Art Design: The G.I. Joe vs. Cobra window carded figures have their gear on display. Like usual, the back of the box has a nice photo of Tunnel Rat in action, and the Official Real American Hero File Card for Tunnel Rat.
The Headsculpt: This is a rugged looking headsculpt. It looks like one of the Pearl Harbor figures with some changes. The face also has painted on camouflage stripes and a molded-on green bandana covering the top of the head. Just this cool headsculpt alone is worth the price of this set! Tunnel Rat looks like a real warrior! The head on this figure does not bobble. Some of these GI Joes have a bobble-head problem like the 2nd Series of Ultimat Soldier basic figures.
The Figure: What a dilemma this figure presents! The black-gloved hands and camo-striped muscular arms are a plus. The molded on green T-shirt is OK, since it looks good under another shirt or jacket. BUT THIS GI JOE HAS NO WAIST!! MOMMY MOMMY MY JOE IS BROKEN!?!? "No, sonny, it came that way from the store!" Not only are all of the $9.99 figures now lacking waist-articulation, but so are the $5.99 figures. Waist articulation is not such a big handicap, but it is a feature to keep in mind. Ultimate Soldier has also simplified their lower priced figures. While I usually remove the heads from these kind of bodies and use a more articulated body, in this case I just pretended that Tunnel Rat was normal. I guess Hasbro is hoping that we collectors and fans will all do the same and dummy-up.
The Outfit & Gear: Pants are OK. The web-belt, gun, knife, and canteen is from an Action Man set. It is a huge belt, but the green color is fun. The removeable green plastic scarf around Tunnel Rat's neck reminds me of the Marx Johnny West scarves. Tunnel Rat is wearing a brown rubber ammo belt which has non-working pouches and is just for show. The rest of the gear is from the Hall of Fame era.
The Price: This set goes for $9.99 at all quality retail establishments, but may cost more at Toys R Us. You really cannot beat Tunnel Rat at the $9.99 price point. Hasbro has hit a Home Run or at least a triple with this set!
Grade A
