that ruined the figure's aesthetics. But that was a time long, long ago before super-articulation reigned supreme. And when that happened, we saw significant improvements leading to excellent action figure-making. Hasbro released The Legacy Collection/Build A Droid version to thunderous applause. But since the figure needed finer details, Hasbro used its release in The Vintage Collection to fix those multiple errors. We’ll get to them in detail, but we first wanted to point out a glaring packaging error. Hasbro has designated the first issued Episode II Obi-Wan Kenobi figure as the 2003 SW [S - P3] Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) ('03 #39) figure. This historical reference, of course, couldn’t be more incorrect. The first Episode II Obi-Wan Kenobi figure is the horrendous 2002 SW [S - P1] Obi-Wan Kenobi (Coruscant Chase) (’02 #03) release. It's a shame we must accept that Hasbro won't get many of these historical references correctly. It’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.

Hasbro also released a version of this figure in the Geonosis Arena Showdown two-packs. That version of Obi-Wan Kenobi came with a different head sculpt, and we would have loved to see that portrait receive a Photo Real update too, but that wasn't in the cards. So, what makes this version of Obi-Wan Kenobi unique or special? Hasbro completely re-colored the upper portions of the figure's outfit, especially the tunic, and added a few shades of darker tan that more closely mirror the costume in the film. And more noticeable, they properly gave Obi-Wan Kenobi a yellow undershirt. The belt is a darker brown than before, and the details, like the food capsules and other items hanging along the belt, are crisper and more identifiable. The slight darkening of the upper body does wonders for the soft-goods skirt, and there is less of a transition and more blending of colors which works beautifully. We don’t see too many changes, if any, with the portrait. Hasbro got that right the first time, and we are happy with the repeated results. The last difference we see is in the paint job on the boots. A richer and more detailed paint job is now evident; you can see streaking and wear that was not evident previously. And by Hasbro including the soft-goods Jedi robe, it helps to bring this figure together for us. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a simple but wonderfully updated figure for The Vintage Collection. We are genuinely thankful that Hasbro is making these minor tweaks to make the figures as accurate as possible. This re-released action figure is the best Episode II Obi-Wan yet.

Editor's Note: Hasbro re-released The Vintage Collection Obi-Wan Kenobi (VC31) figure in April 2022 with a significant number of changes. Updates include: (1) new paint operations/deco including Photo Real, (2) reddish-brown hair color and beard (3) different color palette within tunic, (4) differently colored boots (5) refreshed 2022 packaging, and (6) different placement of action figure and accessories in bubble

Review Status Update: The original publication date of this review is February 26, 2011. It was subsequently updated with a new Photo Gallery and revised General Analysis and republished on August 15, 2023 after Hasbro reissued the figure.