Art Design: The front cover of the box has a nice photo of "Brian" in front of a Gulf War background. The inner flap has some gear attached, and the rest of the box just has the weird zoom-out photos that seem to be the Dragon style on anything that is not World War II. Like usual, Dragon provides no historical information on these Gulf War soldiers, unlike the detailed information that is the norm when Dragon issues any World War II historical action figures.
The Headsculpt and Figure: The figure is a standard Dragon articulated figure. The headsculpt for Brian is kind of odd. From far he looks alright, but up close he has an unfinished, wet glaze look. The mouth and nose holes are not quite cut. The paints on the hair and eyebrows are perfect. Overall, the face is good, but it is too shiny? It looks a bit like a ceramic doll. However, artistically talented collectors can probably tone down the shine or paint the lips or otherwise improve the headsculpt.
The Outfit: This is a standard Gulf War chocolate chip style uniform that Dragon has issued with every Gulf War soldier that I have purchased. The highlight here are the boots, which are made of what looks like real cowhide leather or something very similar. These boots are amazingly detailed and bring real shoelaces that are pre-laced!!! The boots have a sewn-on rubber sole. They feel just like real camping boots.
The Gear: The chest harness/vest is great. It has lots of pockets to add grenades, ammo clips, etc. Brian brings a very nifty pocket knife, an M-16, an AR-351 Assualt Rifle (?), and two canteens. The canteens were the only downer, as the back straps broke off of one of them, and I did not get them onto the harness but used the surviving canteen on a regular web belt for another figure.
The Price: These are $39.99 retail. KB Toys online and other online dealers and e-bay still have Brian. On e-bay it can usually be bought for anywhere from $25.00 to $35.00. Brian is one of the best Gulf War figures that Dragon has done. If you only get one of these Gulf War figures, Brian is the one to get.
Grade: A
