Next up in our reviews of G.I. Joe Classified Wave 1 is none other than Duke! A true gem of a figure, Duke is #04 in the line. He features a very faithful look to his cartoon roots with a touch of upgrade throughout. He comes packed with a laser rifle, pistol, binoculars and backpack. He has a shoulder harness, belt and leg holster that can be removed at will. Sculpt is top notch, especially in the head department – a chiseled mug and military cut really capture the essence of Duke that 3.75 never did in my opinion. This is one of the best in the wave, so read on to check out 40+ pics courtesy of Dorkside Toys!
ICYMI – We’ve updated the HissTank Toy Database with a G.I. Joe Classified section. We’ll be updating that as the series progresses, filling in the pages with more info as well. Feel free to bookmark that to keep up with the line!
And don’t forget to check out our gallery for the exclusive line first – #00 Snake Eyes!
G.I. Joe Classified #04 Duke
Overall Thoughts
OK, now we’re cooking! To my surprise when these were first announced – Duke stood out as a winner. I haven’t been excited for a Duke toy in a long time, and on first glance I was like – there it is. He oozes personality, capturing a young but experienced military officer. The scar on his right eye is the perfect touch to bring that through. His upper touches cartoon vibes, while his gear has a traditional Joe green layered in. Lower is nondescript but he does have tech armor on the knees and shins like most of the wave. Weapons are future tech, but resemble modern weapons in shape so I’m ok with them. The Monocular is well done, and plugs into the belt easily.
I think this level of upgrade is the perfect balance. It captures old school vibes, brings it into modern times. If they reduce the techy angle of the armor which is molded in, I wouldn’t say stop, but I can live with what’s going on here. This sculpt – tops head to toe. While Roadblock and Scarlett have some issues, Duke nails it. Very pleased here, hope they continue this DNA down the line.
Check out some key shots here, and full gallery of 40+ below! Check back tomorrow for more Classified Wave 1
OK, gonna run through Wave 1. Since that ongoing 6 Inch Thread is gigantic, feel free to sound off on Wave 1 thoughts and feedback you guys have yourself here, again, if you like. I'll be dropping a gallery a day till done, hopefully.
We've also updated the HissTank Database with a Classified section - you'll be able to find the basic shots there as well going forward:
G.I. Joe Classified Toy Database at HissTank.com
All of these come courtesy of Dorkside Toys.
Related G.I. Joe Links: Classified Wave 1, Destro, Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander, Red Ninja, Pimp Daddy Destro, All G.I. Joe
First up - Scarlett
G.I. Joe Classified Scarlett In-Hand Gallery
Next up - Roadblock
G.I. Joe Classified Roadblock In-Hand Gallery
Yo Joe! Duke is up
G.I. Joe Classified Duke In-Hand Gallery
DESTRO is LIVE!
G.I. Joe Classified DESTRO In-Hand Gallery
... ... ...
G.I. Joe Classified Snake Eyes In-Hand Gallery
Love those sex robot eyes.
The more I evaluate the ones I have in hand (Duke & SE), the more I realize specifically what I don't like about the ones I have no intent on purchasing. I thought at first it was the costume overhaul for Scarlett, but it's really just the head. The overhaul sculpt is way too soft and cartoon-y. The earrings are a very odd choice. The hair is an unnatural shade that departs from most previous popular incarnations. Far be it from me to pretend as an authority on Scarlett, but more so than every other Wave 1 figure, this just feels like an entirely different character.
The thing about this Scarlett - aside from the outfit/gear choice, that's per taste (and I don't mind it), it's just that it feels detached from the rest. Duke, SE, Destro have the same tone, sculpt style, level of OG connection. Scarlett kinda feels like Fortnite Scarlett, in deco and head sculpt. So it feels detached. I'm sure someone hardcore could argue it either way, but that's my unscientific gut feeling after handling.
Now we need a Quarrel recolour
I have waited so long to get these in hand knowing they were ready to be produced for years! Personally I like they are adding a little change to the line knowing perfectly well they are going to make every version fans want over time. So keep making them and I will buy them. The Destro is just perfect. One of my favorite action figures of all time.
If you look at the cover of G.I. JOE AMERICA'S ELITE #4 thats where they got this design for Scarlett. I wish the hair was a darker shade of red. She's way to pale in skin tone. I don't think she really needed the red chaps. Articulation wise shes great, she just doesn't quite fit in with the other four to me. I hope they do another version Scarlett is one of my favorite characters.
Personally, I ADORE this Scarlett. I love the face sculpt, the design, the more orange-y red hair, the freckles, etc. It's a near-perfect rendition and modernization of the character. I wouldn't change a thing, other then MAYBE toning down her colors just a wee little bit. But overall, fantastic.
And Tony, I don't agree that she stands alone from the other Joes in terms of design. She's a bit more colorful sure, but her original outfit contrasted with her teammates as well. Overall she fits in the same as she did back in the 80's. I mean, look at the design of her knee pads/shin guards...they have a lot of the same aesthetics as Duke and Roadblock and if her colors were toned down a tiny bit I think she'd fit 100%. We've seen fan repaints that confirm this.
Keep reading: HissTank's G.I. Joe Classified Wave 1 Galleries - Page 2
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