Packaging: The most handsome Timeless Collection box, it includes a photo of the original box on the front cover of the box. The inside front cover has a history of the Talking Action Pilot, which is part of the Timeless Collection III series. Once you open the front cover of the book-style window box, you see the "goods." The Talking Action Pilot looks great, and it brings a parachute pack and parachute.
Headsculpt & Articulation: A G.I. Joe Timeless Collection body, which is a copy of the original G.I. Joe except that the plastic seems to be more brittle and can split and crack more quickly than the originals. The head is a bit wider than the originals, supposedly because it was made from a second generation mold. For my taste, I would rather get a new version body with any type of headsculpt. The "original" G.I. Joes are hard to pose, and while the goofy hands add a touch of nostalgia to the product, it is also relatively defective in terms of cracking and splitting. So does Hasbro factor that in as part of the "nostalgia" of G.I. Joe?
Outfit: The Talking Action Pilot is "too cool for school!" The outfit is outstanding, the G-pants, parachute harness, golden helmet, and all the rest had to make this one of the most popular G.I. Joe sets ever! The box says that the parachute is not for actual play, but it looks like it could handle a few tosses into the air.
Gear: The gear is mostly die-cast metal, which as a practical matter would make it harder for the G.I. Joe to float if you tossed him into the air with the parachute pack open. The Action Man Sky Diver and the Normandy Airborne both have working nylon-like parachutes but the Talking Action Pilot has a parachute which seems to be made of vinyl. The gear includes an orange map case and map, the web-belt and holster with a .45 cal pistol; the metal flare gun, the metal flashlight, and the metal knife which goes into the plastic sheath. The accessories feel very different and have more WOW effect in the die-cast metal style! The blue plastic cap of course is another style plus. This set really has it all. Did I mention the Talking feature?? It is easy to operate, and seems designed to be long-lasting. The Talking Pilot says his eight Pilot phrases, and he looks great for display!
Price: Originally, KB Toys had this at a whopping $60.00 which may not be a lot for people who are used to buying special edition Barbies at $150.00 or more; but it seemed like a lot to me. So I waited, and waited, and clearance time came along, and they are now $29.95 and every day there are fewer of them on the shelves of KB Toys. So get them while you can, for $30.00 they are a great buy!!!
GRADE: A+
