G.I. Joe Classified Series Croc Master and Fiona review

Want a clear example why Hasbro’s G.I. Joe Classified Series line is the favorite of so many collectors right now? Look no further than the deluxe pack of Croc Master & Fiona.

Croc Master was a late addition in the original Real American Hero line, which meant he missed out on the fanfare of being featured in the cartoon series or even G.I. Joe The Movie. Despite that, he still developed a decent enough fan following due largely to his inspired design and spotlight moments in the G.I. Joe comic book series.

Hasbro has been creative about the roll-out and execution for characters in the Classified Series line. I’d argue Croc Master has been the biggest surprise. Not so much from how well-crafted the character turned out, but that extra, unnecessary yet wholly welcome inclusion of one of his pet crocodiles.

Let’s serve this set up to see if it’s indeed in the running for Best in Line or if it’s time to carve up some new boots.

Package:  This deluxe set is basically an enlarged version of the standard packaging just spread out so you can see Croc Master and his pet croc better. In the insert is a wide Cobra logo so there’s no mistaking his affiliation. I like Luke Preece’s artwork as it resembles more of a classic comic book style than some of the other artists used.

Croc Master is No. 38 in the series. On the back we get a wider, poster style version of the latest artwork. Croc Master makes the cut along with two crocodiles. Anytime Hasbro wants to release that as a poster, I’m ready to buy it…

Croc Master didn’t make the cut to have a bio on the Joe website. It’s really time for an update for all the newer characters.

Fortunately, I can still use the skill chart code for his specialties. Croc Master scored a 2 in melee weapons, 3 in strength and security and naturally a 4 in animal handling.

Likeness:  Croc Master looks hecka intimidating with his red eyes and large re-breather fitted over his tight black mask. The tiny details really help make this figure top level. Check out the seams from Croc Master having to sew a hole up in the mask’s left section. And check out the Cobra button on his right breastplate.

In case you might have missed the theme, Croc Master doubles and triples down on it with his outfit. Most notably is the chest piece/armor with a crocodile skin pattern. I really love how the scales aren’t all the same size with some distinction between them. His belt is framed with a croc eye in the middle and his left arm gauntlet, holster and sheath have croc skin patterns.

The rebreather connects to a oxygen tank attached to Croc Master’s back. This is removable in case he’s fighting Joes without any water nearby.

Fiona is a remarkable achievement in animal sculpting at this scale — doubly more so for a pet sidekick type character. It’s clear how much love and attention went into this sculpt.

This isn’t some half tail hastily thrown together effort. Every bit of Fiona from the scales, the texture of her skin and size convey a threatening menace that only the Croc Master can tame.

Paint: Croc Master’s paintjob is sharp. The piercing red eyes stand out even with the black mask. Even with smaller detail work like the yellow lines in the belt or the Cobra insignia came out clean.

I really love the gradient on the chest armor as it goes from light green in the middle to darker green along the sides.

Again, Fiona’s paintjob is superb. She’s not just dark green — there’s a darker wash on her top as the green goes from a nearly black green to dark green to a light green underbelly.

The paintwork on her eyes and teeth are especially impressive.

Scale:  Croc Master is slightly taller than regular height more in line with Destro than say Cobra Commander. That’s fitting for a guy who’s wrangling crocodiles. And he should be taller than the standard Cobra grunts.

Articulation: There’s no question the Classified Series line is one of Hasbro’s most fluid in terms of articulation and has some of the smoothest movement on the 6″ front.

Croc Master has to be able to get into deep crouches and get his arms around Fiona if needed. There’s no problem on that front as Croc Master has no issues hitting running, lunges, crouches or fight poses.

Croc Master 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

Fiona doesn’t need as much articulation naturally, but she’s got a surprising amount all the same including a wire-framed tail!

Fiona has:

• head
• jaw
• neck
• mid-torso
• torso
• legs
• wrist
• wrist hinge
• tail

Accessories: For the sake of the set, let’s not count Fiona as an accessory. Even then, Croc Master has plenty of accessories.

First up he’s got a whip. It’s coiled so you won’t be able to get any cool whipping action poses out of it, but it looks good particularly the handle tying in the Croc Master motif. It’s got a croc skin pattern in the base.

Croc Master also has a medium sized revolver for his holster and a knife for his right leg sheath. The knife has some great detail with a crocodile skin pattern in the hilt that’s actually the same color as Croc Master’s chest armor.

It’s harder to make out the detail since it’s all black, but the revolver also has a crocodile skin pattern on the handle as well.

He’s also got a big meat hook to help pry Fiona’s mouth open when she doesn’t want to come off of something she’s holding.

Finally, there’s a big chain and leash so Croc Master can steer and guide Fiona along. The chain might be a smidge too thick as it tends to fight back against some natural poses but given Fiona’s size it doesn’t look outlandish.

Fiona does have some accessories in the form of two baby crocodiles — one albino and the other a lighter green. The sculpting on them is amazing and again something so insignificant in the grand scheme of things with the figure but an appreciated bonus. That’s really going above for some accessories.

Worth It? Croc Master was $41.99. That was about the price of two Classified Series before price increases and Fiona definitely qualifies as a full figure in her own right. The value is definitely here with this set and now you can get it even cheaper at $31.99 on Amazon.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Croc Master and Fiona show the love letter to the fans that is the Classified Series line. Hasbro went above and beyond to make this set special and it’s one of the standouts in the line so far.

Where to Get It?  Croc Master (and Fiona) is available right now on Amazon and Entertainment Earth.

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