One of the best parts of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is it’s motivated me to finally getting around to reviewing some of the amazing Hot Toys Star Wars figures that I’ve recently added to the collection.
Obi-Wan Kenobi may be the one character who appeared in the first six films that I found myself liking much more in the prequels. I really enjoyed Ewan McGregor’s maturing take on the character from The Phantom Menace to Revenge of the Sith.
Today, of course, I’m looking at the original incarnation of old Ben Kenobi played by the incomparable Alec Guinness. Short of a Force Ghost variant, this is really the only version of the older Obi-Wan we need so let’s see if Hot Toys delivered.
Packaging: Hot Toys is sticking with a simple, streamlined look with the flat black and shiny black exterior package. Opening the figure up, we get a more dynamic action collage of Obi-Wan re-enacting key moments from Star Wars … or Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope if that’s your preference.
The plastic tape around the wrists and boots is a nice protective measure, but especially in Obi-Wan’s case with the softer leather boots you’ll want to take extra caution if you’re cutting the tape off.
Likeness: What I love most about Hot Toys figures is that sense of having a mini version of the character, not just a good likeness for a toy, in your display.
This is Obi-Wan Kenobi. I can practically already hear him telling Luke about how his father was killed … from a certain point of view.
Scale: Obi Wan comes up noticeably shorter than Han Solo, which is a nice touch as I wasn’t expecting to have such a welcome disparity in height in a 12″ line. Naturally, he’s also much shorter when compared to Chewbacca.
I’ll be even more impressed if the upcoming Luke Skywalker is shorter than Obi-Wan as well as Hot Toys will have effectively covered the scale range in the series.
Paint: This is one of those categories Hot Toys always shines so you have to nitpick to find any “issues.” In looking at various reference pictures, Obi-Wan’s hair and beard should be more white than the flat grey used.
You likely won’t see it from a reasonable distance, but the paint job further conveys that weathered sun-beaten skin tone you’d associate with a man who’d spent the last 20 years in the desert.
Outfit: As the last of the Jedi, Obi-Wan represents his old Order well. I like the worn, somewhat tattered appearance of Obi-Wan’s Jedi robe especially around the sleeves, hood and collar areas. Not like he can go to the Jedi temple and replace it these days.
The only real issue I had was with the Jedi robe’s hood. It’s sewn in a way to keep the top point like he had it when he rescued Luke from the Sandpeople. It becomes a bit trickier to pose for other situations particularly the final showdown with Darth Vader without it poking out in the back.
Turning to the main outfit, Obi-Wan’s version of a three piece suit is also well done. You’ll no doubt find yourself futzing around with the uniform while fumbling with the interchangeable arms (more on that in a second), but it’s easily rearranged. The cummerbund has enough give that you can pull the collar portion down as tight as you’d like.
Hot Toys doesn’t recommend taking this part of the outfit off, not that you’d need to since Obi-Wan didn’t have an X-Wing outfit or Hoth attire to switch into. Considering the padding, which you can feel underneath the innermost shirt, it’s probably a good idea to leave it all in place.
Articulation: Obi-Wan has the standard Hot Toys body. You’ll be able to get any pose you want, but this is the older version of the character who wasn’t exactly flipping over Stormtroopers.
Of most importance to me, I was easily able to get the two-handed lightsaber stance for the showdown with Vader.
My usual beef with Hot Toys comes with the swapping of the hands. Some sunk in to the connectors so snugly I had a hard time separating them to put on other hands. I’m not sure why Hot Toys only includes two extra connectors, but for the cost of the figure I’d prefer to have them for each set of hands.
Obi-Wan has a new feature for me with a Hot Toys figure with a swappable arm to switch out with the light-up lightsaber arm. In my initial posing of the figure, I unknowingly released the connection. Then when trying to swap the light-up arm back out, I had a tricky time disconnecting it. I’m a bit concerned about breaking the peg so be careful when swapping them out.
Accessories: Obi-Wan isn’t as stacked with accessories as some other releases, but he’s got all the essentials including the iconic “these aren’t the droids you’re looking for” gesturing hand.
One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding lightsaber
– One (1) right palm for holding lightsaber in alternative pose
– One (1) gesturing left palm
- One (1) LED-lighted blue lightsaber (white light, battery operated)
- One (1) lightsaber hilt
- Specially designed figure stand with Obi-Wan Kenobi nameplate and movie logo
The lightsaber hilts are must-haves. There’s also an unlit hilt that connects smoothly onto the belt hook. That’s the one potentially loose accessory so be mindful if you’re posing him with it on.
Light-up feature: To prevent any corrosion in transit, Hot Toys packed the three batteries needed for the light-up feature.
Naturally, I couldn’t find a screwdriver small enough to unscrew the cover so I’ll have to add those in later.
Based on my previous experiences with Hot Toys light-up features, I’m sure it’s nice and bright even in normal lighting.
Worth it? Obi Wan is gonna set you back $219 plus shipping. He’s kind of right in line with the amount of extras you get from a typical Hot Toys offering and the light-up lightsaber is more of a bonus feature than the norm.
If you’re a Star Wars fan, Hot Toys pretty much has you hook, line and sinker, but this is another outstanding addition to your Episode VI – A New Hope lineup.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
I’m taking a few points off from the hair color. The swappable arm also is mildly concerning, but I’m more apt to keep the unlit lightsaber on display anyway. We won’t need to add any more Original Trilogy versions of Obi-Wan as this one is exceptional.
Where to get it? You’re in luck as Obi-Wan hasn’t sold out everywhere yet so you won’t have to pay jacked up secondary market prices for him.
Sideshow Collectibles still has him up for pre-order, but I’d advise not delaying if you’re interested. They can quickly go from pre-order to sold out so don’t be caught on the outside looking in.
http://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/star-wars-obi-wan-kenobi-hot-toys-902345/
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