Monday, September 4, 2023

Action Figure Review: Dusty (Tiger Force) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro




    The classic desert camo version of Dusty came out last year (though I reviewed him in early January), so this year we're getting the Tiger Force variant.  As I said in that review, I was really excited for Dusty to make it into the Classified Series as not only do I like the character but the 2010 Pursuit of Cobra redesign of the character is one of my favorite 1/18th scale G.I. Joe figures ever. I was really hoping that Hasbro was going to take some inspiration from that excellent variant but, alas, Hasbro pretty much phoned in an updated version of the vintage toy. I'll be honest and just say flat out that I do like the Tiger Force version of Dusty better than the standard version. Some of that is because the Tiger Force color scheme makes for a more interesting figure, but it's also because the Tiger Force version was the one I had as a kid. As someone who didn't get into G.I. Joe until 1986 at the earliest (though it could have been early 1987), those Tiger Force and Python Patrol variants were how I acquired so many of the recognizable characters like Bazooka, Duke, and Flint. This Tiger Force Dusty is a Target exclusive, though I got mine through Hasbro Pulse. I've actually had him since the end of July; it's just taken me a bit to get around to him with so much new stuff coming out! Let's check out Dusty after the break...





The Facts:

Height: 6 3/8ths inches

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

Accessories: Rifle, magazine, knife, backpack, helmet, and 2 pair of goggles.

Non-Scalper Price: $25


Comparison:


Tiger Force Dusty is on the left while the classic Dusty is on the right. What's the difference? Just the paintjob. That's it! This is a review where I do get to reuse a lot of text as, overall, I don't have too many different thoughts on this guy over the previous release.
The Facts:

* I felt that the standard version of Dusty didn't look modern enough for my tastes, but this guy's Tiger Force color scheme makes him a bit more interesting. He still has a realistic look to him, but elements like the red T-shirt and the yellow, Battle Cat-like stripes on his shirt make him just a more interesting figure. His harness is well done and is a separate piece over his torso with a variety of pouches, as is his belt. The belt and bottom of his blouse are one single piece permanently attached around his waist. Some people really hate those, but I think it works fine here. There is definitely a lot of detail in the uniform including folds, wrinkles, pockets, and fitted cuffs on the sleeves. 

* Dusty's headsculpt is quite good and does kind of resemble the 2010 Pursuit of Cobra version of Dusty, which is my favorite version. He's an average looking guy with short hair and camouflage face paint. I like how the paint crosses his right eye, breaking up things a bit.

* He's also sporting, the name "Tadur" on his nameplate (that's a throwback to his file name, Ronald W. Tadur, which is a play on vintage Joe designer Ron Rudat, and a red straw for a hydration bladder, like a Camelbak. 





* Dusty actually comes with two pair of goggles. The first pair is smaller and is designed to actually fit over his eyes. They fit well and make sense for a soldier to wear in various environments. The lenses even get a paint application; red this time, which is really cool looking.




 



* Dusty comes with a helmet, but it seems a bit loose. It turns out that when you put his goggles on and turn them backwards, they help keep his helmet snugly in place. It works so well that I'm assuming it's intentional. Whether the goggles are on his face or turned around and hidden, the helmet stays on nicely. It also ensures you don't lose the extra goggles for him when you're displaying him with his helmet on.



* The helmet is based on Dusty's vintage helmet with the neck covering in the back, though it's not fabric like the vintage toy. There's a second pair of goggles with a longer strap that fits across the top of the helmet which are really meant to stay up there just for looks. If you have the smaller pair of goggles on Dusty's face, just pop the ones on his helmet off.


* The Classified Series has excellent articulation and Dusty doesn't falter here too much. He has a great range of movement, mostly solid joints, and the ability to hold his rifle in a variety of firing poses. He doesn't have a ton of extra stuff on him encumbering his joints, so he moves quite freely.  I have one minor issue with his hips, but I'll get to that in a moment.



*  Dusty looks like he's heavily modified his FAMAS, adding in lots of modern goodies like a vertical forward grip, a scope, and an improved pistol grip. It's also sporting a functional bipod that swivels up and down. This is definitely one of the best rifles in the Classified Series to date, especially here where the stock has been given  green paint application. 




* It also has a removable magazine, which is just aces. 




* Dusty is toting a fairly large backpack that is no doubt filled with survival goodies and extra ammo. He's also packing canteens on both sides of the pack. The backpack is all one color (a darker brownish-green) but there is some great detail. It stays on Dusty's back quite well and looks fantastic.





* He's also toting a knife. It's a very simple knife, but I'm sure it get the job done. The handle is dark green this time around.




* The knife fits easily into the sheathe wrapped around Dusty's right ankle. 

The Negatives:


* On my figure, the hips are a bit too loose. Not horrible, but I definitely loose enough that I took notice. 
   I really think that this Tiger Force redo of Dusty improved most of my concerns with the original figure other than just wishing for some more updated design elements and something like a pistol and holster to spice things up a bit. His hips might be a bit loose, but they're easily remedied, and the color scheme on this figure just wows me. He gets a Great and a 1/2 and I definitely like him more than last year's Dusty figure. Especially because of that repainted FAMAS. It's just really, really nice! Tiger Force Flint is the scheduled next figure in this subset, but who do you want to see next? I'm hoping for Lifeline!


For more of Dusty, check out my review of the standard G.I. Joe: Classified Series Dusty.

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












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