Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) - SW [S - P3] - Basic (’03 #39)

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker chase the assassin, who attempted to take the life of Senator Amidala, into the Outlander nightclub on Coruscant. As Obi-Wan bides his time, waiting for his quarry to make a move, he is approached by one of the low-life Slythmongers. Using the Jedi gesture of influence, he convinces the Slythmonger to reform his corrupt ways.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) finishes up all of the Outlander Nightclub denizens made by Hasbro in the third phase of the Star Wars “Saga” line. Maybe not a necessary figure in and of itself, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) is a necessary purchase so you can combine it with the bar section that comes with Elan Sleazebaggano (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) (’03 #40) to complete and much of the bar as Hasbro sees fit. Admittedly, it’s the bar section that is the most rewarding from this paltry $5 purchase. Yes, you probably don’t need any more Obi-Wan Kenobi action figures based on his Episode II appearance, but sometimes you need to consider the action figures themselves the “unnecessary accessory” so you can appreciate what else has been paired with them. The bar section is the most impressive aspect of this action figure, but Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) also comes with a unique bar glass (a petite neon red/pink one) that fits like a glove in his left hand. Since the Outlander Nightclub served as the “cantina” of Episode II, it’s nice to see that Hasbro made an effort to make this scene a little bit more interesting in the action figure line. That doesn’t mean you have to like it, but don’t deny that Hasbro tried here.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) isn’t a great action figure. He is minimally articulated, but he doesn’t have a great sculpt to help counteract that issue. Actually, we find this likeness of Obi-Wan Kenobi to be one of the worst attempts by Hasbro. On top of a much-too-high forehead, his face is squished and has a terribly annoying lean to his right which makes posing him a bit of a chore. To make things worse, he has his lightsaber hilt permanently sculpted to his left side. Why in the world must Hasbro insist on doing this to action figures in the modern line. Collectors would much rather see a fully lit lightsaber included instead and just forgo the novelty of having the hilt as a permanent “accessory”. Well, at least the collectors here feel that way. It’s actually a shame that Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) didn’t come with both a fully lit lightsaber as well as an unlit lightsaber hilt. He actually used it during his time in the Outlander Nightclub. The hilt does no good permanently at his side. We think that Hasbro missed the boat here big time. We do appreciate that Hasbro sculpted two of his fingers up to imitate him waving his arm at Elan Sleazebaggano, but after a while it look like he is trying to boogie woogie more than anything else. Moment specific poses just aren’t ideal for action figures.

We also do not fully understand why they gave Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) hinge-jointed knees. He doesn’t sit down anywhere within the walls of the Outlander Nightclub and by adding these articulation points Hasbro has created an unpleasant aesthetic with the figure. The legs in general are not sculpted that well. The bow out in an upside down “V” shape and prevent him from having proper posture. Sometimes less is more as evidenced by how the articulation has affected this particular action figure. Hasbro even got generous with adding two ball-jointed shoulders, but they do very little good in terms of how Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) can utilize them. There are a lot of bells and whistles here that have all sacrificed the practicality of this action figure. Be that as it may, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Nightclub Encounter) is a far cry for what collectors deem a definitive action figure to be. It’s nowhere close. Hasbro has expressed that they thought this action figure came out well, something that perplexes us still today. Again, get this action figure solely for the accessories inside of it. Otherwise, you may find yourself a very disappointed collector.