REVIEW: G.I. Joe

Background

Sideshow Collectibles has two big-time licenses that you can usually anticipate one figure released every month or two – Star Wars and G.I. Joe. Luckily, those were my two favorite action figure lines when I was a kid. One of the newest releases from the G.I. Joe line is named Stalker. Available in a regular version and Sideshow Exclusive run, we're taking a look at the Exclusive figure.

While most soldiers go through their most rigorous training in the academy, Lonzo Wilkinson earned his reputation as a fighter and a commander on the streets of Detroit. Wilkinson was the warlord of a vicious street gang, but as he saw the violence and destruction around him, he knew he had to make a change. He enlisted in the U.S. ARMY as soon as he got the chance, and after serving his country, he became one of the founding members of the G.I.JOE team.

Wilkinson assumed the code name of STALKER for his ability to quickly and silently navigate the most intense missions the JOE team assigned him. His street smarts still come in handy when facing off against the terrorist group known as COBRA, and he is skilled in multiple weapons and languages, a valuable skill as the JOE team pursues their enemies across the globe. The days of succumbing to gang violence are long behind him, but his resolve to punish those who stand against his allies has never been stronger.

The Facts  

Stalker
Series: G.I. Joe
Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles
Material: Articulated plastic figure
Dimensions: 12” tall
Points of Articulation: Pro Body with over 30+ points of articulation
Outfit: Flocked beret with Ranger flash; Detailed fabric uniform set; Triple Aught Design F.A.S.T Pack; MOLLE Belt; Y-Harness; Riggers Belt; Drop-leg Holster; 2 pairs of switch-out boots (standing and action); Shoulder and nametape patches; Dog tags; Sideshow Exclusive: Commando Sweater
Accessories: Four Universal Mag Pouches; Two First Aid Pouches; Point rifle sling; M-32 Submachine Gun; .45 caliber pistol; Three .45 caliber magazines; Two Canteen Pouches; Two Canteens; Two Smoke grenades; Three Frag grenades; Robinson Arms XCR(tm) 5.56mm Short Barrel Rifle with folding stock; Micro Red Dot Sight; Five Magpul(tm) P-Mag Magazines; Kukri Combat Knife; Knife Sheath; XMLR-1 Laser Rifle; Four extra hands; 12” display base
Edition Size: Regular Version – TBD; Sideshow Exclusive – 500 pieces

Packaging

The Stalker figure comes in Sideshow's G.I. Joe packaging. It reflects the old school 1980's 3.75” figure cards with the explosions behind the character and a cut-out file card on the back. There are plenty of photos, both full figure and close-ups, of the Stalker figure's packaging.

When you open the magnetically sealed box, there are two storage panels – one for the figure and the other for the majority of accessories. Of course, there is a bio summary on one of the interior panels, as well as a list of accessories included.

Our Opinion

Sideshow's G.I. Joe line is one of my current favorites. It has just enough retro appeal to satisfy the children of the 80's, while being loaded to the hilt with accessories that put those 3 3/4” figures to shame.

Stalker was available as one of those 1980's Hasbro figures. Sideshow has done a good job recreating the character in their unique form, using the original as their inspiration. (He was in green camouflage, with a dark green beret, and sporting a mustache)

The figure includes a treasure trove of accessories. You can show Stalker off in one of a hundred different ways, especially if you pick up the Sideshow Exclusive version (yeah, that great sweater). You're able to outfit him with the Y-harness and belt or the backpack. Also, there's a choice of three different guns. I like the super-detailed rifle, but there's also a submachine gun and a laser rifle (that comes with most of Sideshow's G.I. Joe line).

As far as sculpting work, Sideshow isn't trying to fine-tune a sculpt of an actor...so they can pretty much do what they want. I think it's a good head sculpt, with some great details on the close-cut hair. (Is it me, or does he look a little like Sergeant Doakes from Dexter?) And the paint application really makes this a premium collectible.

As far as pricing, you're going to pay in the $99.99 to $124.99 range for most of Sideshow's G.I. Joe line. Although, most of the lower end figures are the different iterations of Cobra soldiers. Since this is an exclusive, Stalker weighs in at $124.99. Compared to other 1/6th scale lines (and taking quality into consideration), the pricing is where I would expect it.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Stalker to any Joe collector. The biggest obstacle is going to be price, since it's not cheap. But if you're already collecting the line, you know that. I would go for the Sideshow Exclusive version, because the Commando Sweater might be the best included accessory.