For the last several months, Hasbro has been pleasing fans with their G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary ‘DVD Battles’ multi-packs, featuring 3-4 figures, DVD and piece of a build-a-WMD for between $20-$25 at most retailers. The series has been met with rave reviews from fans and proven to be one of the most popular items in the 25th Anniversary line. I’ve already reviewed the first three sets (Here, Here, and Here) and now I’ll spend some time on the set toward which I was most looking forward, “Arise, Serpentor, Arise!”
Like the previous sets, this one is boxed with the figures in full display. The back of the box gives details of the DVD and figures included. Overall, it’s an adequate presentation. However, since I had no intention of keeping this boxed, I was more interested in the content – what was waiting to be added to my displayed collection. The set includes three full figures, one figure/accessory, another piece of the M.A.S.S. Device and the five-part “Arise Serpentor Arise” cartoon, which served as the second season premiere. It is within these contents where the problem truly lies. It’s not one particular inclusion or specific missing element but rather the overall lack of substance to the set. I know that term may seem odd, but I’ll explain by making few comparisons between this set and the previous ‘DVD Battles’ that have been released.
To start things off, the “Arise, Serpentor, Arise!” set seems to be a figure short. The first set, “The M.A.S.S. Device”
In part, I think the meager offering of the “Arise, Serpentor, Arise!” set has to do with it’s included figures. The B.A.T. is incredibly popular and this version is cartoon-specific, unique and was certain to be popular. The Serpentor is also a cartoon update, which is sure to be more popular than the lesser-known, comic-based version released previously in the 25th Anniversary line. The third figure, Dusty, was a heavily used character in the original Sunbow run of the G.I. Joe cartoon and highly-requested figure among fans. Given that these figures were all going to be in one package at the cost of only a few dollars more than three single figures, Hasbro may have seen no reason to really invest in making this set a holistically strong product. This is a real shame as this would have been an incredible opportunity for the 25th Anniversary line.
Given the characters and events of the “Arise, Serpentor, Arise!” miniseries, Hasbro could have very appropriately filled the void of the lacking fourth figure with a fan-requested character. For example, the miniseries introduced kids to Dr. Mindbender, Dreadnok Monkey Wrench, Dreadnok Thrasher and Scrap-Iron. Not to mention it also showcased Joe heroes Life-line, Low-light and Wet-Suit. In addition, troopers like the basic Tele-Viper are heavily featured in the show and would have nicely filled out the set. Considering these options, it’s hard to imagine why NONE of them saw their way into this set, which could have desperately used an additional unit. Also, the set could have really benefited from little extras like one of Dr. Mindbender’s DNA-Devices, parts of a destroyed B.A.T. or a multitude of other bonus pack-ins.
Moving forward from what the set is not, let me talk about what it is. Regardless of the other ‘DVD Battles’, is this one worth the price given its figures and DVD? Actually… yes. The cartoon miniseries included is fantastic. The heavily-used Sgt. Slaughter retains all of his amazing charisma after 20 years and the overall structure and storytelling is just plain fun. Its my favorite of the miniseries released thus far.
As for the figures, the B.A.T. is an incredibly pleasant surprise. I actually held off hunting the single carded version in favor of waiting for this one and my patience was rewarded. Given the figure’s many interchangeable hands, unobtrusive holster with pistol and firing missile launcher, he is perfect. Serpentor is equally cool, though I prefer the more detailed paint scheme of the single-carded release. The yellow hues and detail on this one are cartoon-accurate, but it does not look as sharp, crisp and detailed as the previous release. However, it does significantly surpass the one included in the vehicle set. Furthermore, his accessories are exceptional. The Snake Spear is super-cool and the knife and slithery serpent are neat. He can hold both weapons well and this is still a great version of the character, though it may not be the most detailed.
Dusty however, is the character toward which fans seem to be most looking forward. Despite his presence in the show, I was never a Dusty fan, but those who are will likely be ecstatic over this figure. Significant time and energy was put into his engineering. He has a very unique backpack and gun with stand. His helmet is removable and he looks great both with and without his gear. Overall, Dusty is a toy that may be worth the purchase just by virtue of his immense ‘cool-factor’. Make no mistake, the Dusty figure is the type of toy that gets people locked on a toy line. He’s versatile while still looking fantastic, and he’s the crown jewel of not only this set but arguably the whole ‘DVD Battles’ series… and this is coming from a guy who doesn’t even like the character.
Rather than include a fourth figure (as the other four sets do), this set features the never-before-released Montezuma’s Skeleton, which has become perhaps the most disliked and unwanted piece of the 25th Anniversary line. I don’t have much to say about him, other than I am glad I am a nut for skeleton warriors (I have a small army thanks to the old Palisades 3 ¾” Army of Darkness line). Frankly, this is a relatively useless accessory that just focuses one’s hate and frustration over having it instead of another figure. It has a few articulation points, such as the biceps and neck, and it includes a removable crown and sword. Most of the time though, it just lays there. The Skeleton does not really have any use except a potential display-building piece. If Dusty is the best figure to come out of the ‘DVD Battles’ series, this “figure” is certainly the worst. It’s not nearly as cool as the Weather Dominator (which was included in lieu of a figure in the “Revenge of the Cobra” set) nor does it really carry the novelty of the M.A.S.S. Cart or Cobra Cube. Its just a dud, plain and simple. I currently have him as the “still-sleeping king” of my skeleton army, but I have no idea what the average G.I. Joe fan will do with him.
We have established that the “Arise, Serpentor, Arise!” set does not begin to compare to the ‘DVD Battles’ multi-packs, but it seems to fair alright on it’s own. Dusty and the Skeleton cancel each other out, so the set is kind of relying on Serpentor, B.A.T. and the cartoon to make it worthwhile. Ultimately, I feel that the set is still a worthy investment at the $20 price-point. The DVD is worth a solid $5 and I really enjoyed it so I’d go as far as to say it’s worth $10. That means the figures are really breaking down to $3.33 each, with the Skeleton costing one cent… arguably an okay deal. If you’re still gift hunting, I’d stay clear of this and get one of the far superior first three DVD sets or even a vehicle pack. If you’re only in the market for the M.A.S.S piece or any singular item, you may just want to hunt the specific piece(s) on eBay. It may save you a few bucks and some disappointment.
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