Review: Sideshow Collectibles Recruits Major Bludd

COBRA!!!!

With G.I.Joe being on a quiet hiatus since the 50th anniversary, fans are looking to fill that void Ieft on their shelves. Look no further Joe fans, Sideshow delivers that must-have Joe figure longing to join collectors shelves everywhere.

Sideshow Collectibles started out in 1994, creating toy prototypes for major companies such as Mattel, Galoob and Wild Planet. In 1999,  The company  began creating items in the sixth scale format that sold through specialty markets, at which time Sideshow switched their name from “toys” to “collectibles”.

Sideshow Collectibles currently partners with Marvel, Disney, WB, Lucasfilm, DC, Blizzard Entertainment, and others to create product from properties such as the Marvel Universe, the DC Universe, Star Wars, Alien & Predator, Terminator, and many more.

One such brand includes G.I.Joe. Major Bludd joins the ranks of a long growing list of the brand. The first thing to point out is all the accessories– Bludd includes multiple guns with clips, multiple rockets that also attach to his backpack, multiple hands, a helmet, and heads with and without an eyepatch.  He also features the signature collection of Joe dog tags, some with spots of blood, and yes– these look like real authentic army dog tags. Everything fits well into the multiple holsters and pockets located on Bludd’s outfit.  Also included is a stand to hold the figure in place.

The only real complaint with these accessories is how delicate some of them are. When removing the sidearm revolver, it fell apart and had to be super glued to prevent it from falling apart again. This is the second time this has happened, so handle with care when removing them from the package. Also there was a small package included which looked like black fuzzy stickers that did not come with any type of instructions on what they are used for.  Including some instructions for items such as this would go a long way in making it easier to determine what certain items are for.

The figure itself goes above and beyond. On his left arm (a mechanical replacement from a previous battle) each finger has multiple points of articulation. You can flip Joe the bird as you escape their grasp once again! The clothes are fabric and include multiple pockets giving it that realistic feel, the chest armor has a magnet built in to help make the rocket holding backpack fit perfectly on his back, and the boots include a  holster for a small knife. The sidearm  fits nicely in its holster, and its chamber spins like a real revolver would and can be removed… just like the real thing.

Price?  Bludd is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. If you want realism and great detail, expect to pay for it and be one of the few to own one as these Sideshow Joes are made in limited quantities. However with that said, Sideshow helps the average collector offset this by offering easy payment installment plans for most of their figures. Most payments are three installments averaging between $40 to $60 per month, and this also includes your shipping as well.

Overall Major Bludd is an impressive figure worth adding to the collection. Seeing the detail and work Sideshow puts into each figure makes these gems a must have for any Joe fans’ collection.  Sideshow also offers reward points for each figure purchased which can be used for future items. With multiple properties they offer something for everyone… if your hesitant to pull the trigger on a Sideshow figure I am right there with you, but I’m glad I made the purchase and will continue to collect Sideshow products in the future.  Check out their website to see what other products they have coming up.  For a smaller company Sideshow Collectibles definitely delivers big.

Til Next Time…