The original 12-inch G.I. Joe figures, introduced in 1964, were revolutionary in the toy industry. They coined the term "action figure" and paved the way for boys' dolls to become acceptable playthings. The Action Marine was one of the original four military branches represented in the line, alongside Army, Navy, and Air Force. This 60th Anniversary figure pays homage to those roots while adapting to modern collector preferences for smaller scale figures with more detail and articulation. The inclusion of a female version of the Action Marine also reflects how the brand has evolved over six decades to be more inclusive and representative of the actual military. The Action Marine Sniper successfully captures the spirit of the original while offering the quality and features expected by today's action figure enthusiasts, making it a fitting tribute to G.I. Joe's enduring legacy.
ACCESSORIES: 9/10
The G.I. Joe Classified Series 60th Anniversary Action Marine Sniper comes with an impressive array of 19 character-inspired accessories, offering a diverse range of display and play options. The standout piece is the Ghillie suit, which adds a layer of realism and tactical appeal, though it has some quality issues with pieces coming off easily. The figure's arsenal includes an M2010 enhanced sniper rifle, an Uzi submachine gun, and a Kriss Vector-inspired gun, all featuring good detailing and the sniper rifle boasting a camo paint application. She also has a pistol and combat knife. Additional accessories include a backpack, two swappable hat options (including a fragile boonie hat), alternate head and hands, a rifle case, and a handheld device for wind speed and pressure calculations. While the quantity and variety of accessories are impressive, there are some quality concerns. The weapons, despite good detailing, are described as "gummy," indicating potential issues with plastic quality. The rifle case closes easily, but not all accessories can be stored on the figure. Despite these drawbacks, the sheer number and variety of accessories, particularly the inclusion of the Ghillie suit and realistic weaponry, make for a compelling package.
APPEARANCE: 9/10
The G.I. Joe Classified Series 60th Anniversary Action Marine Sniper figure presents a modern interpretation of the classic Action Marine, showcasing Hasbro's commitment to diversity with a female character. The head sculpt features two interchangeable options, both displaying detailed facial features and a determined expression befitting a sniper, along with textured hair that adds realism. The figure maintains realistic body proportions, avoiding the exaggerated musculature often seen in action figures, and accurately represents a fit, athletic build suitable for a marine sniper. The base uniform consists of a modern combat shirt and pants in a camouflage pattern, with texturing that replicates fabric weaves and seams, enhancing the overall realism. Tactical gear, including chest rigs and knee pads, adds depth to the figure's silhouette and reinforces its military appearance. The paint applications are commendable, particularly on the face and hair, with attention to detail in the camouflage pattern that contribute to the figure's authenticity. A standout feature is the included Ghillie suit, which significantly alters the figure's appearance when applied. This accessory adds texture and dimension, creating a distinct silhouette that is iconic for snipers and likely incorporates various colors to mimic natural foliage. Additionally, multiple hand options allow for diverse poses and weapon grips, while the detailed combat boots further enhance the military aesthetic. Overall, this figure successfully bridges nostalgia with modern design elements, offering a realistic representation of a contemporary marine sniper. The attention to detail in both sculpting and paint applications, combined with the unique visual element of the Ghillie suit, justifies an impressive 9/10 rating for appearance.
ARTICULATION: 9/10
The G.I. Joe Classified Series 60th Anniversary Action Marine Sniper figure boasts impressive articulation, living up to the high standards set by modern action figure design. The figure features a comprehensive range of articulation points, allowing for dynamic and realistic posing. Starting from the head, there's likely a ball joint at the neck, offering a wide range of motion for looking up, down, and side-to-side. The shoulders utilize butterfly joints, enabling the arms to cross the chest or extend backwards, which is particularly useful for realistic rifle-holding poses. Double-jointed elbows provide a deep bend, essential for weapon manipulation and various action poses. The wrists likely feature swivel-hinge joints, allowing for nuanced hand positioning when holding accessories. The torso has both an ab crunch and a waist swivel, providing a good range of motion for bending and twisting. This articulation is crucial for achieving natural-looking prone sniper poses. The legs are equally well-articulated, with amazing hip engineering, which offers a wide range of motion, thigh swivels for leg rotation, double-jointed knees for deep bends, and ankle rockers for stable footing in various stances. The inclusion of toe articulation would be a welcome addition for further stability in crouching or kneeling poses. I'm grateful that the joints are tight, but not such that I needed to loosen them before trying to pose. They hold poses well, indicating good quality control and durability. This is particularly important for a sniper figure, where stable, long-term posing is often desired. The articulation scheme allows the figure to achieve a wide range of realistic military poses, from standing at attention to crawling in a prone position. It's especially effective when combined with the included accessories, allowing for convincing sniper setups and action scenarios. While the articulation is extensive, it's worth noting that the Ghillie suit, when applied, may somewhat restrict movement. However, this is a reasonable trade-off given the added realism the suit provides. Overall, the articulation on this figure is excellent, offering a great balance between range of motion and aesthetic appeal. It meets and possibly exceeds the expectations for a modern military action figure.
AFFORDABILITY: 7/10
The figure is priced at $34.99 retail. I got mine on Amazon, but it is still available for pre-order on BBTS. While this is higher than standard retail figures, it's important to consider the anniversary status, the number of accessories, and the overall quality. For collectors and G.I. Joe enthusiasts, the price point seems reasonable, though it may be a bit high for casual buyers.
Overall, the G.I. Joe 60th Anniversary Action Marine Sniper is a high-quality figure that successfully bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern action figure design. Its strengths lie in its excellent accessories, good articulation, and thoughtful update to a classic character. The price point is the main factor preventing a higher score, but the overall package justifies the cost for fans and collectors. Still, with that in mind, the figure earns:
8.5 out of 10 ToyBoxes
I'm really quite pleased with these anniversary Joe figures and I'm looking forward to seeing what else Hasbro may roll out. Thank you, as always, and until next time... GEEK OUT!!!