G.I. Joe Classified Series Crimson Guard review
With Cobra’s early focus on all things blue, The Crimson Guard made for a striking addition to the ranks. I loved the whole concept of the Siegies as the elite Cobra Troopers who served as Cobra Commander’s bodyguards that also infiltrate society ready to create chaos and sabotage at a moment’s notice under the orders of their leaders, Tomax and Xamot.
After the Crimson Twins were revealed, I figured it wouldn’t take long to get the Sieges in the Classified Series line. The big question was how Hasbro would update them if at all since their design was one of the best of the Cobra troops. That was a common thread of the army builders from the Cobra Troopers to the Alley Vipers. It got a little dicey after that, but those original designs really didn’t need adjusting as they were so well executed.
I grabbed the first of what I expect to be many Crimson Guard figures so let’s see if he ends up being an elite army builder or just is a rank-and-file addition to my Cobra legions.
Package: I’ve been kind of hit or miss with the artwork for the packaging, but I do really like the work on The Crimson Guard by Orlando Arocena as it sells that organized hostile takeover mentality of the guard.
The main image of Siegle holding up his sword in a salute is a great touch. Unfortunately, The Crimson Guard doesn’t have a bio on the Joe website.
On the skill chart code, The Crimson Guard scored ones in covert ops and explosives and twos in infiltration and sabotage.
Likeness: That’s the sound of absolutely no complaints. I always liked the helmet design of The Crimson Guard and it’s been translated perfectly into the six-inch scale.
The lower portion of the helmet still juts out a little from the crimson top piece while the thin visor and slotted mouthpiece add to the intimidation factor.
It seems like a good deal of The Crimson Guard is unique parts from the Nehru collar, the angular sleeves, new kneepads (?) and angled boots. And all of the lining of the outfit is actually sculpted from the large panel frame, the rank stripe and medal are sculpted.
Hasbro probably would have left this detail up to the paintjob for the Marvel Legends line, but it gets the full sculpted treatment with the Classified Series line.
He’s also got a well-designed belt piece with two straps linking up in the front and braids on his right shoulder.
Paint: The striking crimson red certainly helped to make The Crimson Guard stand out, but it’s the smaller details like the silver accents and Cobra logo that make them look special.
Hasbro used a high-quality silver as it holds up just fine against the crimson without any bleeding or transparent sections.
Some of the sculpted details are tiny so a precise paint job seemed like it would be tricky, but I didn’t spot any egregious paint problems, which is highly impressive.
Scale: The Crimson Guard are regular height and will be eye to eye with Cobra Commander and looking up at the Cobra BAT.
Articulation: Hasbro has the market cornered on highly articulated six-inch figures that can pull off any pose you want with this line.
The Crimson Guard is amazingly fluid and can strike so many fun, elite squad trooper poses from deep stances, lunges, crouches, aiming on one knee and standing at attention to salute their august leader.
The Crimson Guard 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: The Crimson Guard is packed with a slew of accessories.
First up is the black assault rifle with bayonet. There’s a removable clip you can attach and remove, which has been something Hasbro has continued adding to the weapons. That’s a nice enhancement to the weapons.
He also comes with a ceremonial sword that fits in the scabbard. The scabbard attaches to the backpack or can get plugged into the belt. Additionally, he has a knife that fits into the sheath on the left side of his belt.
For small arms fire, he gets a pistol. It’s small but looks effective for subtle kidnapping where the big gun isn’t necessary.
The Crimson Guard’s backpack has very good, sculpted detailing with the Cobra logo in the center. It’s not red like the original, but I don’t mind the black in this case.
Worth It? The Crimson Guard was $24.99. I don’t love the price increase, but the Classified Series is the one Hasbro line that does the most to justify the cost considering all the accessories.
The biggest downside to the price is how much it impacts army building. Amassing a squadron of Crimson Guards would get expensive real quick at this price point.
Rating: 10 out of 10
The Crimson Guard has always been one of my favorite Cobra army troops and this might be my favorite one in the Classified Series so far.
Where to Get It? The Crimson Guard is available right now on Amazon and Entertainment Earth.
As an Amazon Associate and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.