Welcome to another Dan's ToyBox review. I'm really happy to be reviewing this figure for a couple of reasons. #1) I didn't anticipate getting this figure and #2) It didn't cost me a penny!
Grab a bowl of chips and something to drink while we talk about the Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series (#87) Robert W. "Grunt" Graves Action Figure.
His real name is Robert W. Graves, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. Grunt was born in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Advanced Infantry Training in the top ten of his class. Grunt's primary military specialty is infantry and his secondary military specialties are as a small-arms armorer as well as being an artillery coordinator. He is familiar with all NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms, as well as domestic civilian arms, and is a qualified expert with the M-14, M-16, and the M-1911A1 auto pistol.
Grunt eventually left the G.I. Joe Team to get his engineering degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology. There, he met a girl named Lola, whom he later married and the two have a young daughter together. Grunt would reappear periodically on the Joe team for specialty missions.
The Hasbro GI Joe Classified Series continues to captivate collectors with its intricate designs and attention to detail. In this review, we'll take a closer look at figure #87, Robert "Grunt" Graves. Known for his unwavering dedication, Grunt has been a staple in the GI Joe lineup, and this Classified Series rendition promises to deliver the same level of excellence. Let's dive into the categories of appearance, articulation, accessories, and affordability to gauge whether Grunt is a worthy addition to your collection.
Accessories (9/10)
Hasbro has spared no expense in outfitting Grunt with an arsenal of accessories. The inclusion of an M-16 rifle, M-14 rifle, M1911A1 pistol, combat knife, backpack, removable helmet, and interchangeable unmasked and masked heads adds tremendous value. Each accessory is intricately detailed, enhancing the overall play and display options. The standout feature is the flip-down chest commo gear, a small yet significant addition that adds an extra layer of realism to the figure.
Appearance (8/10)
Grunt's appearance is a nod to his classic design, blending nostalgia with modern aesthetics. The sculpt captures the essence of the character, with well-defined muscles and a faithful representation of his military gear. The paint application is clean, highlighting the intricate details of his uniform, and the color palette is true to the original design. The flip down feature I mentioned in accessories is a nice piece and looks great on the figure. I'm assuming it's some kind commo gear, to go in conjunction with his visored helmet, but I'm honestly not sure. What really impresses me is the fact that even with all of the added gear, we KNOW this is Grunt. The original was an army builder, non-descript figure, yet if you had him, you immediately knew who it was on your shelf. The same goes here. This is, easily, a "green shirt" army builder that offers customization options in order to put together an impressive platoon for your Joe collection. Though I don't have any of them, yet, I get a good feeling this figure would also fit right in with the Valaverse military figures. I'm thinking I may treat myself to a few of those for Christmas and my birthday.
Articulation (7/10)
While the figure boasts an impressive range of articulation, the ab crunch has some limitations. His vest piece prevents any type of crunch, which is kind of disappointing. The joint feels slightly stiff, hindering extreme poses. However, the figure compensates with excellent articulation in other areas, particularly the limbs. Grunt can strike dynamic poses with his rifles and accessories, allowing for versatile display options. Starting at the top, his head and neck combine for a nice range of motion, allowing easy side to side head turning and both up/down tilts. The shoulders are set on the minimal butterfly joints we're used to seeing on the Joe figures, but still work effectively. Both arms can raise to just beyond a T pose and will rotate a full 360 degrees. The bicep swivel is fine and the elbows bend in beautifully. The waist is a bit gummy though and has a tendency to rotate back to a neutral position. I'm thinking either some heat or silicone oil will help. The legs are on drop down joints at the hips, but even with this feature, they tend to rotate outward when you kick his legs forward. Grunt can do a solid split, as shown above and the upper thigh cut works fine. The double jointed knees also bend in nicely, but the left leg on mine was very stiff. There is a boot rotation and the ankles have excellent range in hinge and pivot.
Affordability (8/10)
Considering the quality and quantity of accessories, the price point of the GI Joe Classified Series #87 Grunt figure is reasonable. He was listed at $24.97 on Amazon, but thanks to the magic and wonder of rewards points, I paid $0 for him! Collectors get a well-crafted, highly poseable action figure that stays true to the character's roots. The affordability factor contributes to Grunt's appeal for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the GI Joe franchise.
Overall Hasbro's GI Joe Classified Series #87 Robert "Grunt" Graves Action Figure is a commendable addition to the lineup. Despite minor limitations in the ab crunch articulation, the figure excels in appearance, articulation, and accessories. The thoughtful inclusion of iconic weapons and the flip-down chest commo gear adds depth to the figure's character. Grunt receives an overall score of:
8 out of 10 ToyBoxes
Grunt is an excellent addition to any GI Joe collection, as both the individual and an army builder. I'm very pleased with him on my shelf and I suspect you will be as well. Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!
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