No one knows G.I. Joe toys like CJ Stunkard of Stunk’s Stage. Luckily, CJ has taken an in-depth look at the new line of toys based on G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and you can read the articles right here at Pop Culture Zoo. Check back each day to read about what you’ll want to pick up and avoid in order to re-create the movie in your own home. Thank you, CJ!
Yesterday, I looked at the first half of the initial wave of G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra movie figures I was able to get; and today I will tackle the second half of the wave.
Scarlett
It’s somewhat of a mystery to me why this Scarlett figure exists. She must be the character in training gear or some such, because every picture I’ve seen from the film shows Scarlett in black body armor, and this figure features the character in fatigues, with her hair pulled back very tight. The look of this Scarlett is mediocre, and I doubt very much that she is the primary Scarlett figure we will see released in later case assortments. Her shortcomings are offset, however, by her amazing array of accessories including a crossbow and blade that attach to her backpack. Plus, even if one did not like the overall look of the figure, her body sculpt, with a new head could lend itself to a cool figure.
[nggallery id=9]
Shipwreck
Shipwreck may be one of the strongest releases in the G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra line. He has an excellent overall look, and a horde of accessories. Those who like the character but were never much interested in his very basic sailor look will dig this more hi-tech/stylized figure, that even includes Shipwreck’s faithful bird, POLLY. This figure rules, straight up and down.
[nggallery id=10]
Heavy Duty
This version of Heavy Duty is lacking, to say the least. His bulky sculpt and ridiculously cumbersome firing weapon limit the figure’s poseability and overall look. Despite featuring the same level of articulation as the other figures in the line, he is not nearly as poseable. Perhaps I am being a bit to harsh, however, as the bulkier sculpt is very unique, and the parts could be used for an amazing custom figure. While this is only the initial Heavy Duty figure to hit the market, I am sure other, better versions will be released in the months to come. That being said, perhaps it’s not a total loss.
[nggallery id=11]
Cobra Viper Commando
Similarly to the Neo Viper, I am not ecstatic about Cobra Viper Commandos armor, nor his mask. While both aspects are somewhat of an improvement over the Neo-Viper, I feel the armor is still too odd, and the mask too over-the-top. Like the Neo-Viper, however, the figure is redeemed with exceptional accessories, including a backpack with grappling hook and removable knife. The figure poses well, and if you’re not hung up on the designs, he makes for a cool enemy soldier.
[nggallery id=12]
Zartan
I am slightly on the fence with this Zartan. On the one hand, I love the sculpt, and I love the accessories. On the other, I am confused as to why this version was the first and possibly only version of the character (unlike Heavy Duty and Storm Shadow, I have not seen future versions of this character). This is obviously an undercover Zartan, and perhaps that is apropos given his presence in the film; but it seems confusing, particularly for children who don’t read the filecards but just rip the toys out of the package. For all intents and purposes, he appears to be a hero with awesome weapons. The figure is an odd choice for the character, but it’s still a cool figure in my opinion as a toy in and of itself.
[nggallery id=13]
Breaker
I was surprisingly taken with this figure. I find the movie redesign for the Breaker character to be odd, considering he looks more like a remixed Dial Tone than the character who he is intended to be. Nonetheless, I like the figure quite a bit; and as long as he’s not a total loser in the movie, this newest version may become the new default Breaker in my collection. I like him that much. His removable vest allows for various display opportunities, and his firing weapon is awesome in that it stands on its own without having to fit it into his hands. In addition, it connects to his laptop, and it just creates a cool, nearly deluxe-feel for the figure.
[nggallery id=14]
Come back tomorrow when I review the Alpha Vehicle Assortment.