By Past Nastification There are figures that I like which defy my own guidelines. For example, I largely dislike ninja figures, but yet I find the Shadow Ninja figures fun. I don’t even like the original versions of those figures. But cloudy plastic holds an inexplicable appeal. So, we know I’m not a big ninja fan. What about Head-to-Toe repaints?
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There isn’t enough Mutt & Junkyard in our lives. Consider that he only had two distinct molds during the Real American Hero era, one release in the new sculpt period, and a single figure during the 25th anniversary series. He’s one of the most memorable 80s Joes, yet he hasn’t been as heavily exposed as many teammates. Heck, just look
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I am not ashamed to say that I love the Dino Hunters. I’m not taking about an ironic or hipster love, but a straightforward nerdy adult who collects toys love. And there’s not much of a nostalgia angle to it either, since my childhood Joe years were 1982-1987. No, the Dino Hunters set came around when I was in full
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The Hall of Fame talking Duke was pretty impressive for its day. Although sound chip toys were all over during the 90s, most didn’t offer the kind of randomization feature included with this figure. Hasbro must have been quite confident in its potential as is featured a full page spread in the 1993 catalog. They hooked me with the toy,
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General Hawk returned to the pegs in 1991, and his look was one of the most significant departures from established lore. After all, he was first an artillery colonel, then a field equipped general. Neither too out of the ordinary. ’91 saw him adopt a full-on Rocketman-like flightsuit and jet pack. Yikes! Never one to ride a desk, Hawk was
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Lift-Ticket made his way into the modern era along with the amazing Eaglehawk helicopter, part of the Retaliation toy line. Of course, neither the vehicle or driver appeared in the film, but that’s not a bit deal. At least we got a new version of the classic Tomahawk and a nicely accessorized pilot out of the deal. Time has really
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The Real American Hero series’ package art style gave equal weight to both the ridiculous and sublime. Sneak Peek has never been one of my favorite figures, but his card art is certainly interesting. I rarely think of this figure’s M-16, considering that his field imagining device is such a dominating accessory. The portrait work catches my eye, and it’s
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Looking back at the first series of 80s Joes, I get a sense that these images more than any others would make a great collage. Has anyone done that yet? 1982’s Joes to me are an excellent continuation of the 60s and 70s package paintings, at least they give me the same feeling of action and adventure. Zap is another
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By KansasBrawler When we were kids, Blaster was KansasBrother’s one Battle Force 2000 figure. From what he can remember, Blaster was a gift from one of the cousins who knew he liked Joes. I never really knew all that much about Blaster as a kid and I don’t think I ever knew his origin until I asked KansasBrother about Blaster
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By KansasBrawler Intellectually, I knew there were probably more members of Battle Force 2000 than just my Dee-Jay and KansasBrother’s Blaster. However, they weren’t ever on the pegs when I was a kid, so I never really knew all that much about that subteam. As such, the only other guy I knew was part of Battle Force 2000 was Dodger,
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