An unexpected joy of figure collecting is when you are able to find a figure in the wild but know that it's going to be waiting when you get home. I had ordered Duke online and the delivery arrived on the same day I came across one while in a GameStop. Lately, I've had quite a few surprises as I'm starting to see more and more figures in stores around me. If I can buy locally, I'll definitely do so, but for certain figures, putting in a pre-order is sometimes a must. I saw Duke on Amazon and had some points I could apply, so was able to order him at a reduced price, which is never a bad idea!
"Conrad Hauser, code named: Duke enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and graduated at the top of his class at the US Army Airborne School ("Jump School") at Fort Benning, Georgia. After graduation, he studied Han Chinese and Southeast Asian dialects at the US Army Language School and opted for Special Forces ("Green Berets") in 1969; while serving in Vietnam he received the Medal of Honor and two Bronze Star Medals after singlehandedly rescuing 34 POWs from a heavily guarded enemy compound. He was a senior instructor at four SF schools before turning down a field commission in 1971. While still serving with the Green Berets, he served with Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dashiell R. Faireborn (Flint) and Specialist Marvin F. Hinton (Roadblock). He joined Special Counter-Terrorist Group Delta, code named: G.I. Joe in 1983 as its acting first sergeant and was selected as the team's field commander when Hawk was designated Commanding Officer."
Duke's Biography courtesy of Duke (RAH)/Joepedia/Fandom
All right, let's get after this review!
Accessories: 9/10
The G.I. Joe Duke action figure comes packed with an impressive array of accessories, perfect for any covert operation. The inclusion of the M32 Submachine Gun, Beretta Pistol, and XMLR-3A Laser Rifle ensures Duke is armed to the teeth for any mission. Additionally, the Ka-Bar combat knife adds a realistic touch to his arsenal. The backpack would be a bonus if there were storage for his rifles, but it's still a good-looking piece. In fact, my personal favorite "added touch" is what's painted on the entrenching tool. In plain, white Military Font the inscription reads: "G.I. Joe: A real American hero. Whenever there is trouble over land and see and air, G.I. Joe is there."
The helmet with a movable visor adds both protection and versatility. The binoculars enhance his reconnaissance capabilities, while the two pairs of hands (fists and weapon-holding) allow for various display options. The black display stand adds a touch of professionalism to any collector's showcase.
Appearance: 8/10
Hasbro has done an excellent job capturing Duke's iconic appearance from the classic G.I. Joe series. The sculpting is sharp and detailed, with realistic proportions and muscle definition. The paint applications are clean and vibrant, bringing out the intricate details of his uniform and gear. Duke's facial expression exudes determination and readiness for action, adding to the overall appeal of the figure. I would have liked to have seen his Sergeant's stripes on his sleeve and was disappointed that those were left off. Overall, though, this is a very solid retro representation of the original 33/4" figure, updated for modern times. I appreciate the attention to detail on the Airborne pin on his chest and the fact that his belt is darker green, so as to stand out from his pants. As mentioned, the paint apps are really done nicely especially on his face and the sculpted detail is very thorough. The holster and knife sheath are textured, his boots have sculpted texture and even the seams on his clothing is added in the sculpt. For such a relatively simple character design, the detail incorporated within is really impressive. There is a wash applied to his hair, giving it depth and dimension. A wash over the boots to bring out the details even more is about the only addition I would have made to this figure.
Articulation: 7/10
Duke boasts mostly impressive articulation, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. With multiple points of articulation in the arms, legs, torso, and head, collectors can recreate their favorite action scenes for the most part. The joints are sturdy and well-designed, providing stability without sacrificing mobility. Whether poised for combat or standing at attention, Duke can be positioned in various lifelike stances thanks to his superb articulation. Let's break it down. His head can look up and down reasonably well, and turn side to side with no problem, even wearing the helmet. There is some head tilt, but not as much as I'd like. The shoulders are on decent butterfly joints which can rotate forward and back to a degree. The arms will raise out to just over a T pose and can rotate a full 360 degrees. The bicep swivel works without hindrance and the elbows, while a bit tight, can bend all the way in. Both pairs of hands hinge and rotate with ease. The upper torso joint is disappointing. There is no forward crunch or back bend, and negligible side tilt. About all it can really do is swivel. The lower waist joint has a bit more range but is stiff to work with. The hips drop down, allowing for a great split and high forward kick. The thigh cut works fine and the knees will also bend fully, bringing boot to back side. Duke does have a boot cut swivel and very good ankle pivot/hinge.
Affordability: 7/10
While the Hasbro Retro Series G.I. Joe Duke action figure offers great value for its price, it may be considered slightly pricey for some collectors. However, considering the quality of the sculpt, paint applications, and accessories included, it's a worthwhile investment for fans of the G.I. Joe franchise. The attention to detail and the nostalgic appeal of the figure makes it a must-have for any G.I. Joe enthusiast. Mine came through Amazon and retailed online for $24.99, but thanks to $6 in Amazon points, I paid a grand total of $20.90.
Overall, the Hasbro Retro Series G.I. Joe Duke action figure excels in all aspects, from its impressive array of accessories to its lifelike appearance and decent price. While slightly annoying with the few minor articulation issues, its quality and attention to detail make it a worthy addition to any collector's shelf. Whether reliving childhood memories or starting a new collection, Duke is ready to lead the charge against Cobra and defend freedom wherever there's trouble! With that, we proudly give this figure:
8 out of 10 ToyBoxes
I'm very pleased with the retro card figures and am chasing down a few more of them to add to the Joe shelf. Thank you, as always, for stopping by Dan's ToyBox. Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!