Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Action Figure Review: David "Crazylegs" Thomas (Retro) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

      I intended to review quite a few G.I. Joe: Classified Series figures in July in celebration of the semiquincentennial of the United States of America but I've been a bit buys and this is the first figure I've had the chance to look at: David "Crazylegs" Thomas from the retro carded releases. While we already received Crazylegs in the Classified Series back in 2024, that version was based on the Night Force release of the figure, a Toys 'R Us exclusive from 1988. This version is based on the classic 1987 figure, who was one of my favorites as a kid. I loved Crazylegs. Maybe it was the funny name, maybe it was the fantastic rifle, maybe it was because his parachute pack was so different than most others in the line, or maybe it was because of his great color scheme that stood out. The 1986 and 1987 years were when I first got into G.I. Joe and he was definitely one of my earliest figures. I've been looking forward to this release, though I will say that there are a couple odd issues with this figure that do bring him down a bit. He's still solid, don't get me wrong, but only having a screaming headsculpt is certainly a choice. Ready to check out Crazylegs? Then grab your parachute and join me after the break.....



The Facts:

Height: 6 1/4th inches

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

Accessories: Helmet, goggles, knife, pistol, parachute harness, backpack, submachinegun, stock, holster, magazine, and display stand.

Non-Scalper Price: $28 dollars




Comparison:

* Here's a quick look at the Classified Series Crazylegs (left) with the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Crazylegs (right). This is my original childhood figure and he's still doing OK. He does have some cracks off the heels of his boot but other than that and a missing stock for his rifle, he's in pretty good shape. 




The Positives:


* Crazylegs has always stood out, mostly because of his red and grey outfit. Let's be honest: As the line went on, Hasbro had to inject some color to keep every figure from feeling the same. Red and grey isn't a bad combination and it definitely stands out. Maybe not the best thing for an Airborne Range, but design wise it pops. His quilted suit does make sense for someone who might be operating in different conditions and jumping out from high altitudes into the cold. It's a unique design and while it doesn't feel crazy modern, it doesn't seem that outdated. It's just kind of it's own thing. I like the simple light belt and straps he's wearing with an attached sheath and a few grenades. 






* The helmet is much sleeker than the vintage Crazylegs helmet, though I wonder if it isn't a bit too small. Still, it looks quite good and would make an excellent piece of gear for fighting once he reaches the ground, too. The red and black color scheme matches the rest of the outfit and the fit is quite snug. The chinstrap fits securely over Crazylegs' chin and his ears are covered by the ear protectors/ attached headsets.






* Unlike the Night Force version released in 2024, this Retro carded version only comes with one pair of goggles. They're larger, meant to go over the top of the helmet or fit over his eyes while he's wearing the helmet. I didn't have a lot of luck keeping them on top of the helmet but they do stay in place over the helmet when worn over David's eyes. The lenses are clear (they're kind of amber colored), so they look pretty cool when he's wearing them. 







* Crazylegs also comes with the harness for his parachute which stands out far more this time since than it did on the Night Force figure. The straps are fairly easy to use and put over the figure, giving him a harness that can be quickly ditched when he hits the ground and begins to assault an enemy position. The harness doesn't inhibit too much as it, though, and he looks pretty cool wearing it as it bulks him up a bit more. The pegs at the back are quite tiny but I didn't have too much of a problem with getting them attached and detached. 









* Crazylegs comes with his parachute container, also in tan this time around. There's no parachute, nor does the pack open. It's simply a sculpted backpack with a visible static line coming out the top. There aren't any additional paint applications on the parachute container this time around. 






* The articulation on the Retro Crazylegs isn't really any different from the previous Night Force version. He's a solid figure with a great range of movement, even while wearing his rig, and has all of the joints you would expect. He doesn't have a lot of stuff that gets in his ways, so moving him around is quite easy as nothing inhibits the articulation. I did notice that his knee joints are incredibly tight. You may need to work them out a few times or use a bit of heat, but they function just fine. 
* The weapons are no different from the previous release: Crazylegs' primary weapon looks to be based on the H&K UMP with details from the LWRC SMG-45. It's not exact, but it looks pretty similar to those two. Hasbro often kind of creates their weapons from multiple real world sources. It has the barrel tip removed, so you can add a suppressor on it, and an added optic on the top. It also has a hinged stock. The vintage toy had an unusual carbine with a removable stock, but this one (while removable), stays attached securely and folds out nicely. 






* The magazine is removable (it's very snug and secure) and the stock folds up for portability. 












* Crazylegs' sidearm looks like a pretty standard pistol to me. I don't recognize it as being anything specific. It's fairly realistic looking, mind you, but also generic. Still, it's a good sidearm and has a hollow barrel for attaching effects or suppressors. 











* The holster on Crazylegs' right thigh is removable and securely holds his sidearm in place. 








* He also includes the same knife as the previous version, though this one is solid black without the additional paint hit for the blade. 










* The sheath for the knife is molded as part of his web gear/ harness and it's very conveniently located on Crazylegs' torso. If he needs to unsheathe it quickly to cut some tangled ropes or vines, he definitely can. 










* Since he's part of the Retro card series, Crazylegs also comes with one of the standard black display stands. I like that these are included and I wish every figure came with one. Why not?




* The Night Force Crazylegs came with a normal head while this version comes with a head that depicts the character shouting, perhaps as he's jumping from a plane. It's actually a good choice and fits the character. It kind of reminds me of the Marvel Legends Hood figure from five years back though this portrait is definitely better. The way his teeth and mouth are sculpted and painted looks excellent and the emotion of his yelling is seen in the way his eyes are sculpted. 

The Negatives:

* It's such an extreme expression, though, that it's disappointing that it's the only portrait included. Considering the first figure was a variant included with the Dragonfly, I'm guessing far fewer people own that one than will own this one. Why not give him a more standard portrait as well, especially since it's already tooled. Maybe Crazylegs should have been a mainline release instead of a Retro carded release. I love some character in the portraits but this one is very limiting for just posing your teams on the shelf. Crazylegs looks like he's always shouting!






* The crimson red of the quilted parts of his uniform look so good against the light grey, but it also makes the paint slop stand out more. Usually this line has pretty tight paint applications, so a QC error like this really stands out.






   While I do like the color of this classic version better than the Night Force version, the shouting headsculpt is a double-edged sword. It's great for some poses and photos but, most of the time, it's just too extreme for displaying this guy on the shelf. He also doesn't include the second pair of goggles or the parachute rigger's cap which that version included. He's still a Great figure and even the "weaker" G.I. Joe Classified Series entries thrill me more than figures from most other lines. He's pretty well equipped and the tan parachute harness really looks great on against the red and grey. 





Looking for more of David "Crazylegs" Thomas? I've also reviewed the G.I. Joe: Classified Series David "Crazylegs" Thomas (Night Force). 

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





Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

What'chu talkin' 'bout?

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)