Art Design: This is a standard Carded G.I. Joe action figure. Duke is part of the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra line. Similar to the Real American Hero line of the 3.75" Joes, the various sets are part of sub-sets. The current releases of the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra line are part of the "Spy Troops" sub-sets. Perhaps this is intended to tie-in with the G.I. Joe Comic Books or some other G.I. Joe product.
The Figure and Headsculpt: The figure is the newest version of a G.I. Joe Economy Body. The upper body has a molded on sweater, and the arms can barely bend at the elbows. This G.I. Joe would have trouble drinking from his canteen! The good news, and the best reason to buy this Duke is that he has a new face! Yes, it is a new Duke face, and this one is perhaps the meanest looking Duke that G.I. Joe has ever issued. Just the headsculpt is worth the price!
The Outfit and Gear: The outfit consists of plain Olive pants with the current G.I. Joe Logo on the side, and the old Hall of Fame Fritz Kevlar helmet. The Gear is the giant space rifle (good for Space Colonial Marines) that was part of the Heavy Duty and Grunt sets and a giant knife that looks very dangerous and some rubber belt with a couple of grenades.
Price and Availability: Duke is sold at most K-Marts, Wal-Marts, Target, similar stores and online dealers. The price at K-Mart was $9.99. At Toys R Us the price is $10.99 or $11.99 so watch out!
Overall: This is a nice headsculpt of Duke, but the body is strictly for child-play! So far the 12" version of Duke has had the following versions: #1) The Original Target Duke, #2 the mass-market Duke, #3) Camouflage Faced Duke; #4) Battle Command Talking Duke; #5) G.I. Joe vs. Cobra Missile-Launching Duke; and this current version, the sixth 12" Duke!
Grade: B+
