“Duke: The Iconic All-American Hero from G.I. Joe, Now in a Stunning Collectible Figure”!
In the world of G.I. Joe, one name stands out as the embodiment of All-American heroism, and that name is Duke. Portrayed as the quintessential military leader, Duke’s journey through the ’80s and beyond has solidified his status as an iconic character. This article delves into the legacy of Duke, his latest collectible figure from Mezco, and the enduring appeal of this beloved action hero.
Duke: The All-American Hero
If you’ve ever wondered why a G.I. Joe character might choose a nickname reminiscent of John Wayne, look no further than Conrad Hauser. In the ’80s, a time when the name “Conrad” could easily be misheard as “Comrade,” taking on a moniker that exuded All-American charm seemed like a logical choice. Duke was born, and with it, an enduring symbol of basic military heroism.
While Duke may not hold the top rank in G.I. Joe – that honor goes to General Hawk – he commands the team in the field. Duke’s character was consistently portrayed as the quintessential good-guy leader in the immensely popular Sunbow cartoon series. He has weathered many adversities that would have broken lesser men, including a dramatic “death” in the G.I. Joe animated movie. However, in a surprising twist, Hasbro reversed his fate after an outcry from kids who were heartbroken by the loss of another iconic character, Optimus Prime.
Mezco’s Tribute to Duke
For ardent fans of G.I. Joe and Duke, there’s exciting news. Mezco, known for their exceptional collectible figures, is introducing Duke into their One: 12 Collection. This figure is primarily based on Duke’s original ’80s action figure, complete with a removable helmet. Although the figure doesn’t bear the likeness of Channing Tatum, who portrayed Duke in the live-action movies, the sculpt of the figure’s head on his shoulders seems to draw some inspiration from the actor’s portrayal. As always, Mezco’s finely tailored outfits, even on a small scale, stand out. However, what sets Duke apart is the array of gear he comes with.
According to the official description, the package includes “a grenade launcher, a machine gun, a handgun, six hand grenades in two distinct styles, a knife, and multiple weapon FX.” Duke comes complete with a range of military gear, including his signature helmet, a walkie-talkie, a foldable shovel, binoculars, a canteen, and a versatile backpack with various storage options.
To make Duke even more impressive in your displays, he also comes with blast effects and a mud splash effect. Moreover, he is equipped with thirteen different swap-out hands to ensure he can hold all his equipment with precision. The iconic Kung Fu Grip may have been sufficient in the past, but Mezco takes it to a whole new level.
All these incredible accessories and details do come at a price, with Duke’s figure retailing at $112. Fans can secure their Duke collectible by preordering now, with a nonrefundable deposit of $28. Expect delivery sometime next summer, and in the meantime, take a closer look at more official images below. Yo Joe!
In Conclusion
Duke, the All-American hero from G.I. Joe, continues to capture the hearts of fans with his unwavering dedication to duty and his iconic leadership. Mezco’s latest addition to their One: 12 Collection pays a fitting tribute to this beloved character, complete with an array of meticulously crafted accessories that recreate the spirit of the ’80s action figure. Despite not resembling Channing Tatum, this collectible figure embodies the essence of Duke’s character, making it a must-have for any G.I. Joe enthusiast.
As Duke takes center stage once again, fans can rejoice in the enduring legacy of this iconic All-American hero. Preorder your Duke figure today, and get ready to relive the nostalgia of the ’80s with a touch of modern collectible excellence.
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOURS!
