[TAO's Note: It's time to step back from the movie frenzy for a second and take a look at a toy from Hasbro's GI Joe 25th Anniversary line: Croc Master. Clark offers his perspective on this wild toy, deciding whether or not a flush down the toilet would be more appropriate than keeping him as a family pet. Want to know if he's sewer bound? Then read on!]
Name: Croc Master
Line: G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Released: 4th Quarter 2008
Price: Retail $6.99-$7.99, Online $6.99-$8.99
Accessories: Respirator, revolver, whip, crocodile with leash, and figure stand
Sponsor Listings: Ka-Razy Kings of Toys-$5.50, Past Generation Toys-$7.95, Amazon-$6.99
Croc Master is a bit of an odd character. I loved him as a kid, but as an adult I really wasn’t planning on getting him. Being bored with what I’d been seeing from the 25th line for several weeks, I went ahead and bought him, and was pretty impressed. This is a great update of the 80s character. There are plenty of little details that add to his character, such as stitches in his mask, and teeth marks on his arm from a croc bite, not to mention his crocskin shirt and boots. He is a very muscular, looking larger than most of the other Joe figures. My only complaint would be that his calves are skinny for such a muscular person.
Sculpt Score: 8 / 10
This is quite a fine paint job indeed. The eyes are bright and crisp, the straps on his thigh and boots are perfect, and the pants are a nice matte black. He really looks quite good and all of the colors accurately capture the “magic” of the first Croc Master.
Paint Score: 8 / 10
Not only does Croc Master have all of the joints a 25th Joe should have, his have a great range of motion. His swivel, crunch torso works particularly well, as does the ball joint neck. The hose running from the respirator to his mask is very flexible allowing you to move his head in all directions without it falling out.
Articulation Score: 8 / 10
From the silly look, to the slightly miniature crocodile with opening jaws, to his revolver, Ole’ Croc Master ends up being a fun toy. He may not fit in with the realism that some of the other Joes strive for, but he is interesting and entertaining nonetheless.
Fun Score: 7 / 10
If you got him in the store you probably paid about $6.99 for him, and you can still find him online for that price. Due to his lack of general appeal to collectors, this is not a figure to be scalped, and you won’t find too many inflated prices online. I do wish that he came with more accessories, but I guess the crocodile counts for two or three (at least in Hasbro’s eyes).
Value Score: 7 / 10
8 / 10 - Solid sculpt with unique details, arms look a bit too “plastic” but not unforgivably so.
8 / 10 - No problems with the paint, and good color matching to the original figure.
8 / 10 - Typical articulation for a Joe, which is better than most 3.75” figures on the market.
7 / 10 - Has good play value with his crocodile and larger muscles.
7 / 10 - Not overly priced at about $7.00.
76 / 100 - This is a Good Toy
There is nothing wrong with Croc Master from an action figure point of view. He is just a funny character when compared to other G.I. Joes. Of course, there are even wilder figures too, just look at the Cobra-La guys. Croc Master is not for everyone. If you were a fan of him as a child and want to give this update a shot, then try to get him for a good price online. Otherwise don’t worry about tracking him down.
-Clark
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