G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Beach Head review
Beach Head has always been one of the cooler looking Joes. I really liked the Assault on Cobra Island Beach Head that came out early in the Classified Series’ run. I was satisfied at the time with him, but Hasbro started making more Retro-skewing figures harkening to their Real American Hero looks, a Retro Beach Head quickly shot up my most wanted list. After a Flint and a ver. 2 Snake Eyes of course.
Thankfully the wait wasn’t too long as a Retro Beach Head has arrived. This has been one of my more anticipated CS figures for the back end of 2024 so let’s see if Hasbro’s CS team delivered or if this take just deserves to get washed out at the shore.
Packaging: As usual for the Retro card series, Hasbro channels the look of the original 3.75 appearance without being an exact replica. BH actually has some of the stronger new card art as it doesn’t just look like a changed up for the sake of changing it up drawing. I do wish Hasbro went with one plastic bubble for the figure and another for the accessories just to make it look neater.
Over on the back we get the file card in five languages and the drastically shortened bio. This is a streamlined carryover from the original Real American Hero card: Beach Head was a lane instructor at Ranger School and an Observer/Advisor at the Covert Ops School in Central America. He’s meticulous, patient and strong-willed. He doesn’t get angry…he gets even.
Beach Head earned a consistent 3 stars in Covert Ops, Vanguard, Light Weapons and Weapons Development.
Likeness: Beach Head’s Retro figure shares some parts with the original figure, but there’s more new parts than I expected. The head sculpt is the same, which is fine since that was excellent with the seriously intent expression being portrayed from just a raised eyebrow.
He’s now using the Stalker and Retro Snake Eyes buck. That ditches the complex paneling on his sleeves, the armored kneepads and shin guards. It’s far more streamlined and works better for a quick strike fighter like Beach Head.
BH has two holsters on either side of his hip and a sheathe on his right boot. I do wish the small dynamite strapped to the leg of the RAH figure was included this time.
This time he’s got a different flak vest that better reflects the RAH style with five ammo clips over two pouches strapped across the front. And it’s got the beret tucked into the left side like the original figure.
Paint: This is the category that really sets the Retro Beach Head apart from the first version. He’s sporting a dark hunter green, which makes him look more serious than the yellow green from the first CS figure. The precise details like the grey ammo clips and red beret are well done. This time he’s got the 75 patch like the original RAH figure.
Easily the biggest improvement is the return of camouflage pants. That was one of the more distinguishing elements of Beach Head and I’m thrilled they’re back for this Retro figure.
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Scale: Beach Head is around the same height as the standard Joe meaning he’s taller than Tunnel Rat and Lady Jaye, eye to eye with Flint and Duke and looking up at Sgt. Slaughter.
Articulation: Beach Head needs superior articulation, which is why the Stalker mold is a great choice for him. The flak vest doesn’t significantly hinder his movement. The holsters do provide some restriction since they’re attached to his thighs.
Beach Head can get nice and sneaky hitting deep crouches, snatching up some Cobras or barking orders out at the Rawhides.
Retro 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: The first Beach Head had a heavy accessory load out and that’s true for the Retro one as well even if there’s little carry over from the original.
First up is his backpack and crossbow. These are reused from the original figure though it seems like Hasbro went with a lighter hue of green for the crossbow. It is a little odd that there’s no bolt to launch.
This plugs into a nook in the backpack. Thankfully it’s a snug fit as well as the backpack, which doesn’t fall off with a glance.
He’s got the explosions satchel used with the Retro Snake Eyes. That was an accessory for the RAH BH so it was cool to see it included here.
He’s got two canister style grenades that can clip onto the side holsters or the vest like the RAH figure.
BH also has a pistol with a silencer attachment. Naturally these can fit in the holster.
His main weapon is old school going with the 9mm XF-7 WASP submachine gun. I’m not sure why Hasbro keeps going light green for his guns. Even using a light grey would have been better since that was the look of the RAH figure. Green makes the weapons look like the figures are holding toy guns.
Finally, he’s got two knives — one with a green hilt and the other with a black one. The handles are actually different in a cool touch so it’s not just the same weapon. And he comes with a figure stand.
Worth It? The Classified Series typically feels like one of the few lines that manages to justify the $25 price tag. Beach Head gets enough gear to call the price point fair.
Rating: 10 out of 10
I thought about quibbling over the green gun, but this was an essential RAH update for me and Hasbro didn’t let me down. As much as I like the first Beach Head, this is the one that’s immediately taking a priority spot on my Joe shelf.
Where to Get It? Previously, the Retro line was exclusive to Wal-Mart and Hasbro Pulse. To help more collectors access them, Hasbro has made the line available at other retail partners including Target and GameStop. If you prefer the online route, Amazon and Entertainment Earth also have him available.
As an Amazon Associate and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.