Ghost Bear (2004)
GI Joe comic fans waited years to get an action figure representation of the legendary Eskimo mercenary, and in 2004, Hasbro delivered with this first ever version, released as part of the Valor Vs. Venom comic packs–wait, what’s that? I put up the wrong picture? This is his son, Ghost Bear? Say what? Well, sorry about that–meant to post the comic pack Kwinn. Guess I’ll continue on then. I’m lazy like that.
Here we have Jesse Kwinn, Jr. You know, I never would have figured his dad for a Jesse, but that’s what the file card says his first name is too. Go figure. I certainly wouldn’t also have guessed this was a relative of the popular mercenary, especially considering the hair color. It’s either been dyed or the elder Kwinn coupled with an Irish gal at some point.
The figure made its way into the line as the operator of the Pulverizer, a Cobra mech. The mold, although it doesn’t scream “Eskimo Mercenary’s Son” is nonetheless very good. The impressive amount of detail throughout the sculpt and the fun design has made it one of my favorites of the era. Its later reuse as the DTC Cobra Trooper inspired me to do some army building–well, squad building anyway–I bought six. My only gripe, I’d like to have seen more paint apps; particularly I’d like the stripe running up his shirt and mask to be painted in red. That’s easily fixed with a little paint. In fact, I think I’ll do that. I’m such a nerd.
Yeah, I remember Ghost Bear. He looked more like Grifter from the Wildcats than anyone Kwinn could have sired. I’m still waiting for the actual Kwinn from last year to be released in some form, ’cause, boy, was this ever a bad idea. I can understand them respecting the original’s demise by creating a younger, “legacy” type villain. But I’d much rather have accurate figures of dead characters like Kwinn, Flagg, and Venom than this sorry dude.
Nice figure!
I remember this guy being ridiculously hard to find and expensive for a while. Then, after months, the overstock got out and pretty much killed any aftermarket pricing. I think that initial rarity saved the figure from too much of fandom’s raving ire. They were more peeved they couldn’t find the guy at all.
Yeah, I remember Ghost Bear. He loeokd more like Grifter from the Wildcats than anyone Kwinn could have sired. I’m still waiting for the actual Kwinn from last year to be released in some form, ’cause, boy, was this ever a bad idea. I can understand them respecting the original’s demise by creating a younger, legacy type villain. But I’d much rather have accurate figures of dead characters like Kwinn, Flagg, and Venom than this sorry dude.