Duke (2008)

Sometimes as a collector of large, long lived toy lines, you get burned by the repetition of main characters. Often, it doesn’t hurt so bad to buy multiple versions of one person. For instance, the vintage Star Wars line, for all its representations of Luke, Han and Leia, the big three were wearing outfits significantly different than the last. Of course, Kenner’s Star Wars toy designers also had the benefit of a fresh film (and wardrobe) every few years during its run.

The modern GI Joe line, up until the post movie series, seemed content to ride the design horses of the 80s for the most part. Duke, being the longtime leader within the brand, had to find his way into most waves. The result, a few variations on Duke in his well-known original uniform. There was a Tiger Force version, and even a screaming, jetpack wearing and flag waving version. In the case of a comic pack, Duke was given a throwback outfit that sort of matched those of his 1982 predecessors.

Clad in green, Duke carries over some of his well worn accoutrements. The signature bandolier and binoculars (although a different model) are here. Also true to form, there’s an ill-fitting helmet. Of course, many of the initial 25th Joes were provided with poorly proportioned headgear. Like his 1983 version, Duke looks better without the brain bucket.

These sorts of thrown-in iterations of lead characters are often tedious repaints, but at least this one presents one of the Joe team’s mainstays in a new light. And if you’re inclined, you can set him up as an early version of the character who comes along just before the 1983 recruits break open the green uniform barrier.