I wonder if they were going for a cowboy theme here? For the second time, the Joe helicopter pilot was stereotyped to the hilt. The Battle Corps version put him in 19th century US cavalry gear, and then a decade later this figure went full-on cowpoke. I don’t have a problem with it, simply an observation. But this look does
Read moreBlowtorch was one of the first figures of 1984 that I was excited–and I mean really excited–to get. I was also excited to find out what the figure’s code name was. At the time, I hadn’t yet bought any vehicles or accessories for the year and thus didn’t know any code names for the new figures. After all, it was
Read moreWhile Shipwreck gets a lot of attention as the Joe team’s resident sailor, Topside seems relegated to being a bit player. It’s a shame that he’s not more well-known because he’s a colorful alternative to Shipwreck’s iconic, yet stereotypical, sailor look. He’s one of my favorite Joes from 1990, even though I’m not a big fan of the naval characters. Bright
Read moreSnake Eyes doesn’t always have to be dressed entirely in black, does he? I’ve been willing to accept different looks for him ever since his 1991 version, which is still one of my favorite interpretations of the ninja commando. It seems that Hasbro is still willing to branch out when it comes to their co-flagship Joe. The movie line put
Read moreThis is a figure that makes me want to see a modern adventure themed Joe line. What could be wrong with having a sub-line of modern GI Joe figures dedicated to non-military subjects like police, firefighters, paramedics and explorers or even scientists? The modern 12 inch line is already doing it with police and firefighters, and toy makers like Chap
Read moreHoly cow! It’s the Sarge without a tank top and whistle! And he’s wearing a removable hat to boot! Awesome! With this figure, Sgt. Slaughter finally looked more like a Joe than a wrestler. His military look brings to mind his few appearances in the Marvel comic, in which he was outfitted in simple camo fatigues, and was also shown
Read moreButt-ugly. That’s the shortest and most apt description I can think up for this figure. Most of it just doesn’t work for me. From the lack of paint details, to the Lord Dread meets Doc Terror helmet, it’s bland yet ugly at the same time. And the face–yikes! Now I know why the helmet obscures it. Hot Seat has the ugliest 3
Read moreAs redesigned Joes go, Rock & Roll is one of my favorites. The mold manages to take what was iconic about the original figure and create something that’s more than just a change of color. Though the old crossed bandoliers are gone, the look is replicated with straps on the chest and waist. The later 80’s more sizable chest and
Read moreOh brother, another New York ninja. Banzai is the team’s Rising Sun ninja. I have no earthly idea what that is, but he is wearing a mask that incorporates rising sun iconography, so maybe that’s it. Probably not-it just looks badass. I do wish the mask had been painted red and white, but I digress. The file card refers to him
Read moreIf there was one figure from the 25th anniversary line I couldn’t wait to get in my hands, it was Flash. Most of that want was due to my nostalgia for the old figure, as he was one of the first GI Joes I had bought back in the day. But as much as I loved that old straight-arm Flash,
Read more