Obi-Wan Kenobi (Gungan Sub)
sw0398 · Star Wars
Episode I: The Phantom Menace · 2012 (Debuted in the 9499 Gungan Sub set)
Figure ID
sw0398
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2012 (Debuted in the 9499 Gungan Sub set)
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited promotional figure, it is exclusive to a single, retired mid-range set, making it harder to find in mint condition.
Head
Light flesh tone with a medium orange beard and furrowed brow. This is a double-sided head featuring a determined expression on one side and a Breathing Apparatus (A95 Rebreather) print on the other. The hair is the standard reddish-brown swept-back style.
Torso
Tan Jedi robes with a printed brown utility belt and silver buckle detailing. The printing continues to the back to show the robe folds. Arms are tan with light flesh hands.
Legs
Tan legs with printing that continues the tunic's lower hem and knee-line details. The hip piece is tan.
Accessories
The figure is pictured with a custom-built staff made of a Light Bluish Gray rod/pole and two Trans-Pink jewels (likely representing an Electrostaff). Note: This is not the figure's official accessory. Experimentally, it should come with a Blue Lightsaber and a silver hilt.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Tan and Dark Tan, representing traditional Jedi tunics, with Reddish Brown hair and Light Flesh skin tones.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the 2012 era. It features detailed robe lines, belt textures, and the specialized rebreather print on the back of the head.
Variants
This specific version (sw0398) is unique due to the rebreather face print. Other 2012 Obi-Wan figures lack this specific dual-sided head.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'arm cracks' at the pits and torso cracks from the waist up. The hair piece is prone to minor scuffing on the top 'peak'.
Estimated Value
Used: $12 - $18 USD; New/Mint: $25 - $35 USD. Prices vary based on the presence of the original blue lightsaber.
Price (New)
Originally released in set 9499 which retailed for $69.99 USD in 2012.
Compatible Sets
LEGO Star Wars 9499 Gungan Sub (2012).
Character Background
Based on Obi-Wan Kenobi's appearance in 'The Phantom Menace' during the descent to Otoh Gunga. He is a Padawan under Qui-Gon Jinn at this point in the timeline.
Design Notes
This figure marked an evolution in LEGO Star Wars design, moving toward more detailed facial features and screen-accurate robe 'wrapping' prints compared to the 1999 originals.
Similar Minifigures
sw0312 (Obi-Wan with Clone Wars armor), sw0197 (Classic Obi-Wan), and the newer 20th Anniversary version sw1031.
Collectibility
High demand for Episode I completionists. The rebreather head makes it a specific 'scene-accurate' variant that collectors seek out for dioramas.
History
Follows the 1999 yellow-skinned era and the first wave of light-flesh Star Wars updates (2004-2005). It represents the 'modern classic' style of LEGO Star Wars.
Interesting Facts
The rebreather face print is designed specifically to allow the figure to 'swim' beneath the Gungan Sub without needing a bulky separate oxygen piece.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside Queen Amidala (sw0387) and Qui-Gon Jinn (sw0410) inside or near a Gungan Sub build. Use blue lighting to simulate the Naboo underwater environment.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom Jedi MOCs. The rebreather head is often swapped onto other Jedi bodies to create 'underwater' versions of many different characters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, mid-tier collector's piece. While the staff held in the photo is non-canon/custom, the figure itself is a high-quality representation of a specific cinematic moment.