Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Action Figure Review: Crimson Strike Team from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 


   I'm as shocked as you are that this G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon keeps going and going and going! Today I'm checking out the Crimson Strike Team, the 2023 PulseCon exclusive that pairs thematically with Chuckles, the 2023 SDCC exclusive. Chuckles was released first but I actually received the Crimson Strike Team a week or two before I received Chuckles. The Crimson Strike team is based on the 2002 G.I. Joe Convention set of the same name which included the Baroness, Tomax, and Xamot in their Crimson Guard colors along with twelve crimson Vipers! In 2009 the Crimson Strike Team was revisited as a Joe Con set but this time with the 25th Anniversary figures. And yes, 12 Vipers Once Again! Aren't you glad Hasbro is selling the Crimson Vipers separately this time around? Let's check out the Crimson Strike Team after the break and see if it's worth it to revisit these three characters in the Classified Series again so soon. 



The Facts: Baroness

Height: 5 7/8ths inches

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

Accessories: 3 portraits, 2 hair pieces, 2 pair of glasses, 2 pistols, 2 Uzis, snake gun, 2 kukris, 2 suppressors, and a display stand.



The Facts: Tomax

Height: 6 1/4ths 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: Submachine gun, magazine, suppressor, 2 daggers, shoulder pad and display stand.

The Facts: Xamot

Height: 6 1/4ths 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: Submachine gun, magazine, suppressor, 2 daggers, shoulder pad and display stand.

Non-Scalper Price: $90 dollars
The Packaging:

* The SDCC Chuckles figures has a minicomic and a briefcase accessory, and the idea seems to be that Chuckles has been tasked with stealing a valuable briefcase from Cobra. Baroness, Tomax, and Xamot are trying to catch Chuckles but evidently have failed. The exterior of the package is a cardboard sleeve mimicking a that shows the Extensive Enterprises logo with number locks on the top. 




* Remove the outer cardboard sleeve and you can see the briefcase looking more damaged after Chuckles' battle to obtain it. Bullet holes, marks from explosives; this thing is looking rough!







* The briefcase has magnetic flaps on top and opens to show the interior of the briefcase. There's a computer screen which shows the Crimson Twins and the Baroness looking pretty pissed. Presumably it's because Chuckles now has the briefcase in hand, so we're seeing them over the monitor raging at Chuckles. The figures are stored in trays in the bottom of the briefcase and there's a cardboard piece covering them. One side shows off a dossier like set of images of the Crimson B.A.T. while the other set looks like bars of gold.




The Positives:

* Not only are Tomax and Xamot very similar (they're mirrors of each other) but they're also just simple repaints of the previous releases from 2022. The red, gold, and silver paint scheme meshes nicely with their uniforms, which already a very ceremonial/ parade dress feel. The sash and armored shoulder pad is one separate piece that fits across their chest and is held securely in place by a peg that plugs into the back. The shoulder pad is flexible, allowing each brother's arm to have a full range of movement. 




* Tomand and Xamot have a lot of serpent inspired décor on their lower bodies including the snake knee pads and their codpieces, which look like a serpent's mouth. That's carrying the whole thing pretty far, boys.  

* While Tomax and Xamot are twins they do have different portraits. The most noticeable difference is that they part their hair on different sides but there are other differences, too. Tomax (on the left) has a bit of a grin, or a smirk, on his face. Xomat has a scar running under his left eye and he just looks more serious, with a steelier gaze and a more serious expression. Both twins have somewhat exaggerated, almost overly handsome features, though they're not quite on the level of the Bogdanoff twins.

* I'm sure you know what to expect here for the articulation, don't you? Both brothers have a great range of motion (the only thing that impedes movement in any way is the high collars on their necks) and they look great holding their weapons in a variety of combat poses. They're sturdy, durable, and just all together fun to mess around with.

* Tomax and Xamot both come with an MP5K that is reused from the movie Baroness figure though now they're gold with red suppressors. I do like these and the blinging color scheme makes them stand out even more. I love how this MP5K is kitted out with the suppressor and a forward vertical grip, too.






* Both weapons have removable magazines and removable suppressors. 



* The twins also each come with two daggers. They're both the same and have wavy blades, kind of like a Javanese kris.




* There's a sheath for each dagger, too. There's a sheath hanging from each belt and a boot sheath.












* Both Tomax and Xamot come with a display base with their name on it, now done up in some flashy gold. They're the same as the ones that come with the Retro inspired figures, just shinier. 










* Let's talk about the Baroness as she's the main reason to buy this set. She's loaded with lots of extras but is her base figure any good? Yeah, I think so. Not only does she look fantastic in the red and black armor but she's sporting new arms with a better range of motion than the previous Classified Series Baroness figures but her torso armor is also nice and shiny. It's just a fantastic looking touch that really elevates her above the twins. 

* Hasbro created three new portraits of the Baroness for this release which you can mix and match with two different pairs of glasses and two different hairstyles. Here's what I'd consider to be the default head. This version of the Baroness looks more severe and stern than the previous versions, perhaps a bit more mature. The printing on her eyes is excellent, her lips are a wonderful crimson red, and she has some killer cheekbones. 


* This version of the Baroness comes with two pairs of glasses and the first (and best) are the large, round frames that the Baroness wore in the classic comics, cartoons, and vintage toy line. They really look good on her; great size, great fit, and a great sculpt. 


* The second pair of glasses are square frames with yellow lenses. They're cool, kind of a neat, modern take for the Baroness. I actually wore glasses like this back in high school because I thought they just looked cool. I presume the Baroness' glasses are prescription, right?



* I'm going to get to the second head in a minute as it has some things that are off about it, but let's take a look at the third head. How cool is this armored skull mask for the baroness! I bet this thing has infrared vision, communications equipment, and a voice changer, plus it just looks awesome. This is a really neat extra! It's pretty intimidating. 




* Besides her normal straight hair the Baroness also comes with a wavy hair piece. They swap out easily, just like on Lady Jaye, Zarana, and Shipwreck. 






* Black and silver over a crimson bodysuit makes the Baroness look even more smokin'!



* The articulation is the same as on the previous Classified Baroness releases (well, other than the movie one) other than the new arms. Those new arms really improve things, making it easier for her to utilize her weapons in two-handed firing poses thanks to the double jointed elbows. 

* The 2002 convention exclusive Crimson Strike Team Baroness came toting two Uzis, so that's what Hasbro has given the Classified Series version. They're gold this time around, though, making this version of the Baroness a great companion to Profit Director Destro. They're the same Uzis we've seen with multiple versions of Snake Eyes and they're still quite nice with sharp sculpts.




* Next up are two pistols, also blinged out in gold. They're similar to the pistols the original Classified Series Baroness came with but they have extended barrels so they can hold suppressors. 




* Hasbro also threw in the two kukris from the movie Baroness, now with gold hilts. 




* Two suppressors are included and they can fit on either the Uzis or on the pistols.


* Lastly, Hasbro threw in a repaint of the crazy cobra themed laser weapon that came with the Cobra Island Baroness figure. It looks like some sort of snake transformer and is intended to look like it's wrapped around the arm of the figure. The upper body is essentially the pistol grip and the barrel of the device looks like it is comin out of the mouth of the snake. It's a cool piece and I love the new color scheme.





* Both pistols fit securely into the holsters on the back of the Baroness' belt. There are holes this time around for the extended barrels of the pistols, too. 




* Lastly, a display stand is included. It's also gold and gaudy.








* There are three portraits included in the set and this one is supposed to look like the Baroness is... biting her lip? Angry? Unhinged? From some angles it looks really good...

The Negatives:

* But from other angles it's a bit bizarre and misses the mark a bit. 

   For the Crimson Strike Team, Tomax and Xamot are OK. They're Great figures on their own but it's the Baroness that really brings this set into Epic territory. The extras portraits, glasses, and hairpieces really make for a nice chance to highly customize your Baroness figure. She also comes with plenty of weapons. This is a really nice set and I'd say that while the briefcase box is just packaging, it does count for something since it's so well designed and useable as something of a "prop" piece for display. This is an Epic set and a nice throwback to the first big G.I. Joe Convention exclusive set. 



If you're a fan of the Baroness Anastasia DeCobray, I've also reviewed the G.I.Joe Classified Series Baroness with Cobra C.O.I.L., retro Baroness, and the Snake Eyes: Origins Baroness. 

If you're looking for more of Tomax, I've also reviewed the Classified Series Tomax Paoli figure.

If you're looking for more of Xamot, I've also reviewed the Classified Series Xamot Paoli figure.



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





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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 5, 2023 at 2:03 PM

    Barb, i would be glad if you respect the freedom of speech and don't delete my comments when there are no insults nor threats on them as the Blogger ToS specify.

    The next time i see you delete my comments without a valid reason i will have to report your blog towards Blogger's moderators as you are violating Freedom of Speech.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anthony's CustomsDecember 5, 2023 at 2:33 PM

      Really this dude deletes posts?! Okay, i wanted to offer him a partnership as i found his reviews really impressive but now i have to pass.

      Delete
    2. Barbecue17December 5, 2023 at 2:43 PM

      Dude, you were saying weird stuff about me and family and stuff that just had nothing to do with the blog. Also, this is Blogger, not a sovereign government with a constitution.

      Delete
    3. GIJigsawDecember 5, 2023 at 6:59 PM

      Seriously. People are clueless when it comes to the Constitution.

      Delete
  2. GIJigsawDecember 5, 2023 at 6:58 PM

    Wasn't sure I was going to get this set, but with all the extras, a must have, especially with the Baroness. Great review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbecue17December 17, 2023 at 4:26 PM

      Thanks men. Yeah, the Twins themselves are fine, though just repaints, but the Baroness is an exceptional figure. She really is loaded with goodie.

      Delete
  3. Bryan Thao WorraJune 25, 2024 at 4:10 AM

    Solid review. With this set on clearance, it's a steal if you don't have any of these three already. The other Baroness figures to date have strengths, but even the Retro Baroness felt a little short of the mark. Here we get a lot of great head and glasses options for the Baroness and more than enough weapons for everyone. Pairs excellently with Profit Director Destro and all of the other Crimson troop variants, from the Guard to the BAT, Alley Viper, etc. As a set, we can be thankful we don't have to also take 12 Crimson Vipers like the older convention sets (LOL) My only complaint is that this is such a gateway set to other figures. Throw any plans to "just get one or two and then call it quits" right out the window.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbecue17August 1, 2024 at 9:38 PM

      This is a great set and I'm rather envious of those of you who have found it on clearance. Lots of neat stuff in there to mess around with, at least with the Baroness and her accessories. Tomax and Xamot kind of got the short stick with nothing new or unique. I've not got this set with PDD, the Crimson Viper, BAT, the HISS, MMS, and the Fire Team. It's a pretty setup.

      Delete
  4. Bryan Thao WorraAugust 1, 2024 at 9:45 PM

    Yeah, I'm positioning Scrap Iron and Metal Head nearby. Wondering if we'll see a Crimson Ferret, but that's probably a long-shot.

    ReplyDelete

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