Art Design: The 40th Anniversary sets are boxed in a wide flat window box with a green pine tree colored background. The front of the box has a GI JOE 40th Anniversary Logo Seal that has to be broken in order to open the goods. A "Timeless Collection" banner across the right-hand corner also acts as a seal of authenticity. For collectors who keep this set "Mint In Box" Hasbro has provided the seals to prove it was never opened. The back of the box has diorama photos of all four sets from Wave 1 of the 40th Anniversary sets.
Reproduction Box: The box is an exact reproduction except that the small print indicates that it was produced in 2003. This is a great way to save your Vintage Joes or to display them. Hasbro rarely fails to impress when it comes to the printing, art, colors, design, and diorama photos. When the coffin-box is popped open, there in all his glory is a reproduction vintage 1964 Action Soldier!
The Headsculpt: The previous Timeless Collection and Masterpiece Edition reproductions of the 1964 GI Joe seemed to widen out the head or flatten the face and have never seemed accurate to this reviewer. None of those previous editions brought back the flood of 1960's nostalgia, but this 40th Anniversary really captures the 1964 look. Finally, GI Joe looks LEAN and MEAN. This version captures the leaner jaw structure and thinner face. This GI Joe looks like the real McCoy! This is a reproduction GI Joe that would look good standing next to a Vintage GI Joe.
The Action Figure: The new body seems to be a shade gray or less fleshtone than previous versions. The new body also seems to be a shade more hollow. As I usually pass the GI Joe head onto a more articulated Captain Action body, when I did it to this body my thumb caved in the chest. The plastic body definitely has some kinship with the original hollow GI Joe Defenders from 1977-78. Perhaps Hasbro is using recycled plastic or some other formula, but I have never accidentally pushed in the chest of any Vintage GI Joe. Perhaps Hasbro is trying to walk a fine line between increasing profits by using cheaper plastic and keeping the "GI JOE" brand name quality? It is not a big difference, and most people will never notice unless they are trying to switch the heads on their 40th Anniversary figures. Another more obvious difference is the use of transparent joint-pegs to connect the hands and feet, elbows, etc. (see photo).
The Outfit and Gear: Breaking open the cellophane can almost bring a tear to the eyes of anyone that opened one of these sets when they were a kid in the 1960s. The GI Joe in the box is dressed in Olive green shirt, pants, boots and green cap. Also included is the insignia stickers and the booklet. One of the booklets has the phrase "Anniversary Addition" printed on it which was a typographical error that the Copy Editor at Hasbro did not catch prior to printing. On a similar note, the University of Florida Gators Football Team issued their 2003 Annual Gator Press Guide with the photo of a Caiman Crocodile as the cover photo of a native "Alligator." So mistakes happen, but this tiny error with the 40th Anniversary "Addition" can only add to its charm and perhaps collectible value! The Gear is the Combat Jacket, a web-belt with the green ammo-pouches, grenades, and a rifle and bayonet. The Combat Jacket is the most impressive part of the gear. It looks great, fits great, and the materials are perfect. The fabric feels just like the originals.
Price and Availability: These sets are $29.96 at Wal-Marts and $39.99 at Toys R Us. The 2nd Wave of the 40th Anniversary has already been hitting the shelves so finding the 1st Wave may not be easy except at Online Dealers, e-bay, or at Toys R Us that has them at the higher prices.
Grade: A+
