Distribution: This was purchased at Wal-Mart, so it is in the "Kid Connection" box. Lanard seems to have put its entire 12 inch line of action figures into the distributorship of Kid Connection. Their 3.75 inch Corps figures are still marketed under the "The Corps" brand and are available in many more outlets than the 12 inch figures.
At this point, ULTRA CORPS! 12 inch figures are limited to Wal-Mart and Target which carry the Kid Connection line (Samm1970 has informed me that TRU and KB Toys have them too). This goes into the mythological "distribution" question, like why do some stores get ONE limited edition action figure, and another store will have 45 of them stacked up in a corner somewhere? And how many people used to really believe the phrase "Limited Edition?" Then you think nothing is ever "Limited" and Dragon starts doing limited runs of 500 (for real) and the figures are going for $300. on e-bay. Does anyone remember the "Limited Edition" G.I. Joe Convention figures?
Packaging: The packaging is an open window box style with most of the items on a tray beneath the window. The best thing about Ultra Corps is the lack of twist-ties! A typical Hasbro action figure will have at least fifteen or more twist-ties.
The Figure: The Lanard body is very limited articulation with a somewhat "buff" bodybuilder type of body. Not as buff as Action Man. Lanard resembles the Weekend Warrior chubby guy who works out and can carry a sofa on his back but whose diet is pizza and beer or soda. Action Man on the other hand has the lean meat and Creatine look of the dedicated gym rat. Now that G.I. Joe has introduced the Muscle Armed Joe, Lanard falls into third place in the "buff" category. The new Muscle Arm Joe looks like a Wide Receiver or Cornerback, while Action Man could be a Full Back or Tight End. Hall of Fame Joe would be the Offensive and Defensive Line Men. Dragon figures are built like Quarterbacks, and Lanard is like a Third Down Back. A step slower, but with good hands. Cy Girls would be the cheerleaders!
Headsculpt: Same heads that have been around since 1998. Lanard seems to have given up on trying to become a player. They seem to be content just making money on the old molds and putting out an inexpensive product that is kid friendly and easy on the wallet. Nothing to be ashamed of. The Ultra Corps sets are great for kids. Too bad Lanard has abandoned ship. The Ultra Corps! always seem to be very colorful and reminiscent of the ADVENTURE TEAM sets. The Search & Rescue is a perfect example of something that looks like the old Adventure Team!
Outfit and Gear: The outfit is a very nice green jumpsuit which screams Adventure Team!!! It also includes a great backpack which is worth $10.00 by itself, especially if you were to buy it from any of the customizers! The best of the Gear is the red notebook computer, the oxygen tank with hose, the red pick and shovel and red rope. I just like the bright red on these standard tools! The worst of the set is the helmet, the watch, and the stick-on tape. The set brings a couple of plastic packs to stick to the velcro on the jumpsuit. However, the white velcro tabs on the plastic packs fell off. I guess the glue was dried up. No big deal to re-glue, but it is a drawback.
Overall: Nice set for $10. However, Ultra Corps! collectors would like to see new faces! It would also be a plus if the velcro tabs were glued on, not loose!
Grade: B
