G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Duke review

Duke was easily my favorite figure of the first wave of G.I. Joe Classified Series figures. It felt like a perfect blend of the Real American Hero design updated for a new era.

With more feedback from collectors that they preferred the CS line to skew closer to the classic looks, the Hasbro team introduced the Retro series. It started with largely repaints — but now has evolved to a mix of parts that more accurately reflect the original look and some new sculpting.

Duke wouldn’t have been in my Top 10 of figures that needed a Retro version. Still, the initial render showed that the CS team might have created the definitive version of Conrad Hauser. Let’s see if this Retro figure shows a perfect take on the man of action or if the original CS figure will still be in a featured position in the display.

Packaging: Hasbro listened to the complaints about the flimsy packaging with the first Retro series. The cardstock is greatly improved and thick. You’re gonna have to work to bend this card. It’s nice to see a company make the necessary adjustments in response to collector feedback.

The card art is a savvy interpretation of the original card with tweaks to show the alterations for the Retro CS figure.

Over on the back we get the classic file card and the cross sell of the other Retro figures in this rollout – Scarlett and Recondo. I do wish Hasbro retained the skill sets that was incorporated with the start of the Classified Series line.

Likeness: The biggest thing with Retro Duke is the figure has less clutter and distracting elements. Hasbro scrapped the knee pads, shin guards and gloves with knuckles. Everything is nice and streamlined.

Duke’s head sculpt is interesting as it seems to have most of the elements as the original CS figure. The hair sculpt clearly is the same. It really seems like the face paint is the biggest difference.

The shirt could have easily reused the first one, but the CS team focused on accuracy. The shirt is different with the sculpted underneath shirt collar popping out to rest over the main collar.

His pin/medal is more accurate to the original card design with a diamond-like center flanked by wings. This shirt also has buttons. It seems like Hasbro smartly reused the first figure’s lower half minus the armor bits. The boots are different skewing closer to the cartoon version than the original figure.

The extra belt is gone, but he’s got a new holster and ankle sheath for his gear.

Paint: Shifting to a more traditional look means Duke’s costume isn’t nearly as colorful. That’s a good thing as there’s no random red, light blue, brown, silver and gold. Everything is more subdued with a lighter tan shade for the shirt and an olive green for the pants.

His inner shirt gets a touch of olive green to match his pants. The application is crisp thanks in part to the shirt actually being sculpted. There is one weird aspect with the paint work on the shirt. The elbows are a different shade than the rest of the shirt. It’s not awful, but it is noticeable.

The accent colors are less busy as well. There are some brown pouches on his belt. Duke’s pin is gold. Hasbro was very consistent with the darker forest green used for the ammo strap, holster and sheath.

His American flag is on his right shoulder. Unlike the figure, it’s painted so the U.S. never retreats.

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Scale: Duke is the prototypical average Joe. He’ll be looking eye to eye with wave mates Spirit and Mutt while looking up at Roadblock.

Articulation: There’s no surprise with Duke’s articulation. He’s got a fantastic range with no limitations. Without a flak jacket or bulky vest, Duke can easily hit crouching poses as well as the original figure.

He’s a great example of how fluid the Classified Series articulation scheme was established.

Retro Duke 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: Duke gets a ton of gear for this Retro release. The CS team made sure this is the definitive Real American Hero version of Conrad and didn’t skip anything.

Let’s start with the easy stuff. He’s got his signature handgun. In the comics, he helped Roadblock shoot down the Cobra Rattler with it so maybe it’s more powerful than it might seem?

He’s got more firepower, however.

Next is the M-32 sub-machine gun. This is an exact replication of the RAH version. It’s also repurposed from Stalker just cast in a lighter green like the original figure.

Finally, he’s got the XMLR-3A rifle that was the standard blaster from the cartoon. It’s cast in green with a black butt. As one of the more featured Joes in the cartoon that is a welcome bonus.

To give a little extra with this retro release, Duke comes with swappable fists. That makes sense seeing as how often he was a Cobra prisoner forced to punch his way out of situations.

Duke also has a knife. I’m pretty sure this has been reused before, but I can’t place it.

The knife looks great with a brown grip, gold pommel and silver blade with a detail etching in the middle.

Duke’s original figure had a green helmet he only seemed to wear when flying a Skystriker in the cartoon.

This one adds a tinted visor so we’re slowly getting the various parts I need for a Classified Series Flash.

Another original accessory that’s included is his pair of binoculars. These aren’t the same that came with the original CS figure. The really cool thing is they’re sloped and angled in the same style as the 1984 version.

Finally, his backpack from the first CS figure returns. This was a well-done accessory that stays in firmly into Duke’s back. For this release, it’s cast in the original tan color. It’s slightly darker than his shirt.

The shovel remains green with text stating G.I. Joe – A Real American Hero wherever there is trouble over land, sea and air G.I. Joe is there. That’s so unnecessary, but it’s such a fun inclusion.

Worth It?  When Hasbro introduced Retro figures to the line, they were $5 more. They’re still $25 while the rest of the line has caught up. Duke is pretty packed with gear and a significant enough upgrade from the original figure that it’s worth the double dip.

Rating: 9.7 out of 10

Duke is pretty much perfect besides the off-color elbows. I love the plentiful accessories and terrific head sculpt. This definitely has me looking forward to more Retro versions of some of the previous Classified Series Joes.

Where to Get It?  Previously, the Retro line was exclusive to Wal-Mart and Hasbro Pulse. To help more collectors access them, you can now grab Duke from Target. If you prefer the online route, Amazon and Entertainment Earth also have Duke available.

As an Amazon Associate and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.