The G.I. Joe Battle Packs by Hasbro are nothing new to the collecting hobby. However, battle packs that include both a DVD and piece to a large Build-a-Cobra-Weapon… well, that’s a revolution. I say this with hyperbole of course, but Hasbro’s latest entry into their already-extensive and highly-popular 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe line may change the face of collecting. The sets, officially called ‘DVD Battles’ are literally one of the best action-figure deals on the market today. How Hasbro’s team managed to produce and sell these sets at such a low cost baffles the mind. With such a high level of quality product at insane value, the ‘DVD Battles’ are certain to lock in new G.I. Joe collectors while still pleasing their already loyal fan base.
The first of the five collections already announced is the “M.A.S.S. Device
What I mean by this is that unlike buying 2-3 single-carded figures, the M.A.S.S. Device DVD Battle Pack serves as a collection unto itself. The set include both heroes and villains, giving fans the opportunities for battles and starter-collections for each side of the ongoing battle of Real American Heroes. On top of this, the inclusion of the DVD will provide a bit of background on the M.A.S.S. Device. It’s a wonderful initial package to get kids and new collectors into the line or to revive the interest in dormant fans.
Of course, the sheer amount of the content would be meaningless if it’s quality was lacking. Luckily, it’s all stellar. Each figure is a great selection for both old and new collectors. The Baroness features a new sculpt and the other figures are unique repaints of previous releases. All are accurate to the characters as they appear in the miniseries, and their extra gear is fantastic. The additional accessories, such as the Baroness’ heavy water carrier, Snake Eyes’ crystal element and the cart with the elements (with the trooper) are all unique never-before released accessories. The figures also include standard guns and blasters to boot. The only accessories missing from this set are handguns for Stalker and Snake Eyes’ unobtrusive holsters. However, this is a minor qualm given all the other great stuff included.
The paint on each figure is crisp, with clean applications. Their bodies are highly articulated, each bearing the standard joint system for the 25th Anniversary line and offering a range of poses. The character selection, both individually and as a group, is really solid and gives buyers a wide selection. With this set, you get a ninja, a standard evil trooper, a heroic green beret and a villainous, female officer. Though the Baroness is only featured in this specific suit for a total of two minutes in the cartoon, and as such kind of an odd inclusion, the figure is quite unique and features a cool sculpt. I was looking for problems with each of these figures but none hit me. I was just completely and totally satisfied with each piece from top to bottom. The M.A.S.S. console is a cool additional bonus, and even if one does want the entire device, this piece in particular could still serve as a nice addition to a display.
The DVD is fun, too. The introduction to the Joe team is a creative one with an easy-to-follow storyline. Fans will love cool moments involving a hand-glider chase, a run-in with a polar bear and scores of action by land, sea and air.
Frankly, I love this set. Even at $30, it would be a value; but I haven’t seen it for more than $25. If you can get it for $20, then it’s pretty much the most bang for your buck you’ll get from a toy purchase this year. Hasbro’s G.I. Joe brand-managing team have given fans a real gift in this set and I cannot wait to continue supporting this line by buying the additional releases as they hit in the months to come.
To prove this set’s incredible value, a brief breakdown is in order:
- Average cost of a single carded Joe at most brick & mortar retailers: $6.99
- Number of Joes contained in Battle Pack: 4
- Cost of the included Joes, if individually carded: $27.96
- Control Console
- Mass Device elements on cart
- DVD featuring original G.I. Joe cartoon
- Value of Bonuses: Priceless (the concept of a Build-a-M.A.S.S.-device is too good to attach a price tag to).
- Actual cost at most retailers: $19.99-$24.99
Click here to see our full photo gallery of the Hasbro G.I. Joe DVD Battle Pack!
You can read more of C.J.’s musings on film, toys and music over at stunksstage.com.