VC Obi-Wan Kenobi (Wandering Jedi)

 I love the Vintage Collection, most of my posts are about it. But sometimes, not often, a highly anticipated figure misses the mark. See Crait Luke Skywalker, and the standard release Imperial Gunner from Rogue One. Sadly, this figure is one that misses the mark. But it isn't all bad, as it does have the best ever head sculpt of Ewan McGregor ever put on a Hasbro figure (notice I didn't say ever, SH Figuarts has the distinction of having the best ever Ewan head sculpt).

Now he has the new standard of super articulation (17 POA) and with the new ball jointed hips putting him in action poses is easy, despite the vinyl "skirt". Fortunately on my sample as you'll see in the photos, the paint apps are well done and clean. Also check out the head sculpt, am I right about it or what?! Amazing! No tight joints either, they move well and I never felt as if I'd break the figure moving it. But there is a problem: the upper body joint (which makes it look like he's wearing a man bra). No waist articulation is seen as a no-no to Hard-core collectors, and here it hurts Obi-Wan because nobody's upper body can move that way without also moving their waist. So in that pose, it looks unnatural. But with only that gripe on the sculpt and articulation it's okay. If this is an experiment for future Jedi figures, Hasbro should also add waist articulation as well to make it more fluid and pose friendly.

The accessories are what you'd expect. A robe that fits very well, although I think the hood is a bit too large. It was difficult to get a great photo with it. He also comes with an uncivilized blaster which perfectly fits into his holster. But his lightsaber is way too small. Same with the unlit hilt, which does fit into his belt. I only have a couple pics with the lightsaber he comes with but I made a swap with an older extra Obi-Wan one, from the VC ROTS Obi-Wan that fits better in his hand while also looking good for photos. Rule number 1 when making lightsaber wielding figures: they must hold their lightsabers!!! He also comes with the droid LOLA, which is too small for me to put together so no photos of it.

This figure is getting a new release in his blue shirt in the form of an Amazon 3 pack so Hasbro will be utilizing this new sculpt for all its worth. The Black Series version of this figure has waist articulation so there you go. The Sixers also are getting the Jabiim Obi-Wan while there's no word if the VC will get it as well. With Hasbro using the Black Series as the world building line, I expect this to be the only Obi-Wan we get from the Kenobi series.

Now, is he essential to your collection? Well, no. While he fits in with ROTS era figures, he doesn't quite fit in with OT era figures either. But if you want to recreate scenes from the show, he's needed. If you choose to skip a figure, this is one you might want to skip. However, they may make another version (Jabiim, his 1st meeting with Luke) if this figure sells so buy at least one!

Picture Guide:

1. Obi-Wan in his robe. It is kind of hard to drape the hood just the way you would like it to so he can stay "hidden". 

2. Close up of the head sculpt. See what I was talking about?! 

3-5. Obi-Wan with his included lightsaber. As you can see it's tiny. Use one from an older VC Obi-Wan or from the 5 POA version. 

6. Kenobi. Obi-Wan Kenobi. He does hold that blaster quite well. 

7 & 8. I used a spare lightsaber from a spare ROTS VC Obi-Wan for these pictures. I believe this is better for posing him with his Jedi weapon. You be the judge! 

9. Not really an accurate duel, but hard to not pose Obi-Wan in a duel with Darth Vader. 

10 & 11. Obi-Wan & Ben Kenobi. The robe on my Ben Kenobi is from Aayla Secura, and the hood fits that figure quite well, shading his face so he can remain hidden. I thought about doing the Spider-Man meme again here, but how many chances will I get to share a picture of 2 Obi-Wan (Ben) Kenobi's?