Senior Ranking Officers: Air Command G.I. Joe Modern ERA Review

[Eopie Herder]

A Toy's R Us exclusive set, the Senior Ranking Officers: Air Command is comprised of two previously released figures in new styles and colors and one new figure.

[Eopie Herder]

Capt. Ace is a new version of this character, not based on his 1983 incarnation as the Comic Pack version was. This is closer to the 1993 Ace that came with the Ghoststriker x-13 jet. (sorry, no comparison pic. This figure was anticipated by some, as he looked less like an Astronaut and more like a Fighter Pilot. The body is the torso and arms of Wild Weasel with the previous Ace's head and legs. He comes with a pistol and helmet. This is where it was a huge letdown. The helmet is tiny! Very snug fit, which, hey isn't bad as it will not fall off, but it just is too small, and looks like he is wearing a, pardon the term, toy.

FIGURE RATING : 6 out of 10

[Eopie Herder]

Wild Bill is a repainted version of his Wave 7 release. The only differences are the colors, which actually look quite good and the inlcusion of a helmet. He also comes with his trademark hat and pistols (which have brown handles this time). Once again, the helmet is a massive dissapointment, but much more so on Wild Bill. It's the same helmet, but because of it's size, it is even tighter on Wild Bill due to his glasses. When I was putting the helmet on, the visor wanted to fold under when it met the glasses.

FIGURE RATING : 7 out of 10

[Eopie Herder]

Now this one may be a bit biased as I have really been looking forward to a modern representation of Starduster. The first images and reports were dissapointing to me as they had changed the name and left off the trademark star from the helmet, and had no camo on his legs. I was able to overlook that, with the execption that I will still be calling him Starduster.

Hasbro did stay somewhat true to the contruction of this in a sense, as it utilizes the Duke torso and Flint arms, like version B & C of the 1987 figure. The legs are the same as on several early figs, except the lower parts whcih are the same as the new version of Clutch. The head is a black haired version of the Comic Pack Hawk. The downside to his contruction is that it's Duke's torso, and it has the diaper crotch.

He comes with his helmet and tinted visor, Gung Ho's grenade launcher in a silver grey (like the original) Duke's bandoleer, and a Jetpack with Laser. I was expecting the same silver jetpack that we got with Duke and Stalker, but to my surprise, it is green with silver parts. Sad to say, but this is my favorite part of the figure, it looks awesome in this paint scheme. He has a holster on his right boot and a sheath on his right thigh, but nothing to go in either.
Overall, he was a dissapointment, but I expected most.

FIGURE RATING : 6 out of 10 (fix the crotch Hasbro, please no more figs with it.)

[Monkeywrench]

I can't wait to get a set. Thanks for the review

[Syn3sthesia]

I will get this set just for Starduster!

[bigkid24]

I'm not a big fan of repaints usually but these look pretty good to me. That Ace looks more like Rip Cord to me. Add some camo and parachutes and it'd be close enough for me.

[Griff]

i agree. When i get this set "starduster" is getting camo on his pants and "ace" will be made into "ripcord". Wild bill will be nameless pilot number 50. lol

[Hellion42]

new Ace -> Ripcord
http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i116/hellion42/smilies/tazbot.gif Again, one of those "Why didn't Hasbro just do that in the first place?" deals... the figure is mostly done, just needs accessories. Para-Viper anyone?

[Chief CWO]

Man, your working some serious OT to get these reviews to us, thanks. We appreciate the info.

[nighthawk]

The helmet actually looks good in my opinion on Wild Bill, but looks too small on Ace. You just have to put it on a certain way and it'll go on very easily. I just put it so I have the front pressed against his glasses and slide the back on and it goes on very easily. I'm so happy to see your review as I now know that my Skyduster (Starduster) wasn't missing anything.

[Unclassified]

im lovin the wold bill alot!! so this star duster has a new head? this set looks promising!

[Shin Densetsu]

If Ace had the a modernized v3 flight helmet, he could be the definitive Ace figure. It puzzles me why he does not come with a fighter pilot helmet.

[foor]

I've never had the original Starduster. And he's the only reason to really get this set...

Maybe down the track one day...

[Troynos]

Wildbill looks awesome. I'm getting this just for him.

[Gung.Heaux]

ace: much improved over the CP version. the size of the helmet, where very snug, could be worse. have you seen some of the SW pilots hasbro has spat out. a chest harness and an oxygen mask wouldve been nice. and at least he doesnt have that "i think i just shit my pants" look on his face this time. 6/10

wild bill: love the colors and i think the helmet looks great. yeah a bit small but overall i like it. the helmet and the darker paint scheme, set bill enough apart from the carded vesion that he's worth owning...like the firefly schemes.
7/10

starduster: gave that POS to my dog. an introspective moment of silence for mr. skyler.
0/10

[Sonny Crockett]

If Ace had the a modernized v3 flight helmet, he could be the definitive Ace figure. It puzzles me why he does not come with a fighter pilot helmet.

Yeah, it looks really strange. I guess I'll just find one on a non-Hasbro product and use that.

[Autobot_Goldbug]

If Ace had the a modernized v3 flight helmet, he could be the definitive Ace figure. It puzzles me why he does not come with a fighter pilot helmet.

They could have used Slipstream v3's helmet...
YOJOE.COM | Slip Stream (http://www.yojoe.com/action/04/slipstream3.shtml)
or even one of these helmets...
YOJOE.COM | Ace (http://www.yojoe.com/action/04/ace6.shtml)

That Ace is going to be available at dollar stores for $3.

Night Force Wild Bill looks great. I don't mind Star(Sky)duster.

Please people stop giving Hasbro ideas on making Ripcord! I certainly don't want them to re-use Ace's head. Besides they just need to recolor the Para-Viper & stick a new head on him. Oh & they would have to make a new chute because the Cobra logo is molded on.

[xFlintx]

I'm definately looking foward to this pack even with the shortcomings. Thanks for the review.

[MikeyT]

I love the new colors on Wild Bill. He actually looks like a copter pilot now. I like Ace.... Like you said, he doesn't look like an astronaut now. I never had Skyduster or starduster. I think he would be fine if it wasn't for the color of his uniform. It's a little gay. Maybe some camo like Gung Ho and it would be better.

[Sergeant Slaughter]

I must be easy to please, I liked this set very much.

[Captain Carstein]

Thanks for the review. These figs look OK, but I think I'll pass.

[Frakk_mirror]

Repaints ,repaints and more repaints ,thanks Hasbro for once again trying to sell us more of the same recycled crap over and over again ..oh who's the bloke painted in easter egg blue with the rocket pack ..looks like Duke hmmm..nope ..it's an "all new character" that uses the same mold as Duke ,gotcha i see ..almost had me fooled you cheeky bugger Hasbro !
Really i don't know why people fancy these new figures ,i don't get it to be honest i am gobsmaked by all the whole hype ,they remind me of the He-man figures from the 80's where they used the same bodies and just molded new heads and tried to pass if off as a new character .
The classic line is far superior to this crap ,looking at this rubbish i'm glad i am not buying the 25 th collection.

[barbecue]

It's not what I expected but I'm still going to get it for Skyduster/Starduster figure.

[Fast_Draw]

I got this set in the mail today and I must say it's my favorite of all the SRO packs. I got all 3 the first time (just wanted the Joe one, but got the Cobra ones when I got my tax refunds). I won't be getting the Navy Command or the IG one though. I don't need another Destro. I have an IG, maybe 2 and I don't like the purple one. That Cutter doesn't interest me. Ace looks cool so maybe I'll try to get him.

I really like the Ace and Wild Bill. They look more "realistic" to me with those paint schemes. I never had Starduster as a kid so I didn't know he came with that Gung Ho gun, which I'm not a huge fan of because it falls apart so easily. The diaper crotch doesn't bother me that much because he won't be going in any vehicles. I had an extra Marauder pistol to put in the ankle holster, but no extra knife. The helmet on mine is very loose. The other helmets look nice to me and fit well. It's a little tight to get Wild Bill's on due to his glasses though. No old Duke wrists either! Overall I'd give this set a 7/7.5 out of 10. It exceeded my expectations and I think is a little better than what we've come to expect from the SRO packs.

[PhilDAgony]

I really, really like the Starduster figure! He is just awesome! I wish they would redo a Duke in his OG colors with this exact combination of molds! Except for the diaper crotch.......

[Xerofall]

Here are some reference shots of Starduster, in case anyone wants to do a little modification.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/Surlon/GI%20Joe/2comic003.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/Surlon/GI%20Joe/2comic004.jpg

He'd look better with camo pants... perhaps Gung-Ho's?

[VIPER 48]

I am looking forward to getting this set. When i see it and if my wife and wallet will allow it...lol

[GI abe444]

Never was a fan of star duster, but Wild Bill and ace look awsome !

[ceraurus]

I completely agree with your statements on Ace's helmet. It's like a shower cap with a visor. I think it actually looks much better on Wild Bill - maybe it's the way the vest comes up behind his neck and fills in some of the space.

I'm not sure if I'm going to turn this Ace into Ripcord, but with the green uniform and reddish hair it really does resemble Ripcord at first glance.

I really like this Starduster, especially once I paint some camo on his pants and maybe try to find a new head.

[Ev!L ErN!E]

I'm not a fan of Wild Bill, but damn the new paint scheme o nthis one is actually pretty damn cool looking. The Starduster is lame, they didn't even try to paint it close to the original.... and Ace, well ya Ripcord all the way.

[ParatrooperCarbine]

I was slightly iffy on this set but now I know it's worth a special trip to TRU. Thanks for the review!

[Dawg99]

cool review i like these figures

[Shogi]

YAY!!! Hasbro finally painted the line on Ace's eyes! I no longer have to do that for them :)

I was thinking Skyduster wasn't all that bad....till I saw the comparison shots. That's when I could see the let down. I'm gonna have to find a way to get rid of that Snake-Eyes knife sheath

I'll still get the set, just need my TRU to actually get these things :)

[Zer0G]

Wild Bill is a repainted version of his Wave 7 release. The only differences are the colors, which actually look quite good and the inlcusion of a helmet. He also comes with his trademark hat and pistols (which have brown handles this time). Once again, the helmet is a massive dissapointment, but much more so on Wild Bill. It's the same helmet, but because of it's size, it is even tighter on Wild Bill due to his glasses. When I was putting the helmet on, the visor wanted to fold under when it met the glasses.

FIGURE RATING : 7 out of 10

I'd buy this set for this version of Wild Bill alone. I have not bought the peg warmer original version but this one, I will definitely pickup.

Now i just need to pickup a Blackhawk from the Elite Forces Line.

[BILL]

Would it be that hard to give us a pistol and a blade for star dusters empty holsters. Why have them there and just have them empty? More figures missing items that i now have to find.

[Eopie Herder]

I really like this Starduster, especially once I paint some camo on his pants and maybe try to find a new head.

Yeah, I'm going to use a Flash or Grandslam head as an homage as the original used the Flash head.


I was thinking Skyduster wasn't all that bad....till I saw the comparison shots. That's when I could see the let down. I'm gonna have to find a way to get rid of that Snake-Eyes knife sheath

I'll still get the set, just need my TRU to actually get these things :)

The sheath is accurate though...he did have one. I have some plans for this one, but I have to grab a few other figures to fix it. And, I got this from TRUonline, the one here still hasn't got them yet either.

[NeoDragonKnight]

I never picked up the single card wild bill, seeing the pics though I wouldnt mind having this set for him and starduster (budget permitting, and this would be pretty close to the bottom of priorities of purchases). Ace is sort of bleh, but can make decent custom fodder.

[Hicks_Royel]

Man, I wish I could find these sets.

[CynthiaCM]

Starduster?? Ugh! There are so many more dream characters to be released and we get friggin' Starduster. *sigh*

[Zefram]

Damn, these actually look pretty good. I'm with everyone who doesn't like repaints, but one one hand stealth Wild Bill would look pretty good in my True Heroes copter.

[Flame Viper]

That is a really good review, and honestly I think I have made up my mind NOT to buy this set.

Why in the world did they have to make a diaper crotch for a NEW figure??

[delta]

I'll use that Ace for ripcord

[BrettX209]

I was ready to pass this one up pretty easily, but after seeing the pictures, I think I'm gonna wait to see this one in person and make my final decision. But now I think I might be leaning towards a buy.

[Cobra88]

I'm not a big fan of repaints usually but these look pretty good to me. That Ace looks more like Rip Cord to me. Add some camo and parachutes and it'd be close enough for me.

your right! that would make a great Ripcord!

[artiepants]

He has a holster on his right boot and a sheath on his right thigh, but nothing to go in either.
ok, i know they do these SRO packs on the cheap, but that is seriously lame. if you include a working holster, include something to go in it, otherwise use a different part, mmmmkay....
(fix the crotch Hasbro, please no more figs with it.)
QFT!!!!
(still can't believe production Tiger Force Duke has a diaper crotch...)

[artiepants]

..oh who's the bloke painted in easter egg blue with the rocket pack ..looks like Duke hmmm..nope ..it's an "all new character" that uses the same mold as Duke ,gotcha i see ..almost had me fooled you cheeky bugger Hasbro !

The classic line is far superior to this crap ,looking at this rubbish i'm glad i am not buying the 25 th collection.

the irony here being the classic version of Starduster also used Duke's Torso (and Flint's arms) just like the 25th version...

[Aladdin Sane]

I removed the gun holster off of Sky/Starduster. Sort of a hatchet job, but I've never been one for customizing. The knife scabbard will be filled with some unused accessory from a figure sooner or later.
I like this set overall though. The Wild Bill colour-scheme is kickass. Ace I could have done without, but he looks pretty good, all things considering.

[Snow cat]

Im impressed with starduster. I like this set. Thanks for the review.

[NeoDragonKnight]

just picked up the set last night, wild bill is amazing, as I said I passed on the single carded version but this version is way better. I like the added helmet too, starduster isnt too bad, the helmet is pretty loose is the only gripe, ace is a disapointment, they just cant get him right in both versions.

[Eopie Herder]

the irony here being the classic version of Starduster also used Duke's Torso (and Flint's arms) just like the 25th version...

Yeah, the vintage version was made completly out of used parts - Flash head, Flint arms, Recondo/Duke torso (depending on which version), Recondo/Iceberg waist (again, depending on which version) and Roadblock legs.

[CaptainDinobot]

This set looks okay, I will be picking it up whenever I find it.

[wildbill73]

these look worth getting. I always liked these sets the other one too. want to ge them both

[steelbrig]

Gotta get them all! Thanks for the review!

[Cobra619]

do you guys have the # for these sets?....thanks

[Scoop]

For all of those who mentioned that they wanted to make a Ripcord out of this new Ace be sure to do a head swap with the Comic Pack version of Ace first.

This new Ace looks as if he has better painted eyes. I think this new head would look great on the first Ace we got that had the beady little eyes.

I was thinking of using the body of this new Ace for Ripcord right when they showed the pre production pics, but I also figured the head swap I mentioned above would be great as well. I never planned on displaying Ripcord without his helmet so who cares what his eyes would look like. The head from that "crazy eyed" Ace figure will suit my Ripcord just fine for now, but I wish we get a ARAH version of Ripcord later on down the line.

For the rest of the parts needed to make Ripcord's accessories, I guess we could use them from the Cobra Paratrooper. I even like the little pack used on the Snow Serpent, so that's an idea as well. As far as a mask is concerned maybe Torpedo's would work. These ideas are only from other Joe figures, but I'm sure there are better parts out there from other lines or on sites that sell 1:18th weapons & accessories.

[Alyosha]

Tweaked:

[(GI)Joe]

that starduster will be perfect for my first attempt at re-paint :)

[goosetuber]

Thought this would be my favorite Sri set but gotta say ace is a HUGE dissappointment. The new head sculpt/paint is excellent and the uniform is very nice. The helmet is wrong on so many counts it's not even funny. It's easy to tell that this was designed for the wild bill comic pack. It is too small for his head and it fails to sit all the way down on ace's head. Without a collar, it does have a bit of an"orange on a toothpick" that the wild bill jacket hides well. Might have been nice if the color wasn't the same green as the rest of him (maybe white with a star on the side)
3 out of 5

When it comes to
Star duster I like the idea. Nice detail on the jetpack, but I'm thinking I'll use a silver one. The big detractor in my book is that the color is jjuusstt a bit too bright in my taste. I was thinking hung go but got turquoise. Camo details, a knife, a pistol, and a star for his helmet might help too
3.5 out of 5

Best wild bill ever..looks great both ways
4.5 out of 5

[Gunzlingr]

Tweaked:

SHAZAM! The head looks like Gomer Pyle.

[code_red_shockwave]

Oddly I've decided to use the SRO wave 1 Hawk(with swapped head) as my version of Starduster, remembering back at the 2007 convention of how Starduster looked like.

[Eopie Herder]

Oddly I've decided to use the SRO wave 1 Hawk(with swapped head) as my version of Starduster, remembering back at the 2007 convention of how Starduster looked like.

Pics!

And I wonder if the convention exclusive has anything to do with the name change. I mean, since they had the rights to use the name "Starduster" just last year, maybe there is something in the contract that prohibits the use of that name for a certain number of years. So, to avoid the issue, he is now "Skyduster". Maybe? I don't know.

[code_red_shockwave]

Ok here's a photo of my custom Starduster. Compare it with the 2007 Convention figure: YOJOE.COM | Edward "Starduster" Skylar (http://www.yojoe.com/action/07/images/starduster2_large.shtml) Well, actually this custom would be a combination of v1 and the Convention version, using the parts to look like v1 and the paint scheme to look like the Convention version's.

[Hat Trick]

the only thing that sucks about Starduster is that he has an empty knife sheath and empty boot holster...where the f$#^ are the missing weapons?

[KALASH69]

I gave mine extra knife from Rs Duke. And an extra pistol from...hawk maybe?

The thing that REALLY sucks about the new Starduster are the changes they made. Most notably in the name, no camo pants, and no star on his helmet.

Im in the process of fixing the wrongs.

[Zoltron]

I'm not a big fan of repaints usually but these look pretty good to me. That Ace looks more like Rip Cord to me. Add some camo and parachutes and it'd be close enough for me.

I wish Hasbro would just give us Ripcord. All it is is an ace or snow job body, a blowtorch head, a paraviper chute, and a new helmet.

But no, they insist on pushing Marlon Wayans as Ripcord on us.

As for the other two. I always though Starduster looked awesome, and I want that Wild Bill.

[Hat Trick]

yeah i was just thinking about the pants and star...i'm going to look through some of my weapons and give em to him....(btw.....S.O.A. IS THE S#!&)

[KALASH69]

(btw.....S.O.A. IS THE S#!&)

Haha yeah it is! SAMCRO is boss.

Anyway, I also gave my Starduster the MGL.

This badboy:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/KALASHsixtynine/milkor_mgl_140.jpg
Nice update from the old M79 Thumper.

And Im painting the camo on the pants. Just need to find a transparent star decal for the helmet.

Does anyone know if the original Starduster's helmet is white or the same color as his shirt?

[DarthBrett]

It's the same......that minty green toothpaste color.

[KALASH69]

Alright cool haha. Just wanted to make sure, cause as you all know, SD's helmet from the SRO pack doesn't stay on him, I was just going to paint Hawk's helmet white and put the sticker on.

How come on some figures it looks really white in contrast to the rest of the figure? Was the plastic more prone to fading?

[bluemax151]

I'm so happy to see your review as I now know that my Skyduster (Starduster) wasn't missing anything.Same here, after I opened my set I was scrambling around trying to see if I somehow dropped them.

If Ace had the a modernized v3 flight helmet, he could be the definitive Ace figure. It puzzles me why he does not come with a fighter pilot helmet.
Ace having a chopper helmet was pretty depressing. I was also hoping he would fit well in the Sky Hawk which he does not.

I also find myself liking the "Night Force" or whatever Wild Bill for some reason. I think maybe Wild Bill is one of those character designs that may look okay animated or in comic panel but when you put that out in plastic it just kind of looks I dunno tacky or something. I still wish they'd get rid of those pontoon six shooter holsters he has though.

Starduster, besides the lack of weapons he obviously has holsters for I don't get why we don't get camo pants at least. Couldn't they have saved the plastic wasted on the holsters and used the 1 cent to get some more accurate pant camo? Other than that the diaper crotch and the loose helmet on my fig in particular good times.

[Pimp Daddy Darklon]

Wild Bill looks good in black. The best version of him among the 3 so far released. He's ready to join the Night Force.

[Mandingo Rex]

Finally got an opener set, since my first set was bought about 3 months ago on TRU.com. Found these suckers at retail FINALLY.

I still think Ace is the highlight of this set. Not sure if he'll be my Ace-Ace, as I hate the CP version due to poor paint apps and the silly astronaut suit... Or turn him into Ripcord.

I just hands down don't like Starduster as I could care less for the character, and he's a Frankenjoe as far as I'm concerned. Background fodder or drawer-warmer.

Wild Bill actually looks amazing in this scheme, best yet (versus the CP set or the original release). I think I'll remove the vest and pop another head on him so I have another pilot and not 2 Wild Bills though.

[G.I.Eddie]

this set looks ok...

Ace - he seems to me to be a good background "greenshirt" Joe for planes...also, he'd fit in well with the O13...plus his head, as mentioned is much easier on the eyes...no pun intended

Wild Bill - looks cool, but no nolstalgic value for me...again, he'd be a good pilot "greenshirt"

Starduster - looks cool and accurately parted togther...too bad they left off the details that made the original...i'll get him only and fix him up

[Mandingo Rex]

Hey Eddie, if you want my Starduster, I'm not loving the guy one bit. :)

He'll be custom-fodder otherwise, as long as I can find a use for him.