G.I. Joe Classified Series Special Missions: Cobra Island Beach Head figure review

So that whole Target.com pre-ordering became a fiasco didn’t it? Fortunately I was able to track down the Classified Series Beach Head today along with a Cobra trooper. No need for a big wind up, we’ve got a new Classified Series figure to review.

Package: This is mostly the same package setup as the first wave. The insert is different with what seems more of a Cobra Island theme. There’s a prominent Special Missions: Cobra Island on the front. I really like the package art, which features Beach Head marching through a swap and the side with a “pssst, you ain’t staying around here long” expression.

The rear shows various attack points for the Joes as they plan their assault. I think the inner package shows a Cobra temple reminiscent of the one shown in Pyramid of Darkness.

I like that Hasbro is mixing up the back instead of the same poster from the first wave.

According to the website breakdown, Beach Head specializes in Covert Ops, Vanguard, Light Weapons and Weapons Development.

Likeness: As with most figures in the Classified Series so far this isn’t an exact replica of the Real American Hero figure, but retains enough of those classic elements that it’s easy to tell it’s Beach Head. He’s got the black flak vest with the only real difference being a lack of silver spare clips in front. He’s also got that red and blue communicator like the other figures.

I LOVE the expression as one eyebrow is slightly raised and the eyes have a real intensity to them like Beach Head is about to kick some serious tail. In keeping with the RAH look, he’s wearing a lined shirt and a balaclava and gloves. More in line with modern versions, he’s got a holster on the right thigh and the left thigh has spare clips.

Beach Head uses the same lower torso and legs from the Duke figure featuring the textured pants. It’s mixed up somewhat with the “waffle like” shin guards that I could see being repurposed for Flash or Grand Slam.  

Paint: Hasbro gave Beach Head his trademark olive green. The pouches on his shoulders are a light yellow/gold. His vest is not a flat black as the outer portions are black, but the inner area is brown. He’s got the same hands as Duke, but he has a more reserved green against the black gloves. 

Beach Head lacks his traditional camo pants, which is my biggest knock on the figure. They’re a dark brown with the knee pads and shin guards getting a touch of black to help them stand out.

Scale: Beach Head is the same height as Snake Eyes making him taller than Scarlett, just a bit shorter than Duke and looking up to Roadblock.

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Articulation: The biggest revelation with the Classified Series has been its superb articulation. Beach Head keeps that up even with the somewhat restrictive vest. He can sink in to some deep poses and do pretty much everything you could envision for one of the Joe’ sneakiest and dirtiest fighters.

Beach Head has:

• head
• neck
• shoulders (butterfly)
• elbow (double-jointed)
• wrist
• wrist hinge
• mid-torso
• torso
• waist
• hips (ball-jointed)
• drop down hips
• knees (double-jointed)
• ankles

Accessories: I think Beach Head sets the new mark for accessories.

He comes with his backpack that has the shell like the RAH figure. That pack also included a mini crossbow, which is now a separate piece. Initially, I thought it was a simple repaint of Scarlett’s crossbow, but it’s an entirely new piece that also plus into the backpack.

The backpack tends to pop off easier than I’d like however.

 

He also comes with a reuse of Duke’s pistol and a knife. I don’t like the green coloring of his accessories as that gives them a cheap toy look. Unlike Snake Eyes, Beach Head’s knife fits snugly in the sheath.

Beach Head also comes with his beret. Normally that’s tucked under a fold in his vest. It’s an interesting inclusion as Beach Head doesn’t seem the type to wear the beret over his balaclava.

This feels more like a test run for a hopefully forthcoming Flint figure(!). I do wish Hasbro included a folded down version to tuck in the vest like the RAH figure.

Finally, he comes with a larger rifle. This is a cool looking gun save the all green sculpt.

Cast it in black or silver with a few accent paint apps like Duke’s rifle and we’d be in business. Time to break out the black spray paint again.

Worth It?  For this scale, there’s not a better value at this price point. I haven’t felt cheated out of my $20 yet and Beach Head certainly doesn’t break the trend.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Beach Head himself is another 10 figure, but the green weapons ding him down just a bit. If Hasbro makes a weapon pack with black and silver colors I’ll bump his score up.

Where to Get It? All of the Cobra Island figures are Target exclusives. That probably doesn’t mean this is the final version of Beach Head we’ll see. The line is supposedly street dated for Aug. 14, but some stores are selling them with no trouble.