S.H. Figuarts Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Obi-Wan Kenobi
Hello there! – Obi-Wan Kenobi, Revenge of the Sith
Well, hello to you, too, Master Kenobi! It feels like it has been FOREVER since Princess Leia was released in the Star Wars S.H. Figuarts line, so I have been going through some serious withdraws. Fortunately, as this is my favorite look for my favorite Star Wars character, this has been my most-wanted in the line for a very long time. Now that I finally have him, I honestly couldn’t be happier and having (almost) all of Ben’s looks from the movies is some beautiful thing.
Okay, so I am one who actually enjoys many aspects of the Prequel Trilogy, I am not at all ashamed to admit that. I understand those who do not, though, and like most things, if I don’t agree with someone about something, I rarely put any effort into making them feel otherwise – we all have our opinions. HOWEVER, I will fight you if you say anything bad about my boy Ewan McGregor and his portrayal of young Obi-Wan throughout those movies. He made gold out of what he was given (mostly) and he was the bright part of the movies throughout. Obi-Wan actually benefitted by being further developed in the Prequels (something many characters cannot claim), and I love the portrayal so much, I am keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed that the rumored Obi-Wan series for Disney+ is going to happen, and Ewan will be a part of it.
Focusing on the now, though, I finally have the high ground, and I am proud to speak in absolutes (as only a Sith would) and proclaim that this figure is great. I know some early product photography had some interneters worried about the likeness, but the S.H. Figuarts releases are like the Benjamin Button of action figures – somehow the final product ends up looking better than the prototypes. At first I thought this figure would basically be the same as the EPI and EPII figures in terms of base body, but that is NOT the case. The new Ben is a bit broader with thicker legs and RotS-accurate inner robes. So, not having a mostly rehash is a nice surprise. Bandai did a great job with the likeness on this one, and it skews much closer to the excellent Phantom Menace release than the somewhat not as “McGregor-y” AotC figure in terms of overall execution.
I will get to the two heads/portraits in a minute, but covering off the basics of this release, as mentioned, the figure itself it a subtle repaint of the AotC figure from neck to toe. The RotS look is my favorite for Obi-Wan, and that includes the small color changes in the robes, pants, and boots. This is like the transition look from PT to OT for Obi-Wan, and that not only includes the hair style and beard, but also the more prevalent browns in the outfit. The release also includes an ignited lightsaber (that splits at the hilt) and an unignited version for belt wear, and ten different hands (five left and five right) that have been released before. Saber grips and Force casting hands, along with fists are standard for SHF Jedi, but Kenobi also gets his requisite “en garde” or eye-poke or “doink” hand, which ever you call it with this release, too. I know that hand came with the AotC figure, but Obi-Wan never did that gesture until squaring off with General Grievous on Utapau.
As I said, I know a lot of people were worried about the Ewan likeness in the portraits, but I find them to be quite good in final form. Of course you get the more placid expression that I actually prefer, and it most certainly has that “Obi-Wan is concerned” look to it, so it is not without character. You also get the very pointed and specific, yet important “you were the Chosen One!”/ “I have the high ground” yelling face, and the final product is pretty damned spot on in terms of likeness and expression. I know many of the SHF alternate heads are often too close in look and expression to the standard version (see: Mace, EPI and EPII Kenobi, etc.), but these two are very different from each other and both most certainly have their uses in the display and for photography. I am so glad both of these turned out as well as they did, because now I can take my favorite version of my favorite character and kick my feet up and wait for Dooku and everyone else as icing on the cake.
Between Bandai and Hasbro, we are living in such an awesome age for Star Wars figures. Sure, I would like to see more frequent releases for SHF, but what we are getting is rad. The gap is closing in terms of quality from one company to the next, but I think this is undoubtedly the better version of EPIII Kenobi, and it is not even close. So, don’t skip this, especially if you are a Kenobi or PT fan (or both!).
He pairs great with the previous EPIII Anakin release, so they are certainly ready to square off. Dooku is up next, so Obi and Ani need to play nice, because it will take both of them to handle the regal old Sith. I DO hope Bandai gets around to releasing the Force Ghost version they have shown off to complete the full range of looks, even if it has to be an exclusive. This is most certainly the Obi-Wan figure you are looking for.
