Wide Scope (2003)
The Joe team has had a SWAT specialist since the 1988 release of Shockwave. The team has also had a K-9 specialist since the release of Mutt & Junkyard in 1984. Wide Scope combines the two, which I think distinguishes him from both. A well written bio on his file card brings more interest for me as a character. He’s the first-in door kicker type of SWAT member, but he’s also such a laid-back guy that he was once found asleep on the way to a SWAT operation. One thing that does rile him up is when someone makes fun of his canine partner’s name, Lamont. I must confess that I can’t help but think of Sanford and Son when I hear that name.
This figure for me is pure new sculpt early 2000’s goodness. It’s got a lot of the things I look for in a fun figure: bright, but not ridiculous colors, nice accessories and a simple yet effective design. The proportions are a bit off (as they were throughout the era) but that’s not a big deal to me with these figures. As a whole, the early 2000’s figures were very toyetic, which encapsulates what I really like about the new sculpt Joes. This era of Joe had a very animated or comic book look to the design and sculpts, which also lent it a naturally fun style that I still enjoy. They were toys and they were fun, first and foremost. It would be nice however to see this particular figure adapted to the current style.
Wide Scope is one of the best figures from his era. You could view him either as an updated Shockwave or as a new character. Worked great either way. At one point, both men made it into the DDP comic. I wouldn’t mind seeing him revisited in the future.
What a fun figure! I love the dog too!
“Lamont! You big doggie!”
Shockwave and Wide Scope do have different birth names on their file cards, so they are supposed to be different guys. However, Wide Scope came out during the time that Hasbro had lost the rights to the name “Shockwave” (there were a couple of versions of the identically-named Decepticon during those years that were called “Shockblast” for the same reason), so it’s likely Wide Scope was supposed to be a new version of Shockwave until someone realized they were going to have to change the name before they could release him.
I just think it’s cool that, with the addition of Wide Scope, we almost have enough SWAT guys to put together a smallish GI Joe SWAT Team. Shockwave, Wide Scope, Bullhorn, maybe throw in Law and Order for extra K-9 Support. Watch out Alley Vipers!