Spirit Iron-Knife (2008)
I’ll admit that I was one of many who began to compile a wish list of figures once the 25th anniversary line appeared to be successful enough to continue beyond a couple of assortments. High on that list were the 1983 offerings, and the nostalgic feelings that they spurred. After all, what 80s kid wouldn’t want their old favorites upgraded and released in packaging that mimicked the glory days of GI Joe? I was basically just waiting for Hasbro to take my money every few weeks, as wave after wave was released.
But the 25th Anniversary collection, you were a harsh mistress. While you provided a boost to the GI Joe fanbase, and rekindled many an old flame of collecting, you also produced a number of frustratingly screwy action figures. Case in point: Spirit.
The photos actually improve the look of the figure. The removable harness gear looks nice in 2D, but the fit on the figure’s body doesn’t really come across in two dimensions. When you hold the figure in your hands, it sort of falls apart, in a playability sense. I know, I know, these toys weren’t really aimed at the young ‘uns. Maybe that’s part of the reason why the 25th line faded. Kids didn’t know who the heck these guys were, and if they did buy a figure, the hands or gear might have popped off. I know that my young son has become frustrated with many of the modern figures. Hopefully I don’t sound like I’m simply hating on the newer product. They were incredible little feats of detail when compared to the 1980s product, and it was wonderful to have a super articulated and detailed version of another early Real American Hero classic. Pose it for a photo, or sit it on a shelf, and it’s all good. Just don’t move it around too much. To me, the experience was like revisiting an old friend who’s had plastic surgery in an attempt to retain his youth. Then again, Maybe I’m putting too much thought into these little pieces of plastic. I probably just need a nap.
Iron eyes Cody
Truth be told, they could have done better with the head sculpt.
You are spot on Rob, just as we discussed on the last Flag Points. Modern figures and vehicles are great for collectors but a nightmare for kids. They simply aren’t durable or playable. Kirk Bozigian was profetic when he described a Joe future without kids as a dead end. I am afraid we are unfortunately witnessing it right now with 3 3/4 figures.
I have an eBay store which specialises in collectables [toys] you know how many kids have bought my products? None. Kids no longer want toys. Some may argue the war on terror has had a negetive effect on millitary toys but that isnt the case. At the scale model show i partake in every year, kids love seeing my Imperial guard armies and the other millitary stuff on show but they dont want tangable army toys. They would rather have call of duty than Joe toys.
Even Transformers and ninja turtles dont interest them anymore. Why run around in the backyard with toys when they can sit infront of the X-box and play video games instead.
I have to agree with Skymate and YT. The bottom line is the newer figures, while cool and chock full o detials, just arent that fun. The articulating of the ankles and wrist just dont make for a playable toy even thought they give us some great shots for dioramas. The older hard plastic guys just or more fun to play with and way more durable. Even though I do like the softer plastics–no more broke thumbs.
I have to say as far as kids go, I had Joes becasue my brother had Joes and my Mom threw out my HEman figs because she was afraid I would start worshipping the devil[or whatever the rhetoric was in the 80s]. But I will admit I kinda liked the Sgt Savage scale when they came out back then. The 12″ never caught my eye because they are just too big. But when you hold a MOTU or a Ninja Turtle in your little hand as a kid you have a fun toy with some heft to it. Makes me kinda wish Joe had been SIgma SIx style from the beginning so I wouldn’t love my little 3.74″ guys so much.
Oh yeah and on that note the newer guys are at a totally different scale as well….4″…WTH
@Kick2hester
My mother was close freinds with several people who were on the religous right back in the dust bowel i grew up in. They woundlt let their kids play with anything bar terrdy bares and Lego.[the boys were told Transformers were “evil” as they changed shape and the girls were told Barbie was “not anatomically a sufficent role model” while MLP was “satanic” as equines dont talk in the real world] Know what happened those kids the moment they all left home? They started buying Transformers and or ponies as they had been denied them for their whole lives.
And Sergeant Savage. I’m really impressed with the one figure i have of that line. I wish it had continued a bit more instead of dying so early
I can’t stand the head of this figure. The head looks more like a caveman with pigtails than the character Spirit we all know and love. It’s an insult to Native Americans (I’m surprised there wasn’t protests or calls for boycotting Hasbro at the time). Thank God that future releases of Spirit had a much better head sculpt (a nice homage to Sonny from ‘Predator’ is far more preferable than Frozen Caveman Tracker). If I get another BBTS-exclusive Slaughter’s Marauders Spirit figure, I would like to swap out the 25th Anni Spirit head (and webgear).
I’m a little kinder to the 25th Anniversary line overall (I’m one of those who got lured back into Joe by it after getting spurned by the earlier 00s revival), but yikes, I totally agree that this a terrible figure on multiple levels. Basically, whenever I see any criticisms of the line, I think “well, sure, that Spirit figure was awful, but they weren’t all bad”. 🙂
A decent action figure.
It looks like Spirit himself was really depressed about his figure. Though this might be because they made him without pants.
I think the simplest way of putting it is that the plastic for most of the modern versions is too soft. I don’t buy much these days, but with the handful I pick up, I feel like I’m going to bend or break them when trying to pose them or put a gun in their hand.
I just played with some Retaliation and 50th Joes on Christmas Day with my niece and nephew. These modern era toys are gorgeous, but they just aren’t as fun to play with as ARAH figures. Most ME weapons won’t stay put and the figures just feel flimsy in comparison to their sturdier ancestors. Don’t get me started on Data Viper. Touch him and he falls to pieces.