Obi-Wan Kenobi (Classic Yellow Head with Hood/Hair or Comm-Link Version)
sw0024 · Star Wars
Episode I - The Phantom Menace · 1999 (First release)
Figure ID
sw0024
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 (First release)
Rarity
Uncommon / Rare. While many were produced, finding these early Episode I figures in good condition with original yellow skin tones is becoming increasingly difficult as they are over 25 years old.
Head
Classic LEGO yellow skin tone. Single-sided printing featuring a slight smirk, orange-brown beard stubble, and simple black dot eyes with white pupils. This head was used represent both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn in early sets.
Torso
Tan torso with brown Jedi robe printing (cross-over tunic). The printing includes a dark brown belt with silver buckle and pouch details. Back is unprinted. Arms are tan with yellow hands.
Legs
Tan legs with tan hip piece. This specific era of figure lacked leg printing; the detail seen on the lower torso/crotch area is part of the torso piece molding/printing.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally would have included a chrome silver hilt with a trans-light blue lightsaber blade, and frequently a brown plastic hood or light-tan hair piece (part 3901).
Color Scheme
A palette of Tan, Dark Brown, and Yellow. This represents the early 'classic' era of LEGO Star Wars before the transition to natural skin tones in 2004.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing characteristic of the late 90s. The detail is lower than modern figures but has high nostalgia value. Note the lack of back printing or leg printing, standard for 1999.
Variants
There are several 'Classic Yellow' Obi-Wan variants: some came with hair, some with hoods, and one unique version (sw0024a) has a printed Comm-link on the head.
Condition Notes
Common issues include torso cracks on the sides, fading of the chrome on the lightsaber hilt, and teeth marks on the head. The yellow plastic is also prone to sun-bleaching/discoloration.
Estimated Value
Used: $10 - $25 depending on condition and included accessories. New (Set-sealed context): $100+. The head alone is worth approximately $4-$7.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure). Originally packaged in sets ranging from $6.00 (7110 Landspeeder) up to $100.00.
Compatible Sets
7110 Landspeeder (1999), 7143 Jedi Starfighter (2002), 7161 Gungan Sub (1999), 30003 Polybag.
Character Background
Obi-Wan Kenobi as seen in 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace'. At this stage, he is the Padawan learner to Qui-Gon Jinn. This figure represents his appearance before the duel with Darth Maul.
Design Notes
One of the first licensed minifigures ever produced. It uses the standard 'male' hairpiece rather than a unique mold, which was common in the early days of the Star Wars line.
Similar Minifigures
sw0027 (Qui-Gon Jinn), sw0011 (Chewbacca - Brown), sw0001 (Battle Droid Tan).
Collectibility
High. This is a foundational piece for any LEGO Star Wars collection. Collectors value the 'Yellow Era' figures for their aesthetic consistency with classic LEGO.
History
Released as part of the initial launch wave of LEGO Star Wars in 1999, which saved the LEGO Group from financial crisis. It represents the bridge between 'Classic' LEGO and modern licensed themes.
Interesting Facts
The head print on this figure is virtually identical to the original Qui-Gon Jinn; the only difference is the hair or hood piece included in the set.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a 1999-2003 retrospective case or on a gray stud baseplate alongside the original Anakin and Qui-Gon figures. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent 'yellowing'.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' MOC builders who prefer the yellow-skinned aesthetic for custom scenes from the Prequel Trilogy.
Overall Assessment
A legendary piece of LEGO history. While it lacks the detail of modern 360-degree printing, its status as a 1999 original makes it a must-have for serious Star Wars collectors.