Destro (1993 Hall of Fame)
Who would have guessed that Destro would finally be unmasked as an action figure in the twelve inch format? I was all-in for the Hall of Fame series at its time of release. One the small-scale Joes left retail, I continued to collect older twelve inch Joes as well as the new Classic Collection (with much improved articulation, by the way!)
The figure is ostentatiously outfitted, befitting the over the top personality of the weapons dealer. The larger scale format gave Hasbro the opportunity to ramp up the details in a way that’s not possible at a smaller size. The bodysuit fabric features an intricate pattern that adds a level of extra depth to the uniform. Other elements, like embroidered stripes, embellish the outfit. His accessories are personalized, and I particularly like the portrait and logo sculpted into the knife and scabbard. Even Destro’s belt has his name printed on it. Now that is some serious self-promotion.
The main focus of any Destro figure is bound to be the mask. In this case, the mask is nicely sized while being removable. The portrait underneath is unique for the Hall of Fame series, and I’m glad Hasbro made the effort. Destro has the appropriate kind of commanding and aloof presence you’d expect. If there’s a downside overall, it’s the stiff articulation of the Hall of Fame body under the uniform.
I had maybe four of the Hall of Fame figures and this was always my favorite of them. I can’t remember if I knew before purchasing this one that the mask was removable or not. If I didn’t, I’m sure I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a great looking figure and it’s got some great accessories. And if you wanted, you can even have other figures in the line wear the Destro mask while Destro wanders around his castle wondering where he left it.
Yeah, I didn’t have many Hall of Fame figures either, but Destro was the one I have the strongest memories of. I loved the removable mask that let me see his face for the first time. The Destro dagger was super cool and that uniform was just great. I remember my grandmother (who collected dolls) was pretty impressed with the plastic elements of the uniform since they added an extra layer of depth to the overall design. I do recall that over the years, the vac metal work on my mask didn’t hold up well, but that’s the only time I’ve ever had bad experience with vac metal plastic. I also remember every now and then using unmasked Destro as Flint since they didn’t make one and if you changed the uniform and gave him a beret, it was a passable stand in for my favorite Joe character.
They made Flint in 1993
He was dressed more like Falcon.
Huh, didn’t realize that. Though looking more like Falcon may have been why I missed him back in the day.
Yours has the wrong boots on Rob. They should be plain un laced black ones. He also had a silver assault rifle with removable silver ammo clip and a red clip on spring fire launcher with orange missile. Oh and a red ‘Destro Field Manual’ instruction booklet AND a black stand…I used to have this figure myself.
Wow, those are some lips