By Justin Bell and Terry Dizard
  Twenty-Five years ago, Hasbro revolutionized the entire toy industry as we know it. While Hasbro coined the term "action figure" in 1964, the unveiling of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is what really put the "action" in the term "action figure" and it had a lasting impact on not entire toy and retail landscape.
A lot has happened since then. Action figures have made leaps, bounds, and jumps in quality, construction, and articulation, yet there is still something about the simple classic style that brings fans new and old back to the Real American Hero.
Now, twenty-five years later, Hasbro starts a celebration of the life of the Real American Hero. Many comparisons will be made to the classics, but make no mistake, these aren't meant to replace your figures, they're meant to celebrate them. Taking the energy and spirit of A Real American Hero and hurtling it into the twenty-first century with state-of-the-art construction, articulation and detailing never seen before on the 3 3/4" G.I. Joe figures, Hasbro is releasing the 25th Anniversary Collection.
All throughout 2007, collectors will have a chance to own modern representations of their favorite classics either in 5-Pack form or single packs available at all retail locations. The first 5-Packs will be hitting in mid-summer, but YoJoe got an early sample of fan favorite Scarlett!
Without a doubt, the females of the G.I. Joe and COBRA conflict have gathered mass appeal and are among the favorites of the fans. Such a shame that often times the female figures were fairly limited in sculpt and scope. But no longer!
As you can see, the new 25th Anniversary Scarlett stands tall and proud next to her Real American Hero counterpart, really holding the female shape, but still looking like she's ready to dish out some serious punishment.
But during the days that she needs a little firepower...
Scarlett can grab right on to the same classic crossbow that came with the original figure and hold it perfectly. It's like her hands were sculpted for it. Not in twenty-five years has a Scarlett figure been able to hold and fire her Crossbow like this. (Also note that while Scarlett is holding the 1982 style crossbow, she in fact will have an all new crossbow.)
But when the fighting gets down and dirty, Scarlett can move with the best of them. Even without an o-ring she retains plenty of functional articulation and can accomodate almost any position you wish. Her joints are tight and stiff, and she holds any pose. Scarlett features 22 points of articulation including a ball-joint head, insert-molded shoulder ball joints, mid-torso ball-joint, t-bar legs, ball joint knees and ball joint ankles. Very impressive and makes the 25th Anniversary body-style the most articulated 3 3/4" G.I.Joe to date.
Those of you worrying about scale, worry no longer. Scarlett can stand next to any of your classic sculpt figures and blend right in.
From head to toe, this new Scarlett is a nearly perfect representation of every Joefan's favorite redhead. Fully poseable, incredibly well-detailed, and perfectly in scale, Scarlett will fit in anyone's collection and is a true homage to Shana O'Hara. She will be available in the G.I. Joe Battle Pack #1 Five-Pack, coming this summer, with an MSRP of $24.99
This isn't about comparisons...this isn't about what we had twenty-five years ago. This is an homage to the greatness we saw in our youth...this is a celebration. Don't be left out.
Yo Joe!
More action shots:
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