First of all, let me start by saying, this is a GREAT figure. The mold first originated in 1994, widely regarded by collectors as a bad year, this figure alone should prove them wrong. The last few years of G.I. Joe had so much promise, as I’ve said too many times to count in these very pages. This mold is absolutely no exception.
When I first saw this figure, as Desert Paratrooper Flint, I was not sure what to think. As I’ve said before, I do not like figures restricted to a very specific specialty. I like figures with some versatility. Living in the northeast, I never found much use for a Desert Trooper, so a great character like Flint restricted to that specific specialty really bothered me.
However, that is not to say that this mold is a bad one. Quite the opposite, especially in this regard. The face is well detailed as many of the ’94 figures were. The uniform is simple, yet detailed, with not too many gadgets and knick-knacks, but enough pouches, straps and assorted other things to keep the figure interesting. Back in ’94 he was restricted to different shades of tan and brown that really didn’t add much to the figure. Here, though, the figure is presented in brown, gray, and greens, still retaining all the terrific detail that made the original mold so great.
Pouches adorn his legs in all possible places, plus there are a pair of really cool throwing knives at the right ankle. Grenades are aplenty across his chest, and his gray shoulder pads REALLY add something to the all around figure. I love the shoulder pad on the left shoulder as well…a nice little touch.
But there is a glaring problem with this figure that I find most unfortunate.
He’s supposed to be Rock & Roll.
When I first heard rumor that in ’97 an HQ was planned with a repainted Outback as Rock & Roll, I became very excited to see it come to fruition. Outback would have made a GREAT R & R with the right hair lightening, and perhaps on Crossfire’s body. But this…this makes no sense whatsoever.
I can see figures with beards having them shaved…I can see figures changing hair color slightly…BUT completely changing his hair from blonde to black and erasing the beard makes this figure unrecognizable as a former icon in G.I. Joe. The hair and beard were a part of the Rock & Roll character, and I really do not understand why Hasbro went this route. I would rather they introduce him as a completely different character, or for God’s sake, make him Flint! This Flint is a MUCH cooler version of Flint than the Eco one, which is still cool in it’s own regard. So, as a result, for the first time that I can remember, I am ignoring Hasbro continuity. This figure is NOT Rock & Roll…he is Flint. Rock & Roll will be coming, though, as soon as I put him together.
This is not to say that this figure is not a good one. This figure is fantastic. A stellar example of why Hasbro is still capable of producing great figures after all of this time.
