GI Joe Classified Series Retro Rock ‘N Roll review (2025)
Retro Rock ‘N Roll was a figure in the GI Joe Classified Series line that didn’t necessarily have to get his classic look. The first CS version was perfectly fine with a few modern tweaks to update an OG13 member.
As Hasbro has gotten closer to completing the original Joe lineup in their traditional colors, the first RNR was starting to stand out a bit more so I figured my collection actually could use the Retro Rock ‘N Roll.
This is going to be a pretty quick review since the biggest changes from the original and the retro figure is the paintjob. Let’s see if this retro version gets me feeling especially nostalgic or if I needed to lean into the remix figure all along.
Packaging: Retro Rock ‘N Roll gets the signature retro card presentation with the blast in the background and RNR charging ahead with his machine gun. While I’m questioning if all of the Retro card art is done through AI, this one doesn’t look as bad as say Retro Flint’s card.
The bubble set up shows off all the accessories clearly and there’s zero chance of something being swapped out in this style.
Over on the back is his file card in various languages and the cross sell with wave mates Dr. Mindbender and the Retro Viper.
Likeness: Hasbro’s first crack at Rock ‘N Roll was outstanding. It captured his classic look really well with just a few gear changes namely a holster for his sidearm, a pouch on his left leg and a belt with a canteen and removable walkie talky.
He got a stellar packed with impressive detailing for his hair and beard. It’s so much more complex than the standard at this scale.
Retro Rock ‘N Roll retains the ribbed collar that was a signature aspect of all the original Joes. He’s also got the higher rolled up short sleeves and no extra ammo extra ammo straps around his wrists. Of course, Retro Rock ‘N Roll has his signature cross strap belt of bullets across his chest.
Paint: This is the biggest difference from the original figure.
Hasbro went with a two-tone look for the first version, while the Retro Rock ‘N Roll has the base olive green with black accents for his belt, holster and pouch. His boots are a darker brown although the original version had a more accurate shade of brown.
His ammo straps are gold and black instead of gold and brown. The Real American Hero figure featured more of a gold on yellow, which made the brown look closer to that classic look. The tattoos proved to be somewhat divisive for Joe fans so the Retro Rock ‘N Roll has them removed.
For some reason, Hasbro went with a different shade for his skin tone giving RNR more of a tan appearance.
His hair also has a darker wash applied throughout as well. And like the RAH figure, RNR’s eyebrows are dark brown.
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Scale: Retro Rock ‘N Roll is about the same height as Grunt, Steeler and Short Fuze. That makes him slightly taller than Snake Eyes and noticeably taller than Scarlett. That seems about right and It’s nice to not have all the Joes looking eye to eye.
Articulation: You know what to expect at this point from the Classified Series and Retro Rock N’ Roll hits all the expected poses from being a stationary machine gunner to being on the move laying down heavy cover fire.
He’s got a very smooth base making him one of my favorite figures in the line to pose even if he’s just using his smaller handgun to take down Cobra troops.
Retro Rock ‘N Roll 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: In the shift from standard Classified Series to Retro line, Rock N Roll didn’t lose any of his accessories, which isn’t always the case. He comes with a sizable machine gun, but one that isn’t so large he can’t really carry it with one hand unlike the RAH figure. It also has a bipod stand when he’s defending a position.
He also has a small ammo box, which is painted all black. He has the longer ammo clip painted to match the ones across his chest. That feeds into the machine gun similarly to the first one.
Retro Rock ‘N Roll has the new modern style helmet with “Hang Ten” removed. That was a fun personal touch that would have been cool to see retained. The shades of green aren’t an exact match. His handgun fits easily into the holster.
The walkie talky is painted olive and dark green this time. He keeps the swappable hands — a right fist and left devil horns.
Finally, he’s got the standard Retro series stand.
Worth It? The price for that Retro Joe Classified figures is $24.99, Like most Classified Series figures, Retro Rock ‘N Roll does have enough to make him worth the full price.
I got Retro Rock ‘N Roll through a Hasbro Pulse sale for $17 only to find him a week later at Ross for $9 because of course that’s how it works out. Either way he’s a worthwhile double dip purchase.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
The paintwork on the head of the original CS figure is better, but for a classic version, the Retro Rock n Roll is an otherwise excellent figure.
Where to Get It? This current wave is all over from Target, Walmart and GameStop. You can also get Rock N Roll from Amazon or Entertainment Earth.
As an Amazon Associate and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.