Finally, the Storm Shadow I ordered has arrived. Thus my Hall of Heroes collection is complete.
Storm Shadow (HoH:4) uses the same body construction as Storm Shadow (CBP#3); he doesn’t come with his bow, but does come with a grappling hook.
Just received my MP-08 Grimlock from bigbadtoystore.com today. Can’t wait to rip it open (carefully without damaging the box!) and get you good folk a review and some pictures of this mighty mighty toy.
MP-08 Grimlock — Dinobot Commander
COBRA TROOPER — Infantry
Another version of Cobra’s infantry trooper, this time with red sigil and red mask. The blue uniform is also a deeper hue than previous versions. I had erroneously thought this trooper would come with molded hair beneath his helmet; unfortunately, this is not the case. A totally boring figure.
Figure: *
DREADNOK RIPPER — Dreadnok
Nothing new here since it is just a repaint of the comic-pack figure in uhm, more comic-y colors. It’s cool to get him on a card, but still all in all rather dull.
Figure: **
Excitement Factor: No stars
1) TRIPWIRE — Mine Detector
Tripwire makes his single-carded appearance in Wave 12; he initially was included in the Comic 2-Pack (w5) with Cobra Commander. Unlike a straight repack, Tripwire has been packaged with a MASS element cannister. It is yellow to represent the meteorite element.
This character does a fairly good job of recapturing the likeness of the classic version, though I would have preferred the smooth padding as it was adapted for the H.I.S.S. Driver and AVAC Pilot since that would have been more accurate to the classic figure. But a mere collector’s quibble means nothing as the overall figure is excellent.
The MASS cannister my figure came with has a removable glass casing, though I’m not sure if this is meant to occur or if it is faulty manufacturing. Therefore I wouldn’t suggest trying to twist off the cannister’s casing. The inclusion of this accessory means that you can complete your MASS device, along with the cannisters that come with the Cobra Diver (w12) and Cobra Commander (w8, w12).
***
Just opened up my Scrap-Iron/Wild Bill comic pack, and here are the loose pics for your pleasure.
1) Wild Bill — Helicopter Pilot
Here we have Wild Bill painted to represent his cartoon version, which doesn’t really work for me thought I like it a bit better than his drab olive and green colors. He comes with his signature cowboy hat and six-shooters, but he also comes with a cool new removable helmet (which gets a lot of mileage as it will show up with Scarlett (Pilot) and Destro (Pilot) and most likely some Cobra troop builders). Otherwise, since he’s just a straight up repaint, nothing much more to write about. **
2) Scrap-Iron — Anti-Armor Specialist
Utilizing a different body and webgear construction from the Arctic Assault version, this Scrap-Iron looks like the perfect update of the original. And just like the Arctic Assault version, his visor is removable to reveal some pretty ugly scars. However, I think I prefer the Extreme Conditions version over this one mainly because that came first and all my excitement was used over that one, and the re-used comic-pack Firefly mold was rather genius. Here it’s just a ho-hum Cobra Trooper body; it works, but it’s just not as cool! Anyway, still glad to have Scrap-Iron in his classic colors. ***
Meanwhile, a brief glance at the comic reveals artwork that actually looks pretty good! Usually these comics feel light on story and art, so my expectations are low. The story has Wild Bill chasing after Scrap-Iron, and the novelty comes in the form of a narrative told solely through radio transmissions. It’s a pretty interesting gimmick, along the lines of the silent issue, but still a gimmick. It’s pretty much about what one would expect from the comics of these two-packs, but I’m not buying these for the comics.
As part of the case I ordered online, I received an extra Underwater Trooper, so here I present loose photos of the Cobra Diver.
He is basically a repaint of Lt. Torpedo (w6) with red dominating the color scheme. He has the same accessories as Torpedo with the exception of his sidearm, his rifle — which comes from the Arctic Assault Scrap-Iron (Extreme Conditions Pack #2), and the inclusion of a heavy water element cannister which can be combined with the M.A.S.S. Device.
This figure is a great troop builder even if it is a little underwhelming. Still, in comparison with the other figures in this wave, it tops the Cobra Trooper with red face-mask/sigil. Hopefully, in the near future, I’ll be able to get loose photos of the rest of the figures in this wave.
It’s nonstop madness as more Joes have come out this month than in the last year. My savings further dwindle away to nothingness, but here I am bringing you the latest wave of the G.I. Joe comic two-packs. Full review of the figures to follow.
Cobra Extreme Conditions multipacks have arrived! This is the first set — the Desert Assault Squad. Figure reviews to come in a follow-up post!
This figure was available only by sending 6 proof of purchase stickers found with the comic 2-packs, as well as a shipping/handling fee. For some reason, even though I sent away for only one, I received two!
He comes on a 25th Anniversary foil card with the Wave 4 figures on the back. Definitely part of the appeal of these figures is the eye-catching character art.
Doc is a great example of re-using parts to create a wholly new figure. It’s basically a repainted Duke body with a new head and new accessories. The familiar stretcher and flare gun accompany Doc, but he also now comes with a silver pistol that fits into a thigh-holster,as well as a packed-in stand that comes with all the figures in the G.I. Joe line. Finally, he has a removable shoulder bag.
A great looking figure and well worth the effort to secure in your collection.
**UPDATE**
Knowing that I had two Docs, I was all set to open one to provide loose pics. However, I discovered that Doc comes on a variant cardback, similar to several of the Wave 7 single-carded figures. The foil treatment on one card is the regular “matte” version — a flat foil treatment; on the second card, the foil is embossed and shinier. It‘s a subtle difference that is difficult to capture on digital camera, but I believe that I was able to get it.
Foil Treatment — “matte” version
Foil Treatment — “embossed” version
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