Review: GI Joe Combat Heroes 2 packs: Flint and Baroness AND Destro and Scarlett
I have a weird relationship with GI Joe. While part of me loves the idea of GI Joe, there's not much I've ever seen that I like. By far, the best interpretation I've seen was the short series, GI Joe: Resolute, penned by Warren Ellis. It was certainly very good, though there was something missing: it was just a little too serious for the property.
I'd hoped that last summer's movie would finally find the balance between zany fun and dark science fiction, but, in the end, it left me a little cold. Maybe the sequel will miraculously be better, but I'm less than optimistic.
At any rate, GI Joe is one of the many properties which Hasbro's adapted into adorable, two inch figurines. If you've ever spent any time here, you know I'm a huge fan of their Galactic Heroes and Super Hero Squad toys, so I was certainly interested in finding out how their Combat Heroes measured up.
Like their siblings, Combat Heroes come in packs of two. I'm going to look at two such packs: one containing The Baroness and Flint, while the other comes with Scarlett and Destro.
If you're in the market for these, just be aware that there are a couple of different types: I'm looking at figures based off of the 80's cartoon series; there are also toys based on the movies. The latter are a bit more common these days, but you can still find these if you look.
I'd hoped that last summer's movie would finally find the balance between zany fun and dark science fiction, but, in the end, it left me a little cold. Maybe the sequel will miraculously be better, but I'm less than optimistic.
At any rate, GI Joe is one of the many properties which Hasbro's adapted into adorable, two inch figurines. If you've ever spent any time here, you know I'm a huge fan of their Galactic Heroes and Super Hero Squad toys, so I was certainly interested in finding out how their Combat Heroes measured up.
Like their siblings, Combat Heroes come in packs of two. I'm going to look at two such packs: one containing The Baroness and Flint, while the other comes with Scarlett and Destro.
If you're in the market for these, just be aware that there are a couple of different types: I'm looking at figures based off of the 80's cartoon series; there are also toys based on the movies. The latter are a bit more common these days, but you can still find these if you look.
Appearance and Construction: 8/10
I'm going with eights for both packs, but a case for a nine could be made for either - especially the Destro/Scarlet pair. It's a situation where, when I step back, they look just shy of perfect, but, up close, some issues appear.
Lets start with Flint and Baroness. Strictly from appearance, the Baroness is almost flawless. The glasses look incredible: the tinted lenses are a fantastic detail I just can't get over. In fact, the work on her face is fantastic: they've captured the look of the character through the bright red lipstick, tilted eyebrows, and hairdo, all while simultaneously maintaining the stylization of the line. Her Cobra symbol is clean and clear, and her weapon is a nice gunmetal black that stands out against her leathery black jumpsuit. In addition, they've selected a great pose for the character that conveys a lot of her personality.
There are a few minor paint ops issues, but nothing serious: the black paint on her glove is bleeding onto the gun and, if you look really close, you can see some imperfections on the line between her face and hair. There's no question, though, that she'd easily get a nine on her own.
Lets start with Flint and Baroness. Strictly from appearance, the Baroness is almost flawless. The glasses look incredible: the tinted lenses are a fantastic detail I just can't get over. In fact, the work on her face is fantastic: they've captured the look of the character through the bright red lipstick, tilted eyebrows, and hairdo, all while simultaneously maintaining the stylization of the line. Her Cobra symbol is clean and clear, and her weapon is a nice gunmetal black that stands out against her leathery black jumpsuit. In addition, they've selected a great pose for the character that conveys a lot of her personality.
There are a few minor paint ops issues, but nothing serious: the black paint on her glove is bleeding onto the gun and, if you look really close, you can see some imperfections on the line between her face and hair. There's no question, though, that she'd easily get a nine on her own.
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However, she's packaged with Flint, who's still great but far more uneven. Other than some molding lines on the bottom of his chin, his head is more or less perfect. I also love the bullet-suspenders, though some paint on the bullets would have taken this to the next level. The camouflaged pants are good with one minor annoyance: there's a holstered gun sculpted on Flint's back which wasn't painted. It was a great idea, but without the right coloration, it just looks silly. There are also some paint issues throughout, particularly between the suspenders and black shirt, that hold the figure back. All of this is really just a lead in to the real problem, though: the green elephant in the room: |
What's with the gun? It's plain green plastic. Given the elaborate work poured into the other figures I'm looking at, why couldn't Hasbro spring for a little more paint? If it weren't for that, these would have pulled a nine. As it is, there's just no way.
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Remember how good I said Baroness was? Well, Scarlett might be better. Once more, there are a few minor paint issues. But the figure is absolutely fantastic. What makes her stand out is largely in the design. Her posability might be limited (we'll get to that later on), but the overall physicality of her pose, thanks largely to her right arm, works extremely well. What really sells it, though, is the curl in her hair. I don't know who Hasbro has sculpting these figures, but they're not getting paid enough. |
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Add solid paint ops and good color - I particularly love the eyes - and you've got a great toy. The character's sculpted uniform stands out, as well. I love the pouches, boots, and especially the little silver stars sculpted on the back of her left glove.
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She's even got painted crossbow bolts in the quiver on her back... though that does bring up the one issue I have. The bolts on her back may be painted, but the same consideration wasn't made for the one she has loaded. It's not a huge deal, but it is an unfortunate omission on a fantastic figure. Destro is perhaps the most awkward of these four to review. Here's the issue: in terms of overall impression, he's topnotch... but he's not as solid in terms of specifics. Look at the photos: he looks perfect, right? Well, he is... at a distance. Up close, there are numerous paint problems, particularly around those missiles and grenades. |
Sure, you have to be absurdly close to notice, but that's where his BEST detail work is, too. He's got a tiny, painted medallion sculpted around his neck: talk about detail. From further back, the character is sold by his face - awesome work on the eyes - and the bright red explosives on the backs of his hands.
This pack is really on the edge of a nine. What holds it back is the construction of Scarlett. Both her and Baroness are just a little too flimsy. It's not a major problem, at all, but I've got to make the call and that's what it comes down to.
Even so, both packs are among Hasbro's best work in this scale. And, in case there's any lingering doubt, that's a high bar.
This pack is really on the edge of a nine. What holds it back is the construction of Scarlett. Both her and Baroness are just a little too flimsy. It's not a major problem, at all, but I've got to make the call and that's what it comes down to.
Even so, both packs are among Hasbro's best work in this scale. And, in case there's any lingering doubt, that's a high bar.
Packaging and Extras: ----
I don't have much to say about the packages: they're pretty much in line with Hasbro's other offerings. Good color scheme, I suppose:
Also, unlike the Super Hero Squad figures, I kind of like this artwork. As is standard for the scale, don't expect any accessories or bases. You do get a fold out advertisement, though:
These things are wastes of time and effort. No one cares about a stupid paper trying to... ooh... I want that Cobra Commander....
Play and Display: ----
The women may have helped in the first section, but they don't fare as well here. The best articulated figure of the bunch is flint, who has a cut neck, shoulders, and waist, all of which work well and provide a good range of motion.
Destro has all of the above, minus the neck, which is sculpted in place. He works fairly well, though his left arm runs into problems moving by his ear. You can get it by, but it takes work.
Scarlett and Baroness both have articulated shoulders and necks, though these are greatly limited by design choices and their sculpted hair. That said, you can get some interesting poses from them: Baroness can move her right hand from her hips to her hair - both good options - and Scarlett can point her gun in a couple of interesting ways.
The posing options, while limited by necessity, were thought through, and they work well. The reason these aren't getting a bonus point here is because of balance. Even the guys are a little wobbly here, due to uneven shoes. The women, however, are completely unbalanced. They can be set up, but a slight breeze or shake of the table, and down they go.
Destro has all of the above, minus the neck, which is sculpted in place. He works fairly well, though his left arm runs into problems moving by his ear. You can get it by, but it takes work.
Scarlett and Baroness both have articulated shoulders and necks, though these are greatly limited by design choices and their sculpted hair. That said, you can get some interesting poses from them: Baroness can move her right hand from her hips to her hair - both good options - and Scarlett can point her gun in a couple of interesting ways.
The posing options, while limited by necessity, were thought through, and they work well. The reason these aren't getting a bonus point here is because of balance. Even the guys are a little wobbly here, due to uneven shoes. The women, however, are completely unbalanced. They can be set up, but a slight breeze or shake of the table, and down they go.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
I really wanted to go to nine for these guys, but there were just too many small issues. The thing is, though, there's something about these that's impossible not to love. Something here just works.
My wife put it best when I told her I'd picked them up. She has even less interest in GI Joe than I do, so I expected her to be disinterested, at best. Instead, she summed it up in a single sentence, delivered in an thoughtful tone, "I think they're adorable." I think that says a lot more than an eight.
These sell at Toys R Us and other major retailers for seven or eight bucks. If you can get them for six, you're not getting fleeced too much. I found a better deal: Jack's World had them for $3.99 a pack. If you're in Manhattan, I strongly suggest visiting: they don't always have what you're looking for, but they've usually got something worth looking at for a price worth considering.
My wife put it best when I told her I'd picked them up. She has even less interest in GI Joe than I do, so I expected her to be disinterested, at best. Instead, she summed it up in a single sentence, delivered in an thoughtful tone, "I think they're adorable." I think that says a lot more than an eight.
These sell at Toys R Us and other major retailers for seven or eight bucks. If you can get them for six, you're not getting fleeced too much. I found a better deal: Jack's World had them for $3.99 a pack. If you're in Manhattan, I strongly suggest visiting: they don't always have what you're looking for, but they've usually got something worth looking at for a price worth considering.
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