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Review and photos by David Yeh

I've always wondered how long it would take before the Oktober Guard would make a return to the toy world and it's actually surprising that this latest comic pack marks only the second time Red Star has made a toy appearance! Of course this is still only his first time in the 25^th Anniversary style but it's still funny to think about since we're now also getting the 27^th version of Duke! Although we've seen quite a few Duke figures since 1983, this is the first time in my recollection that we're getting Duke in the classic Joe soldier uniform. This is a great change of pace for those who'd like to display the original outfit collection and still wanted a Duke to be among them; and also good for those who wouldn't mind having some extra Joe troops.

"The Oblivion Express" comic written by legendary Larry Hama pits the Joe forces against the Oktober Guard before they must join together to fight Cobra. The comic pack includes the two figures armed to the teeth along with file cards and display stands for both. Priced around ten dollars, this is definitely a better deal than buying two figures separately.

Duke (v27) makes full use of the Snake Eyes (v28) body with the head of Duke (v23). The accessories included are the identifiable Duke bandolier, binoculars with strap, rifle, pistol, helmet, and knife. Paint is applied well and you'll find the sculpt and articulation very familiar.

Red Star (v2)'s body construction is built using Duke (v23)'s torso, arms, waist, and thighs, with brand new lower legs and head sculpt. The sculpt is decent enough and the paint nicely applied. Skin tones on Red Star's face is painted on rather than molded in the appropriate color which is interesting considering that the majority of Joes have been molded in the appropriate color. Articulation is what you would expect from any the Duke sculpt: weak elbow articulation and decent everywhere else.

Red Star's real strong points are that he comes with a lot of goodies. He comes with a removable hat (always a plus), suspenders and belt, removable backpack, satchel, rifle with ammo pack, pistol, and knife.

So in the end, is it worth it to get this comic pack? I suppose if you're only a follower of the cartoon show, you could probably pass on this set but on the other hand, it's not another Snake Eyes or Storm Shadow and it's not just comic versions of figures you already own. This is a new character for this style and a version of an old character done in a new (old) way. And besides, you still need to get another Doc figure don't you?

Archive entries:
Duke (v27)
Red Star (v2)
Issue 6

Editor's Note:
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Images from the collection of: David Yeh

Figures courtesy of BigBadToyStore — get your G.I. Joes and much more at BigBadToyStore!