Monday, September 11, 2023

Action Figure Review: Arctic B.A.T. from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

  
    An arctic version of the Cobra B.A.T. isn't a new concept, but it's not been done too many times before. An Arctic B.A.T. came out in 2006 or so in one of the 2.5 inch G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 Mission Series sets (Mission: Avalanche) and was included in 2014 in the 50th Anniversary Arctic Assault two-pack, so this is only the third time we're seeing an Arctic B.A.T. figure. Unlike last year's Python Patrol B.A.T. or the Crimson B.A.T. from earlier this year, this guy isn't just a repaint of the standard Cobra B.A.T.; Hasbro really put in some effort to change this guy up with new parts and some new accessories. It might sound a bit unusual to say this considering Hasbro's wonky pricing in their licensed brands, but this guy actually feels like a deluxe figure despite being just a normal release. Besides having a nice amount of accessories, there are also multiple ways to customize the Arctic B.A.T., too, so if you're army building you can have some nice variety. Let's hope for some cooler weather and take a look at the Arctic Viper....



The Facts:

Height: 6 1/2 inches

Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, boot swivels, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, balljointed drop down hips, balljointed waist, mid-torso hinge, butterfly pecs, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, balljointed neck base, and a balljointed head.

Accessories: 2 standard hands, chainsaw hands, backpack, pistol, 3 chest covers, 2 portraits, 2 shoulder pads, 2 thigh pads, rifle, magazine, and suppressor.

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars


Comparison:

* The Arctic B.A.T. is on the left while the standard B.A.T. is on the right. What's the difference? Besides the colors, the Arctic B.A.T. has a new portrait (in addition to a standard repainted head), a new belt, new (removable) thigh pads, and new (removable) shoulder pads. He also has a new alternate chest panel with more pouches and such. 

The Positives:



* I like this sculpt and the new details added in just make him better. The white, black, and silver color scheme (with tan pouches) looks fantastic and nicely goes along with the solid detail on the B.A.T.'s outfit and on the exposed mechanical arms. He's still toting some grenades on his left shoulder strap but now we've got some additional shoulder and thigh armor. The central part of the body still has a removable panel, but this model of the B.A.T. has three panels to choose from.



* This is my preferred portrait of the two included. it's new and it looks very modern with a massive "eye" in the center surrounded by red sensors. The shape is largely similar to the standard B.A.T. head, though it is quite a bit thinner and doesn't look as much like someone in a helmet. It reminds me a bit of the B.A.T.s from the early-mid 2000s in the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra line.




* The second portrait is the same as the standard B.A.T. but with a great white and grey paintjob. I love that visor and the writing on the head ("Arctic Polarized"). It's a really nice repaint that feels very different from the original. 

* I absolutely love all the gear the Arctic B.A.T. is carrying. Besides just carrying ammo and such, I imagine these guys probably can tote tools and survival gear around for the human Cobra troops. I mean, it's not like these guys need to tote around rations or anything, right? He's sporting a very cool belt with a larger pouch on the front and that incredible chest panel. I love all the storage space there. Imagine the B.A.T.s backing up the Snow Serpents while also toting all kind of extra ammo and stuff for them. That's a cool way to use these guys!







* The second chest plate is the standard one from the rest of the B.A.T.s, this time molded in white with a black Cobra sigil.










* The third chest plate is the battle damaged one that also came with the standard B.A.T. and the Crimson B.A.T. (the Crimson B.A.T. being one of the few Classified Series figures I don't own). 


* If you want to see the innards of the Arctic B.A.T. just pop off the chest panel and all of the details inside are visible. On the vintage toy this was a lenticular sticker but here it's fully sculpted with a few paint applications. Not as many paint apps as the standard B.A.T., though. There are some black parts surrounded by icy blue wiring and circuitry. 



* Here's a look at the B.A.T. from the rear. You can see some wires and stuff on his back as well as another look at his shoulder pads and the back of his belt. 


* Like the basic figure and all of the variants, the Python Patrol B.A.T. has excellent articulation. It's pretty much the same as every other figure in the line structurally but the range of motion and smoothness of the joints is improved due to the robotic build. His torso is also unhindered by any overlays or vests or anything so he can really get some great waist and torso movement. The B.A.T.s really really are some of the most fun figures to play with in the line to date.



* The Arctic B.A.T. only comes with one arm attachment but it's a cool one: A chainsaw hand. With some great paint applications and some rather nicely sculpted teeth, it's enough to even make Ash jealous!




* The B.A.T.'s backpack is pretty detailed with plenty of storage space and some canisters connected to tubes. It stays on securely as well, so he's in no danger of losing it in the snow.











* The B.A.T. also comes with a pistol. We've seen it before, but it's still a cool handheld firearm with a great design. Just the right bit of futuristic feel in this piece. This time it's more of a grayish color rather than silver.





* The pistol stores nicely in the holster that's attached to the armored thigh pad on the right hip. 










* The Arctic B.A.T. is toting a rather advanced looking rifle that manages to strike a nice balance between the look of a functional firearm and something just a bit futuristic. It was originally included with the Master of Disguise Zartan figure, but here it's been given some nice white highlights to go along with the sharp, detailed sculpt. There's a permanently attached sling as well and while it hands out at a bit of a weird angle, it does work. 




* The suppressor is removable which is just really fun detail. The bipod also works and can fold up and down easily. 



* The bottom of the rifle has a hinged flap that folds down so the magazine can be removed. It's an unusual looking magazine but a very cool feature nonetheless. Anyone have any idea about some real world inspiration for this weapon?

The Negatives:


* I've only got one complaint: The chainsaw fits great on the B.A.T.'s hand, but it doesn't fit on the backpack. It's too large for the top holders and the spot on the side of the backpack just won't grip it tightly. 

   Originally, I imagine most of us were expecting an Arctic B.A.T. to be the standard B.A.T., just painted white and black, but Hasbro went all out here to deliver a very cool figure with lots of awesome gear. Sure, there's some reuse, but with all of the new stuff and multiple ways to display this guy, there's no doubt that this is a very solid release. This is an Epic version of the B.A.T. and another hit in what continues  to be my favorite line of 2023 as we enter into the final third of the year. 


If you're looking for more Cobra B.A.T.s I've also reviewed the Classified Series B.A.T. and the B.A.T. (Python Patrol).

For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:
Flint  








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