Cross Country (1993)
Let’s get this out of the way first. There’s one element of this figure that I’m sure is going to offend some people. It’s something that I don’t think you’d expect to see in a children’s toy. Well, at least not now. Maybe in the 90s it was still acceptable, but if you tried something like it in modern times, there would be trouble. Folks are just more sensitive to certain things these days. I’m talking of course about acid washed jeans.
Admit it, if you were of a certain age in the late 80s and early 90s, you know you had a pair of nearly white, acid wash jeans. Depending on your style, they could have been either skinny, or loose fitting at the top and tapering down to the ankle. You probably had some variation of a mullet, too, and at least one article of clothing made by Body Glove or Zubaz. There might have even been a pair of LA Gear shoes in your closet. It’s not too late to open up and let the healing begin.
Cross Country’s first figure was an interesting amalgam of quasi-military garb mixed with a bit of American Civil War era throwback details. There was enough of a blend of the two that I don’t think it turned out looking too ridiculous or cutesy. The Battle Corps version goes for a more pure modern (well, 90s modern) redneck aesthetic. He did keep the cap and belt buckle, however.
The colors aren’t really all that bad. Like other figures from the time that get a bad rap for colors, there’s only neon on a select few details. Here it’s the harness, undershirt, straps and backpack. If those bits were toned down, I think more people would see this is another nice mold for the time.
The plastic swirl effect really makes the pants stand out. They truly were going for a washed out jeans look, and it was a smashing success. The only thing missing is a round Skoal can ring on a back pocket. As a guy who had his own share of embarrassing 90s looks, I say style be damned. Nice pants, sir.
Oh yeah, there’s also a Confederate flag on his jacket. Yes, there are all sorts of connotations associated with this symbol. Maybe it means he’s a huge Dukes of Hazzard afficianado. Maybe the flag doesn’t mean anything. Maybe he’s just a Skynyrd fan. I think I heard someone say that to a barista once.
I really wonder what went through the designers heads when they decided to put the Confederate flag on the back of the jacket.
“yee-haw” I think.
The Mauler driver, Heavy Metal was a civil war reinactor [he has a C.S.A belt]
This was my first version of the character, my Mother bought him for me because she thought he was cool. I have since lost him but i have the V1 Crosscountry sans HAVOC.
Not enough action fogures are wearing acid wash jeans
Great commentary. Way to keep things in perspective, acid wash jeans, awesome!
Yes, thank you, Rob. I first appreciate the fact that you got me on a good bait and switch with that first paragraph. I was mentally going “Oh no, here come the comment sections flame wars over that flag and Rob’s smartly trying to head them off a little” and then when you went to acid wash jeans I actually did laugh out loud. I should have seen that coming since it’s Nice Pants Week. Secondly, I agree with your comments on the figure. This was one of my brother’s Joes and the only thing I think could have made it better was toning down that orange.
Cross Country has always been strongly associated with his vehicle. As such, the Battle Corps version fits in nicely with the driver-less Sky Havoc which Hasbro released a few years prior to this figure. That’s how I use him.
The head sculpt is a massive improvement over the ’86 original and the washed out jeans are spot on. ’93 Cross Country is one of the more subdued offerings from the neon era and a great update to boot.
Despite the orange strap details, I think this guy is better than the 1986 figure. Mostly since the head isn’t ’86-big here.
Beyond Transport Driver, Cross Country hasn’t done much for me as a character, though. But with the tools on him here, perhaps he’s the teams main mechanic, too?
Very interesting figure, there’s all sorts of history and character worked into the design here. It’s like Battle Corps Wild Bill. Companies don’t have fun these days.
@Scott. Do you think Battle corps Wildbill and Crosscountry would get along? You know because of their uniforms?
Nice mold!
I love when CC gets all pissed because Zarana or Thrasher call him a hillbilly and he screams back that he’s a redneck while chunking down his hat.
Yeah, that was Zarana disguised as “Miz Scarlett” in issue #51 of the comic. I think that was Cross Country’s first appearance. Yet another issue where the ‘Noks got the upper hand on the Joes. I always hated that.
CC and Trasher went on to feud a couple of times by respectively pitting the HAVOC against the Thunder Machine. That’s how CC became a favorite for me.
The would get along fine. Different jobs would be the only source of disagreement. They likely wouldn’t be close, as I see it. I think Steamroller would be best buds with Cross Country.
Cross Country was a bad a$$ in the comic… goofy figure. why not do a redone Desert Fox and Skidmark duo???? The Fox would be awesome if it was updated and modernized…
Yes.
Totally Skynyrd! And you get points on my book just for knowing them my friend. About the figure, if you swamp his head you have an instantaneous dreadnok. All the rebel look is there, don’t you think?