Ready to check out some new G.I. Joe Classified Series figures? Then let's take a look at one of my most anticipated figures, Sgt. Stalker. He's part of the newest series, along with Tomax and Xamot, and adds another member of the Original 13 to the Classified roster. Stalker, AKA Lonzo R. Wilkinson, wasn't just one of the original team members but was a substantial presence in both the Marvel comics and the 1980s animated series and had quite a few variants in the vintage toyline. The Classified Series version of Stalker is heavily influenced by the original 1982 figure though he has been nicely modernized with a more muted color scheme, some extra weaponry, and some extra equipment like his scarf and drag bag for his SMG. Let's take a look at Sgt. Stalker after the break and see what this Ranger brings to the fight...
The Facts:
Height: 6 1/4 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, ball jointed neck base, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: Beret, scarf, holster, sheathe, backpack, 2 rifles, 2 magazines, pistol, suppressor, and knife.
Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars.
* Stalker uses a new body that features new, pinless joints on his limbs. He's wearing a very basic uniform, sort of a commando sweater with BDU pants, all of which is done up with grayish-green camouflage. Little details like the ribbing on the collars and cuffs of his shirt, the pattern of the material on his pants, and the non-removable web gear (though it is a separate piece) really brings some nice realism to the sculpt and shows off the detail that's possible on a 1/12th scale figure versus a 1/18th scale figure.
* Stalker has an excellent headsculpt, definitely one of the best in the line. I feel like I say that pretty often with the Classified Series portraits but overall I've loved most of them. The facial features are distinct and the paint/ printing is just excellent. Stalker does not look like the kind of guy any Cobra Troopers want to run into while out on patrol. He looks tough and noticeably older than other team members, which makes sense. From the comics you get the impression that Stalker is definitely an older, more experienced soldier. He also has a scar across the left side of his head which shows the stuff he's been through.
* Stalker's beret is removable. It's different from the previous berets but it still fits great on his head and it really completes the look. The berets have been excellent on the Classified figures so far.
* The camouflage pattern goes all the way around Stalker's outfit. There are other cool details like the pocket son his sleeves and the back of the web gear that are worth flipping the figure around to check out.
* Stalker includes a scarf which I believe is called a shemagh. You see these on a lot of Special Forces operators, especially in the Middle East. It's like a scarf that can function as a head wrap and protect against dust and sand when it's windy. Stalker's is a separate piece and while it is plastic, it's a little bit rubbery to fit over his shoulders and web gear. Just pop off his head, slip it on, and you're ready to go. It's a cool way to add a modernized touch to Stalker's look but it's also removable if you're wanting a more classic looking figure.
* Let's start checking out all of the wicked cool gear Stalker comes with because, baby, he is loaded down! First up is some sort of squad automatic weapon with a box magazine attached. It's a nifty weapon that gives Stalker some serious firepower when needed, yet it's still compact enough to carry around on long missions. It even looks like it could serve as a primary assault rifle. The detail is fantastic and everything is clean and sharp on this tool.
* The box magazine is removable. It plugs into the bottom of the weapon easily and even features painted bullets attached to a belt.
* Sgt. Stalker also comes with his classic "M-32 "Pulverizer" submachine gun. It's not a real designation, but Stalker's weapon does seem to be based on early designs of the MP5 submachine gun which had straight magazines. It looks modern enough here (unlike when the 25th Anniversary Stalker came with an MP 40) and scratches the itch of many collectors who want a mostly vintage Stalker.
* The magazine is removable here, too, so have fun putting Stalker in cool poses where he's reloading.
* Like the Cobra Officer, Stalker comes with a holster for one of his weapons (it's not the same sculpt, though). The M32 fits inside securely and there's even a place to store the removable magazine separately for safe keeping. It's a cool way to allow Stalker to carry all of his weapons without just using the basic peg system we saw earlier in the line (though I did like that, too).
* Stalker also comes with a nicely detailed pistol equipped with an extended magazine. It's nothing too special or futuristic; just a standard, reliable weapon with a few extra rounds in the mag.
* Stalker has an excellent headsculpt, definitely one of the best in the line. I feel like I say that pretty often with the Classified Series portraits but overall I've loved most of them. The facial features are distinct and the paint/ printing is just excellent. Stalker does not look like the kind of guy any Cobra Troopers want to run into while out on patrol. He looks tough and noticeably older than other team members, which makes sense. From the comics you get the impression that Stalker is definitely an older, more experienced soldier. He also has a scar across the left side of his head which shows the stuff he's been through.
* The Classified Series has incredible articulation and Stalker is no exception. He looks great holding any of his weapons and has an excellent range of motion. These are without a doubt the most well articulated and highest quality figures on the market for the price out there. It's nice to see the pinless joints, too. Improvements are always welcome.
* I have two issues with Stalker and the first is with the knife on his web gear: It's not removable! That's inexcusable for a 1/12th scale line! Toy Biz pulled it off on a Resident Evil figure back in 1998 and Hasbro was giving 1/18th scale Joes removable knives on their web gear during the post G.I. Joe: Resolute era, so what's going on? I was absolutely crushed to learn this knife wasn't removable. Crushed!
* My second issue is with Stalker's shemagh. The scarf / shemagh is really cool but it sits on Stalker's shoulders a bit loosely and seems to be a bit too thick. If it actually attached somehow or if it was a bit thinner, I think it would have been perfect.
Despite my complaints, I'm absolutely loving this figure. The G.I. Joe Classified Series just keeps impressing me more and more with each release. Sgt. Stalker is a great release and really nails that sweet spot for me of feeling like a modern take on the character while still capturing some of what made the vintage toy shine. His outfit is incredible and Stalker's headsculpt is one of the best in the line. And those accessories? This is another Epic figure in my favorite active toyline at the moment.
This is the first figure of Stalker/ Sgt. Lonzo R. Wilkinson that I've reviewed. For more G.I. Joe Classified Series reviews check out the following:
Can't wait to get this guy. Always one of my top five. He was my second Joe.
ReplyDeleteThe first Stalker I ever owned was the arctic version. That guy is loaded with accessories! I'd love to see the Classified Series take a shot at him some day.
DeletePresently, I would definitely recommend this figure for anyone even slightly curious about whether they're going to like this series or not.
ReplyDeleteClocking in at about $13 or less on clearance, he's got amazing details and the strengths that the majority of the line seems to have now in terms of articulation and accessories, and he's very versatile with or without his gear for different scenes: Stealth, assault, search and evasion, rescue missions, briefings, etc. He's really great even if one isn't familiar with his historical role in the comics and cartoons. I think he provides an excellent baseline of what the line is capable of.
Stalker is definitely a top tier Joe. I know they're doing a retro version of this guy but I really want him in his arctic gear with the kayak and in the black beret with the urban camo pants. That was a key look for him in the early 1990s.
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