Carl “Doc” Greer (2014)

Hasbro’s Kre-O has become more than a bit of an obsession for me since its GI Joe figures made their debut last year. When Collection 1 hit, I hadn’t intended to pick up more than a few choice figures that had sparked my interest. Once I bought a few blind bags and the Checkpoint Alpha set however, I was hooked. I can see how adult Lego collectors can get swept up in this brick world. If you’re of a mind to appreciate the more toyetic qualities of the format, this stuff can be some of the purest, most addictive form of plastic crack. At this point, I’ve branched out into Hasbro’s other Kre-O offerings, like Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, and even Cityville. The Hasbro minifig style has really grown on me, and I really like the extra articulation. It also helps that the sets and minifigs have been clearanced out in a lot of places. How can you pass up the chance to amass tiny armies at prices from $.69 to $1.98 a pop?

Doc is another of those early 80s figures that, when set in brick form, takes me right back to Christmas 1983. I received the original figure back then as part of one of those JC Penney multi-packs. I believe the set also included Snow Job and Torpedo. Hey–now all three of those guys are out in Kre-O form. Maybe I should find a tiny brown cardboard box and recreate that particular Christmas Eve gift. All I need are some tiny red-backed file cards.

A few of the Collection 5 mini-figures have featured nicely done micro builds of weapons, gear and backpacks. Doc’s flare launcher gets the treatment here, and it’s simple but effective. If only the series continues, we might get to some gigantic Sonic Fighters backpacks!

By the way, it’s worth noting that Buster Jones, the voice actor for Sunbow’s Doc, passed away in September. He also voiced Blaster (the Transformers), Black Vulcan (Super Friends), Winston (the Real Ghostbusters), and even Lothar (Defenders of the Earth). Rest in peace.