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I gave it a 6. This set was going to be the first release I was going to pass on entirely. I liked the Twilight Guard but didn't care for the accessories (not a fan of that Gung-Ho weapon kit). I thought the design of the Steel Corps is cool but I still don't like how the helmet could not possibly fit over a real human head, not even with a little suspension of disbelief. I wish they'd ditch that helmet head sculpt and go with one that has more height.

I ended up ordering the set after seeing the file cards posted on both the Hasbro Pulse and GIJOE Instagram accounts. Fleshing out the characters a bit made me feel like I was missing out on something. Imagine that! Who would have thought file cards could actually help sell action figures? (sarcasm)

When it arrived, I had a new appreciation for it and didn't realize just how packed this set is with weapons and blast effects. And I even like the purple accents though I wouldn't want that to be the norm. I just like when things are done a little differently from time to time.

[opiumcake]

I will admit that I was not looking forward to these two and almost cancelled the preorder.

During unboxing, I was still regretting the purchase. The loadout was uninspiring, no third pistol and an empty holster for SCC! The colors were making me think of when it all started to go wrong for ARAH (1990+)...bulky armor, oh FML! Why am I such a sucker for preordering EVERYTHING?!

And then...over the next hour...tossing the POS Gung Ho weapons and blast effects into the bin...selecting a few replacement bits from the bin...posing...and looking...I realized that I like these two.

At first the SCC made me want to say FOUR. Now, I say SEVEN! I really like the use of this helmet style among the ranks, I am feeling the unity between the Steel Corps and the unique characters (Clutch, NF Shockwave, Grunt, Wolf Spider with Grunt's helmet...)

The TG is an easy 8 plus change. The TG gives me Captain Phasma vibes...and that makes me like him MORE! I love his head treatment, all shiny and that glowing visor...I love his colors...and the kitbash is top notch! Love the cape!

Glad I have both figures, surprises are better when they BEAT expectations