Frostbite (2005)
Last weekend, I spent some time organizing and sorting my 2002-2006 figures. When I was buying these figures new, I wasn’t bothering to put accessories in little baggies, but rather throwing both figure and gear into plastic tubs. Not a big deal, unless you’ve decided to write a blog and take photos of figures. If you collected the era, you know how fiddly things can get with regards to accessories. Many weapons were repeated among thr figures, and tiny multiple pieces of gear abounded. Then there’s the Spy Troops disguises. It’s all very daunting.
I’m proud to say I’ve gotten it under control, but as I was sorting, I’ve realized just how much the so-called new sculpt era continues to fascinate me. I had the feeling a few times over he past year when picking out individual figures to photograph, but having them all pass through my hands at once has really given me pause to think about the period again.
Despite all the issues with the figures of the time (construction, proportions, accessories) I really miss the fact that these toys still had an innocence about them that was similar to the RAH era. They were marketed as kids’ toys, first and foremost. Yes, there were associated media here and there, and winks and nods to collectors, but for the most part, making fun toys seemed to be the focus. I don’t get that feeling with the more current lines. The 25th and 30th anniversary and Pursuit of Cobra seemed geared toward us collectors, and the movie line was tied so closely to its source that the fun was marketed right out of it.
As I pulled Frostbite out of a tub, I was hooked again on his particular look and playability. Yes, he bears no resemblance to to his classic figure, but I enjoy departures from the past. I also remembered that he came with a snowboard, not a first for a Joe figure, but it had the addition of movable foot pegs, and removable skis/missiles. Missile skis–intentional Snow Cat homage? I wonder.
Yes, this Frostbite’s hands and head are small. Yes, his torso is wide. But wow is this figure ever attractively designed. Overall, I find the stylized padded arctic uniform to be quite exciting, and though this figure is a repaint of a previous vehicle driver release, I prefer the deco on this version. It doesn’t hurt that he also looks like an arctic version of Low Light.
What about the version that came with the DTC version of the Ice Sabre?
I couldn’t agree more. I don’t care for the DTC figures now due to the odd proportions but i bought the ‘new sculpt ‘ figures at retail stores both for myself and for children as they were fun figures that had color and an element of fun that exuded from their look. It’s actually one of the same reasons i enjoy the Lanards latest “The Corps!” offerings that you’ve written about as well.
I have a choice with regard to which Joe product (or joe like product ) i’ can purchase – ARAH, DTC , Modern Era Joes or Lanard Corps! . I’ve purchased ARAH as a child , DTC years back and Lanard Corps! yet for some reason i cant convince myself to pull the trigger on Modern Era joes despite how fantastic they look . It isnt just the price. There is something missing for me and i believe it is the fun factor you mentioned. I’ve looked through countless images comparing ARAH and their Modern Era joe counterparts and in almost every instance the Modern Era looks better. Yet the 10 yr old in me doesnt crave them. Yet i’d rather have ARAH comic pack joes or the spirit of the DTC / Valor vs Venom line over the Movie line.
I’m really quite confused about this lol.
I’m of the opinion that if the Modern Era joes were the same height as their ARAH counterparts that would have gone a long way to swaying folks like me.
Funny you should mention the whole price aspect, with the way prices have been going up right now, I’ve been turning more and more towards the older product–I’ve been frequenting (when I can) my local flea market, where I got quite the haul for under $10.
This was one of the nicest figures from the new sculpt era. His padded outfit helps justify the proportion issues. It’s definitely Low Light to me, though. Those clean shaven Frostbite figures just don’t cut it.
Dammit, I forgot about this version and I forgot how flippin’ great it was. And it still stands up as a dang NICE figure!
I lole that snowboard, it goes well and forever with the latest modern era snow Joes. YO JOE!
I’d always wanted to find this figure at retail (from the two-pack). Seeing him profiled here just makes me think I should actually try and track him down. I’ve always kind of been an e-commerce Luddite but something that cool is getting me closer to pulling the trigger on some online shopping.