Monday, August 4, 2025

Action Figure Review: Darklon from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 



   Ready for another G.I. Joe: Classified Series review? Then how about we take a look at Darklon, another member of Destro's Iron Grenadiers. Darklong was released in 1989 in a vehicle and driver set (he was packaged with the Evader), but Hasbro has released him solo. I don't think the Evader is that popular of a vintage vehicle. Darklon usually isn't brought up in a list of anyone's favorites, either, but Hasbro's Joe team has definitely turned Darklon into a figure that you will not want to miss. The 1988 through 1990 years of the Joe line aren't usually cited as the most popular when it comes to character selection, but I think you'd have a hard time arguing that the design and engineering of the line wasn't at it's peak during those years. Darklon, a distant cousin of Destro, is another masked member of the Iron Grenadiers, though one who has only had a few appearances over the years (though he did get a figure in the 2012 convention set and as part of the Figure Subscription Service). He's recently made his way into the Energon Universe, so maybe that's what inspired Hasbro to put him in the Classified Series. Ready to check out Darklon? Then join me after the break...







The Facts:

Height: 6 1/2 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, swivel biceps, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, balljointed neck base, and a barbell jointed head.

Accessories: 2 swappable portraits, large rifle, revolver, sword, scabbard, dagger, and shoulder pad. 

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars






The Positives:

* Darklon certainly looks like his vintage counterpart (a figure I've never owned), though his colors do seem to work a bit better here in the Classified Series. They're more muted and the design of his uniform just flows better. What exactly is Darklon supposed to be wearing? The vintage figure had a shirt or sweater with an unusual texture but this CS version seems like he's sporting a more typical shirt with some very cool green and black camouflage. The orange and red pants are unique, though, again, the muted colors look really good here. He comes off as a bit more of a comic book villain than a military inspired villain, but that's really not too far off the mark considering so many of the Joe villains are rather flamboyant. If you told me Darklon was some sort of mercenary working on his own, I'd believe it just from his look. He looks like someone prepped for combat considering his bandolier and random armored bits, but who also wants to stand out and make a name for himself. 


* When it comes to the earliest Joes in the line, we have lots of information about their identities, personalities, and equipment. But the later ARAH Joes? Many of them are still quite a mystery, like Darklon here. He's wearing a mask, but why? It looks like it provides some nice protection and also has a respirator of some sorts built in. Hasbro was fairly faithful to the vintage figure though the shape looks better here. What's the deal with his red, almost serpent-like eyes and green skin? Just something he wears for theatrics? Is he perhaps interested in extreme body modification?




* Darklon's second portrait was a nice surprise. It also looks like a half-mask wrapped around his head, though this one has the look of a mechanical skeleton. It's metal, so perhaps it's inspired by Destro's mask. Darklon's is more extreme, though, especially with that crazy tongue sticking out. It's a neat extra feature and definitely seems like a piece of ceremonial adornment that he's really latched onto. 





* Darklon's shoulder pad and bandolier are both separate pieces, though the bandolier isn't removable unless you disassemble the figure. He's got some extra pouches on his bandolier while his shoulder pad looks like it's ornamental, kind of like something from Destro's Iron Grenadiers outfit. Maybe the second mask and this shoulder pad are part of the Darklon's family heritage?



* Besides having cool colors with some nice padding on his pants, Darklon is also sporting some rather neat boots with knee protection. There's also a cluster of grenade rounds wrapped around his right boot. The vintage figure had these as well and I'm assuming they are an alternate ammo fired from the central barrel of his massive weapon. 







* Darklon's articulation is excellent. There's nothing unique here or anything; it's just the standard G.I. Joe: Classified Series articulation that's solid, moves well, and has a great range of motion. He interacts with all of his weapons well and can even take some two-handed poses, like with his sword or his unusual larger firearm. He kind of reminds me of a more militaristic version of Deathstroke, don't you think?




* Hasbro has recreated Darklon's vintage weapon here and I'm still not quite sure what it is. I like it, but I'm not sure what the intention of the weapon is. For years I've always assumed it was some kind of a dart gun with rotating barrels. The cable at the back hooks to what looks like a CO2 cartridge. Maybe Darklon wants to capture his targets for some reason? The center barrel is larger, though, and there's a second trigger like on an underslung grenade launcher, so that must be what the fragmentation rounds are used for. There are four holes for firing effects on the smaller barrels and one in the center, so you can have him really lighting up the Joes no mater what you imagine this gun does.




* Check out this cool sword that Darklon is carrying. What an impressive design! This looks like another piece of his gear that could come from his family heritage. The red jewel in the hilt and at the pommel definitely make this seem like a fancy blade. And that blade? Definitely some fine craftsmanship. This is a darn fine weapon and definitely shows how much effort the Joe team put into this figure.







* I love the scabbard for the sword. It's well-detailed, has multiple paint applications, and holds the blade well. Heck, it also just looks really nice on Darklon's pack. It doesn't plug in through his bandolier or anything but it does look like it could be hanging there once it's in place. 








* Darklon might have some rather elaborate weapons but he also carries a very simple revolver. This looks like a powerful piece that's absolutely a backup weapon. When he absolutely needs to deliver a powerful shot or quickly finish a target, this is coming out. The sculpt is very nice with lots of small details that should satisfy most enthusiasts of 1/12th scale firearms. 









* There's a built in holster on the back of Darklon's belt which holds his revolver very securely. 













* Darklon is also toting a dagger in this fancy looking sheathe that's attached to his left boot.


* It's a really cool looking dagger with a great design. 

The Negatives:

* Unfortunately, some of the paint is chipping off of the blade. The sheathe is nice and tight, which is usually a good thing. It must be causing the paint to rub off, though. That's a bummer.






   How's Darklon? Honestly, he's one of my favorites of the year. He's really a cool figure and it's neat to have another named Cobra/ Iron Grenadiers leader in the ranks. Heck, make Darklon the leader of his own faction or just a mercenary with ties to Destro. I really do think he reminds me of Deathstroke. The weapons, the vibe; it's all there. He's an impressive figure with a completely unique arsenal of weapons. His sword and that crazy multi-barreled gun really are fun and stand out from most everything else in the line, too. I'm very impressed and always look forward to seeing guys like this in the line who really feel like they're getting a new shot at stardom.



This is the first figure of Darklon I've reviewed on the site. For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:
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1 comment:

  1. 555August 4, 2025 at 9:32 PM

    As I recall from one of the post-150 Hama comics, Darklon is surgically attached to the mask. In one issue he's captured and scanned, the Joes let him keep the mask on in captivity as they had no way to remove it. As for the mask, he is Destro's cousin after all, as well as sometime business rival. His original appearance was to introduce the Python Patrol toy line, but post-Marvel he's been getting some respect. If you've not read the new Destroyed miniseries you should - it's basically Blacklist with Destroyed as Raymond Reddington (and Darklon gets in on the action)

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