Packaging: For some reason, Dragon seems to do artsy-fartsy psychedelic Andy Warhol type box covers for their Vietnam series. On the inside of the "Oscar" cover is what looks like an infrared photo of "Oscar." No information is provided regarding the Navy Seals history or the particular era which "Oscar" is supposed to be a part of. Compare the lack of information on a Dragon Vietnam series box to the wealth of information on a Dragon World War II box, and it seems like somebody at Dragon is not doing their homework. The Collectors will get all their information from their e-lists, other online sources or the history books themselves. However, this lack of information regarding the source for the Dragon Vietnam models is a negative, especially for collectors who are used to reading some history when they get a Dragon model.
Headsculpt: Some people refer to "Oscar" as frog-face, Batman, or otherwise find the camouflaged face to have been poorly done. The camo on the face does look a little bit odd, especially since it leaves the nose completely in contrast to the dark-green face. I have seen photos of Oscar with additional camouflage added, and he looks a lot better. However, since it was Vietnam, who is to say the Oscar did not find his particular pattern to be the most effective? The more variety, the better, I say! What is a Seal Team without at least one extra-creepy looking Seal? After all, who says camouflage has to be done in some kind of artistic pattern?
Outfit: This Dragon mixes the ERDL shirt with the Tiger Stripe pants. I was glad to see this, as I have mixed a few of the Vietnam era outfits together and Hey8ball on the Mighty Dragon list confirmed that he had seen photos of the federalized Indiana National Guard with the mixed outfit. Based on the account of Shelby Stanton, in "U.S. Army Uniforms of the Vietnam War" (page 21-22); it seems that beginning in 1967 it became more and more prevalent for soldiers to customize their uniforms and to buy locally produced uniforms, bush hats, ponchos, and other supplemental gear. It appears that part of the problem was supply shortages. Another problem was that the clothing was being laundered by the local Vietnamese workers, and soldiers on occasion found U.S. uniforms in the hands of the Viet Cong or NVA. Apparently there was a black market for uniforms and gear. Shelby Stanton reports that by 1968 customized uniforms were prevalent in combat areas. In other areas, it depended on how strictly the commanding officers wanted to enforce uniform regulations. As far as this Dragon figure's uniform is concerned, it looks very accurate and is well tailored.
Gear: What could be cooler than a working slide on a 1:6 scale M1911 Cal. 45 pistol? It also has the customary silencer so that Seal Team members could take out the enemy without waking up the whole village. The rest of the gear includes an AK-47 with 3 clips, canteen and holder, knife and sheath, olive-drab head scarf, web belt, holster, ammo packs, and more! Lots of gear, and it is all excellent.
Overall: Excellent figure, interesting Apocalypse Now style of camouflage face painting, and great gear on a cool uniform! Any collector should enjoy adding Oscar to their collection!
Price: $30.00 to $40.00 including shipping. Many online retailers have it for sale, and Yahoo auctions does too.
Grade: A
