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Sculpting
: OK, lets look at the weakest link here in
sculpting first, Duke. He does have a lot of the detail
that the other figures have, but something about him
just doesn't stand out. Maybe its the lack of expression
in his face, or maybe his too-buff of a body, but Duke
turns me off in the sculpting category. Also, he was
sculpted with his helmet permantly on, a big drawback
to Duke here. The only thing I really like on him are
his boots. However, his pack-in partner, Cobra Commander
is the real winner of this pack in this category. Cobra
Commander has a superbly detailed uniform, with creases
and folds molded just right to give him a decent but
dynamic static pose. What really stands out is his mask,
which you can see the small outline of a face take shape
ever so softly. Cobra Commander's uniform is so detailed
as well, with great boots, buckles, and an awesome collar,
he is the best of this two pack in sculpting - and saves
it from a poor score.
Sculpting - 9
Articulation : Well, as I said in other New Joe reviews, the O-ring is gone,
and that is not always a bad thing. But as Toy Fair 2002 showed,
they will be back. For now however, in the moment, the standard
posability these two have are fine. The only real problem
I have is that on both, more Cobra Commander than Duke, is
that you can't sit them down perfectly, as their legs won't
go up to a full 90 degree angle. So whenever either sit down,
it looks as if they are reclining back a bit too much. Because
of this, they look better standing, and can't sit in any of
the veichles very well. But with Swivel-Arm Battle grip (I
love to say that), the new ball-and-socket head desin (which
works surprisingly well on Cobra Commander), and a sturdy
plastic, these guys still are great for setting up some nice
action scenes with their poseability.
Articulation - 8
Accessories : Well, here we have a ton of guns, one backpack, and another
satellite phone (or cell phone) packed in with Duke and Cobra
Commander. Duke seems to get a small pistol that fits in a
holster in his leg - cool feature - a backpack that kinda
goes with him, and the phone. Cobra Commander seemingly gets
three guns - an Uzi, a Rifle, and Laser Rifle or huge Handgun,
you be the judge. Great accessories in the pack, but with
no clear cut answer on two of the guns as to who gets them,
you can mix and match. Very nice way of packing, though others
might disagree with me. These are still a good set of accessories,
all the way around.
Accessories - 8
Painting and Design: The painting on these new Joes is superior to any small figure
line Hasbro currently puts out (cough - Star Wars - cough).
Now with Duke, he could have used a few more paint apps I
feel, but not too many more. It looks as if the molded him
in the olive green 90% of his uniform is in, and then painted
over that. With little color on him, he does look very military,
but almost too clean to be a fighting American hero. I think
its like the sculpting - it just doesn't stand out at me.
Cobra Commander on the other hand still is superbly better
here overall. From the blue of his uniform, to the red of
his Cobra symbol, to the gold on his shoulders and belt buckle,
he just seems to say "I am Cobra Commander, bow before
me and tremble." Yes we will Cobra Commander, yes we
will - Till GI Joe comes and saves the day :)
Painting and Design - 8
Overall
Overall, these are really nice figures. With packing in the
leader (one of them anyway) of GI Joe, Duke, and the leader
of Cobra, Cobra Commander, you already have your heiarchy
of each army established. At a low price of between $7 to
$10 at most places, they are a real value. Plus...its Cobra
Commander! Duke may be a little on the dull side, but their
hasn't been this cool of a Cobra Commander since the original
Mail-away Hooded version from the early 80's. So if you see
this pack, grab it - it is one to keep, and open to fully
enjoy Cobra Commander. Cobraaaaa!!! oh, and you get Duke to.
Yo Joe!
Overall Rating : 8.25
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