Welcome to our review of the Star Wars Black Series 6" Obi-Wan Kenobi from Revenge of the Sith. Obi-Wan was originally released in 2014 a part of the original orange series figures and was part of wave 3. He was later repacked in the blue line (2nd phase).
Packaging (4/5)
Having first arrived in the orange phase 1 packaging, Obi-Wan Kenobi got a repack in 2014 in the new Blue Line Phase 2 packaging. This new packaging tweaked the original look by expanding the window up and across the top of the box, moving the artwork to a circular insert to the side. The logo and character name all dropped to the bottom of the box. The lighting strip changed from orange to blue and still sat on the back card and then round onto the back of the box.
The rear text talks about Obi-Wan's role in Revenge of the Sith and his battle with Anakin Skywalker. In the blue line, Obi-Wan is number #08. While not as iconic as the original packaging, the blue was more functional for larger figures with its extended window. It would finally allow for the release of a Chewbacca figure - although since then there have been very few other tall figures make it to the line as a single basic release.
"Obi-Wan is forced to battle his friend Anakin Skywalker in a devastating lightsaber duel after Anakin Turns to the Dark Side"
"I have failed you Anakin"
Sculpt & Paint 2/5
While early Black Series sculpts were promising, the likeness to Obi-Wan remains one of the worse to date. While you can tell this is the bearded Ewan McGregor, the sculpt is both lacking in detail and too small for the body. On top of this the painting to the eyes is very cartoonish, and the hair very messy with splodges of grey into the auburn rather than subtle streaks.
The body fare better with a textured Jedi robe complete with soft good elements within the skirt section. Each layer is coloured differently and there is some degree of washing to weather the torso robes in particular. The belt is detailed with some smaller painted silver and red detailing on the brown and black belt.
Sadly there were no soft good outer robes provided, something that does go some way to redeem this figure if you track down a good aftermarket option.
Articulation (3/5)
Obi-Wan has the standard 16 points of articulation, which allows him a pretty good range of movement. Sadly the elbows remain a single joint only and this limits the ability of the figure to hold a lightsaber successfully with two hands.
The lower skirt being a combination of soft goods and rubbery plastic means the legs are not as restricted as they could have been and this does allow Obi-Wan to sit, kneel and take up some wider fighting stances.
Accessories (4/5)
Obi-Wan comes with a very detailed 1/12 version of his lightsaber. This is very detailed for its size with clear definition in the sculpt between emitter, main body, switching and end pieces. These are all painted also with silver, bronze, gunmetal and black all present on the hilt section.
The blade is a translucent blue, perhaps a shade too light vs what we see Obi-Wan wielding on screen. The blade clicks into the end of the hilt for lightsaber battles and can be removed again if you want the saber unignited. When not in use there is a small peg on the saber hilt which fits into a hole on Obi-Wan's belt.
Summary
After Maul, it was great for Prequel fans to get another iconic character. Sadly the execution on Obi-Wan isn't as polished as Maul or indeed the other figures that came before him. His head sculpt was basic and too small for the body, creating a real odd look when posed with the Anakin figure that would arrive a bit later.
Obi-Wan is also missing his iconic cloak, something that was included with Maul but has been dropped on most Jedi since including this one, Anakin and Qui-Gon. The one accessory he does get is well executed, but the blade is too pale in colouring.
I score the Phase 1 orange line release of Obi-Wan Kenobi, as seen in Revenge of the Sith, a disappointing 2 out of 5.
