By Justin Bell
Ever since the first G.I. Joe mini-series aired, it’s been quite obvious that Duke is the central focus of the G.I. Joe mythos. An ardent leader, a wise teacher, Duke cart wheeled through laser fire, got the girl(s!!) and single handedly smacked around COBRA. This dynamic character quickly gained a following among the young kids watching a real American hero on TV and playing out their battles in the deadly battlegrounds of the back yard. Duke’s blonde hair, blue eyes, as American as apple pie, Duke has represented what G.I. Joe stands represents for a long time, and now he is finally getting some representation of his own.
To this very day Duke continues to be a major player in the G.I. Joe universe, and in the 25 th Anniversary line, Duke is presented as faithfully today as he did all those years ago. This version of Duke features a wealth of functional articulation that includes double jointed kneed, ball joint ankles, t-bar socket hips, a ball joint torso, ball jointed shoulders and elbows, swivel wrists and a ball jointed head – as usual, a perfect array of articulation meshed with style and eye-popping detail. Duke also features a great assortment of weaponry and gear including an M-16A2/M203, a pistol that fits into his side holster, his trademark bandolier with grenade, standard issue G.I.Joe battle-helmet and a pair of forward observer binoculars. The detail and perfect styling of these accessories compliment Duke to perfection and truly make him stand out as the hardened battlefield commander for G.I.Joe. Adding to the details of the figure is that familiar look in his eyes, Duke is here just as you remember him, right down to the flag on his shoulder – just like the very first mail-order versions! This Joe means business.
Duke is also part of a set of four additional figures who we will review in the coming days, but we should take a moment to examine the packaging and details included in this exclusive 5-figure set. The box features a chrome-foil box flap with Duke right on the front along with the iconic G.I.Joe logo emblazoned across the front. Inside the box (see gallery below) all five figures are displayed along with their file cards and vintage-style character artwork in a diorama background. The box back is the best part of all with a gorgeous collage of comic, cartoon, package and other advertisement graphics - along with a sneak-peek at the San Diego ComiCon Destro! And if this blast of nostalgic art and media wasn't enough, there is also an included G.I.Joe logo sound box that features the theme to the G.I.Joe cartoon series! (of note, the theme is copied from the 1985 season one intro - more pictures below)
Back to our review of Duke; the original version is such an iconic and integral part of Joe history that his accurate representation for the 25th Anniversary is very important. Duke's tan shirt and green pants, the airborne medal on his shirt, his removable helmet, and that familiar bandolier across his chest. From head to toe, this is the Duke you remember taking the battle to the enemy; this is the Duke built to lead America’s highly trained special missions force.
COBRA Commander may command a legion…but Duke leads the very best, and now, twenty-five years after a Real American Hero's debut, Duke continues the fight – YoJoe!
More action shots:
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