Packaging: The SOTW Footlocker box is basically laid out as an exact replica of the GI Joe Footlocker box. As far as design goes, you can see it all here, and it looks good. Who would have thought that Formative, makers of the Soldiers of The World 12" action figures would have the guts to go toe-to-toe with Hasbro, makers of G.I. Joe? After all, since back in 1966 when Hasbro launched the first wave of G.I. JOE Footlockers, the little footlockers for 12" action figures have always been associated with G.I. Joe. None of Hasbro's competition has ever crossed the line into hard-core GI JOE Territory before now.
The Figure: The Footlockers all have a standard Ultra-Articulated 12" SOTW figure. The Vietnam War Footlocker which is being reviewed includes a soldier that looks a lot like actor DeForest Kelley (Dr. Bones McCoy of the Star Trek TV Series). However some people have told me that he looks more like Sheriff Lobo of the BJ and The Bear (and later, Sheriff Lobo) TV shows. Either way, it is a distinctive face, and the main reason that I bought it!
The Footlocker: It is about a 1/4 inch smaller than a GI JOE Footlocker, and it is made of hard plastic. There are four kinds available: World War II, Vietnam War (both green), Desert Storm, and Enduring Freedom (both tan color). It looks and feels more realistic than the rubbery GI Joe Footlockers. However, those soft plastic GI Joe Footlockers can probably take a lot more kid-play without cracking. This SOTW Footlocker has a very ingenious locking mechanism which blows away the Hasbro rubber tab-lock on their Footlockers. You can actually turn the lock and voila!! The Footlocker is locked!! Anyone who watched the movie Biloxi Blues with Christopher Walken may remember that "an open footlocker is an invitation for trouble!" This SOTW Footlocker is a great new twist on an old GI JOE idea.
The Gear: A nice Bazooka, a shell for it; 3 grenades, 2 Flash Grenades, a flashlight, bug juice, a handgun and holster, ammo puches, canteen, M-16s, helmet, T-Shirt, jacket, pants, and boots. Alot of this gear could be weatherized or customized and it would look better. As it is, it rivals the standard that Hasbro has set for the Modern G.I. Joe.
Price: $15.99 at K-Marts, Wal-Marts, and other fine stores. Where else can you get Dr. McCoy, a Footlocker, some gear and a uniform for this price?
Grade: A+
