The Renegades cartoon really grew on me. At first, I thought the designs were odd, but that opinion was based on a few drawings posted online. Once I saw the animation itself, I found myself liking the new style. It was something different. The same goes for the storyline and characters. It wasn’t a rehash of what had come before,
Read moreTalk about frustrating. How can a toyline go from presenting a pack of great, seldom seen army builder remakes (with all their accessories present to boot) to an abominable set like the Heavy Assault Squad? Whatever the excuse was: limited molds, rushed schedule, etc., I would have rather seen some of the Python Patrol set peppered into later offerings. The
Read moreFirst there was sailor Shipwreck, then diver Shipwreck, then deck hand Shipwreck. With this Toys R Us exclusive “movie” figure came Deadliest Catch Shipwreck. I don’t know whether he’s on a mission, or just on leave fishing for Alaskan king crab. He’s decked out in arctic gear, but I just can’t help but see old Shippy on a deck somewhere. His weapons
Read moreI’ve become fascinated with the period following the end of the Real American Hero line. I can remember when the announcement was made that the old line was ending, but a new one was coming. While Sgt. Savage may not have been the ideal replacement for twelve years of small Joes, I gave it a chance. Though scale, articulation and
Read moreWho would have figured that Metal-Head would get the remake treatment at the tail end of the Real American Hero line? I suppose it was to be somewhat expected, considering his prominence in the DIC cartoon. Speaking of which, although he was quite the goof in that series, I found him to be a bright spot in what was an
Read moreMy first Major Bludd figure came to me as part of my first GI Joe Christmas in 1983. That year, I was given a couple of three packs, one of which included the Major, as well as Snow Job and Doc. The Cobra Missile Command HQ was also a present that year. After that round of gifts, Star Wars was
Read moreAvalanche is I think the most stylish of the Battle Force 2000 members. Maybe it’s the white and silver uniform, but to me he has the cleanest look on the team. Like his teammates, he’s equipped with an odd helmet. His is certainly the biggest of the group. Perhaps there’s lots of high tech gadgetry built into it, the sort
Read moreThe Devil’s Due comics of the 2000’s brought back old Joe characters garbed in both classic looks and new interpretations. Zartan received some significant changes in his look, finally managing to get himself into a full shirt. While this isn’t exactly what Zartan looked like in those comics, you can see the inspiration. From the waist down, it’s more of
Read moreWill I ever stop lavishing praise on the 1991 series of figures? Not until I’ve covered them all. Even then, I probably won’t stop. I can’t say this enough: it’s my favorite year for Joe figures in the 90’s, and within the top few years of my overall favorites. There was so much great stuff going on in ’91, even
Read moreIt took a while to get another battle ready version of the team’s most famous Marine. After his initial version, 1987 gave us the well done but limited use dress version. I can only assume that another Gung Ho in fatigues was not a priority after producing another fighting Marine in Leatherneck. While this version doesn’t go for a straight
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