Another figure in the saga of the lost naming rights issues. Double Clutch, huh? Not Lance “Clutch” Steinberg or even Cpl. Clutch? Suppose that would have to wait for the later convention version. When I first saw the name Double Clutch, I thought it might be a new character, or even possibly a clone. Just kidding. I find a lot
Read moreThe Revenge of Cobra was filled with new and entertaining GI Joe characters. Among my favorite Joe additions like Flint, Lady Jaye and Shipwreck were a number of Cobras. Chief among the new baddies was an intriguing antagonist that confounded the Joes upon their first meeting. As a kid having watched the mini-series over and over, this same character was
Read moreI’m not afraid to say that I am a fan of gimmicks. There’s an added element of fun when an action figure can do something more than to be placed into different poses. Whether it’s light-up, projectile firing, water squirting, spring-loaded punching, color-changing or limb-swapping, I’m down for all of it. Other than the Lunartix aliens and the monumentally unusable Golobulus, I
Read moreHave I mentioned before that the 25th anniversary series both frustrates and inspires? Articulation, fit and proportion issues were balanced with innovations that would be improved upon in the modern line. For me, the accessories were the most solid aspect of the figures. Whether harnesses, backpacks or weapons, I was impressed. The designers improved on many of the old weapon
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 moreGrunt seems to have gotten short shrift since the days of the new sculpt lines. From 2003 to 2004, he had four figures released. Since the 25th anniversary line, he’s had one fairly half-arsed figure as part of a Toys R Us three pack, and one fairly decent just-off-screen movie based attempt. Why didn’t we get him in the Pursuit
Read moreLast 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
Read moreI’ve said this many times: I admire figures that can store their equipment on their person. There’s something impressive and realistic about a character schlepping his gear around. It shows just a little more attention to detail on the part of the toy maker, and I’m always appreciative of the effort. Operation Sand Sting presents a look that exemplifies the
Read moreJust how many apprentices has Snake Eyes had over the years? The guy’s had more students than Prince has had girlfriend/proteges. Seems Snakes has been picking up students throughout his time as a Joe. If he were a shrewd businessman,he could have sold his secluded cabin in the High Sierrras, opened up an Arashikage ninja dojo at a Staten Island
Read moreLow Light was a part of the 2008 convention exclusive attendee figures, and came in a three pack that also included Shockblast (AKA Shockwave) and Long Arm. Like the other figures in the set, he’s outfitted in a color scheme much different from his original classic version. The story line of that year’s con set involved the Cobra Headhunters, which
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