As you can tell, I'm, clearly behind on my G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews. I'm working to catch up, though, as it's been my favorite active toyline since the line debuted in 2020, so now I'm checking out a release from way back in June: Destro with his Iron Grenadier Despoiler. I absolutely remember getting the vintage version of this figure back in 1988 and being quite thrilled with the opportunity to have a Destro in my collection as I was too young to be into the line when the original Destro was released. This is a pricy release although Hasbro definitely has enhanced the size of the Despoiler. It was a tiny little vehicle back in 1988 but it definitely feels more impressive now. As I was looking at pictures of vintage Despoilers and the packaging they came in I was surprised to learn that some of the boxes had the Battle Force 2000 logo on them. I don't think I ever realized that the Iron Grenadiers were originally created as an adversary for Battle Force 2000. Of course, over the years the Iron Grenadiers have grown in popularity and have become a fan favorite while Battle Force 2000 is one of the least popular sub teams ever. Let's take a look at Destro and his Iron Grenadier Despoiler after the break...
The Facts: Destro
Height: 6 5/8ths inches
Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, boot swivels, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, balljointed drop down hips, balljointed waist, hinged 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: 2 swappable portraits, cape, revolver, holster, sabre, sheath, claymore sword, and shield.
The Facts: Iron Grenadier Despoiler
Dimensions: 18 inch wingspan (approx.)
Articulation: Rotating chin gun turret.
Accessories: 2 small missiles, 6 medium missiles, and 2 large missiles.
Non-Scalper Price: $110 dollars
The Positives:
* Destro is decked out in his Iron Grenadier regalia, sporting his familiar black and red color scheme now augmented with gold or bronze instead of silver. This figure takes everything from the vintage toy and amps it up, adding more detail and a few cool little flourishes such as the gold skull on Destro's belt buckle, the gold skull on the badge for the aiguillettes that encircle his right shoulder, and the gold skulls on his boot cuffs. There's definitely a new skull motif going on here and I like it. It feels very fitting for Destro, especially with the gold/ bronze color of his mask. It definitely looks more like gold or bronze than iron to me, anyways. There are lots of little flourishes and textures on the figure, making for an impressive faction leader.
* Destro's eyes really stand out here. I think it's interesting that Destro's mask seems like it should just be a metal mask, solid without expression, but in the cartoons and even in the Marvel comics run we see Destro's expressions through it. If you like Destro's mask as just being an expressionless mask, hiding his true face, this is the one you'll want. His eyes are quite prominent and really stand out with a brilliant green color.
* If you're all about Destro having expressions, you'll probably really like this portrait, too. His open mouth and teeth look really good. It's reminiscent of the cover of issue #116 of Larry Hama's Marvel run. Also, take a look at how this figure has Destro's traditional red jewel design on his scarf. That wasn't present on the original figure and it's a nice addition.
* Destro comes with a soft goods cape, just like his vintage counterpart. It's a nice, simple red half cape that hangs behind his left shoulder, giving him a very regal air about him. It's the kind of thing that just lets everyone around know that he's the head honcho of the Iron Grenadiers. I do have a problem with the way the cape attaches, but we'll get to that in a minute...
* Here's a shot of Destro from the waist down to show off more of his super cool boots. The studs around the edges of his thigh armor are pretty neat, too. I can't imagine this outfit is all that comfortable but I'm sure he feels like a boss wearing it.
* The articulation is excellent. So far as I'm aware, this is a completely new sculpt and everything moves wonderfully. Whether you want Destro piloting the Despoiler, using his smaller revolver and sword, utilizing his massive claymore, or just standing around looking cool while aura farming, the articulation isn't going to let you down.
* Destro comes with a nice complement of accessories; a mixture of both classic accessories from previous incarnations of this figure and items newly conceived of for the Classified Series version. First up is this incredible Scottish claymore that seems like it would be something ceremonial, but I can also see Destro using this when he needs to really lay someone out. It fits this take on James McCullen XXIV incredibly well.
* The vintage Iron Grenadier Destro came with an ornate sword and scabbard that was all molded as one piece, similar to the Iron Grenadiers themselves and "dress blues" Gung-Ho. The 25th Anniversary line fixed that, giving Destro a removable sword, and the Classified Series goes a step further by giving him an amazing looking saber. It's also bronze with a decorative grip and guard. There's even a red jewel at the base of the blade, similar to the one Destro wears around his neck.
* His scabbard is also extremely ornate with a fantastic design on the mouthpiece, a gold chain that can be plugged into the side of his belt, and a decorative tip protector at the bottom of the scabbard. Destro looks incredible wearing this on his hip.
* Destro's revolver looks kind of like a Colt Army Model 1860 revolver and it's cast in the same bronze/ gold plastic as most other accessories and accoutrements, making it look rather ceremonial and prestigious.
* It slips snugly into the removable holster that fits over Destro's thigh, keeping it at the ready when he needs a bit of range.
* Destro's last accessory is a shield and it might be one of the most impressive accessories in the line. Check out how amazing this thing looks? It really looks like another artifact that has either been in Clan McCullen's family for generations or it's an absolute tribute to how pretentious Destro can be at times. The sword on this is decorative and isn't removable (it really is meant to be part of this design) but it definitely sends a message and looks like the Iron Grenadiers logo, just more ornate.
* What could make this shield even cooler? How about two machine guns attached to the back? Did Destro modify a family relic or did he design this as a tribute to his heritage? Who know, but this thing is really cool and surely is a nasty surprise when he's in a fight. The barrels do hold firing effects though the figure itself doesn't come with any. I really like how solid and sturdy this weapon is. It's not a pair of wrist rockets but it will still do the job.
* We've looked at Destro so now let's take a look at the Despoiler. The Despoiler is a personal VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) craft for Destro that allows him to deliver some serious damage in battle, monitor troops from nearly any altitude, and quickly get to where he is needed. While the vintage vehicle was quite small, this is a larger vehicle, closer in size to the AWE Striker when it comes to the amount of real estate it takes up. I do like it, though, as it looks and feels fairly impressive.
* Underneath you can see the two pieces of landing gear that allow the Despoiler to rest firmly on the ground. There are also two jets down there which are what gives this VTOL functionality. There are attachment points for exhaust effects, though none are included here. That's a bit odd, isn't it?
* The back of the Despoiler has four thrusters, which is two more than the vintage vehicle had. There are paint applications for the thrusters and attachment points for the exhaust effects here as well.
* The wings have a nice amount of detail with various labels including Destro's Iron Grenadiers logo, the designation for the vehicle (similar to the vintage vehicle) and a Scottish looking lion on the tips of the bat-wing stabilizers.
* Is Destro's Despoiler armed? Oh, yeah. Absolutely! First, you've got four weapons barrels mounted on the front. The original called these dual laser cannons but there are four barrels this time around as you have four spots for energy or firing effects. The weapons system rotates and there are even belts for what I presume would be conventional ammunition. My vintage Despoiler may have been missing this piece as I remember not having it as a kid when I opened the box. I'm glad this one words. There's even what looks like a camera in the middle of the weapons for improved targeting and such.
* Each wing has four missiles under it: Three smaller missiles and one larger missile. Seriously, this thing is really heavily armed. Destro is not playing around.
* The control panel looks great and features a yoke for piloting the vehicle. This is a great print with some excellent details. I much prefer these printed elements over stickers.
* The cockpit is exposed, sure, but there is some protection from the fins from the side. Besides, I doubt Destro's going up against aircraft with this; I imagine he's using this to launch a quick attack on unsuspecting targets or to simply keep a watch over what's happening on the battlefield.
* These two missiles on the front are something else the vintage toy had and I've always loved them. They're just so darn cool! They fit snugly in the front and can be removed to obliterate a target. I'm not sure why I like them so much but I always have.
* This thing is really large! I'm honestly surprised by how big it is, but I do appreciate that it's a substantial piece and doesn't look dinky or anything. My understanding is that many retail products, especially toys like action figures, vehicles, models, dolls, and brick building sets, actually have a designated price point before they even really get toy designing the toy, so the Classified team likely needed to come up with a vehicle at this price point and decided to upscale the Despoiler. I'm not disappointed by the size, that's for sure. It's pretty substantial and Destro looks quite good inside of it. He doesn't feel like he's as much of a target as the vintage figure seemed to be.
The Negatives:
* I have one negative about this figure and it's the cape. Rather, the way the cape attaches to Destro. Maybe it's just my copy, but the pin on the back of the aiguillettes falls out rather easily. I'll probably put a spot of glue on there to keep it in place better and build up the peg as I can't see any real reason to remove the cape. It fits just fine when sitting in the cockpit.
This is a very cool set and both Destro and the Despoiler are excellent toys. If Destro were a standard release, he'd be incredible. If the Despoiler on its own were closer to, say, the $60 or $70 dollar mark, it'd be more palatable. This does feel like a rather expensive release at $110, though. At that price I'd really like to have flight stand and some thruster effects for the engines. It's not a bad figure and vehicle at all but there's really not as much to it as most other similarly priced Classified Series vehicles. It's a Good and a 1/2 set not because of quality but because of the price. Has some more extras been thrown in or if the Despoiler had more features (maybe a place to stow the shield and claymore, or some hidden weapons compartments), I think we might not be having this conversation. I'd love to see more cool little features on some of these vehicles that shake things up a bit. They don't necessarily need to larger or less expensive; just perhaps more interactive with a couple more cool little features.
This is the first version of the Despoiler that I've reviewed on the site.
If you're a fan of Destro also check out my reviews of the G.I. Joe Classified Series Destro and Profit Director Destro and the 8 inch G.I. Joe Crime Boss Destro.
For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:
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