Robot Rabbit
07-27-2005, 10:17 PM
Allright, so I picked up a Stalker v.1 over the weekend for $5.
However, I'm not sure if it is indeed a version 1 figure.
Here's a pic:
http://www.saljbarry.com/gijoe/images/mystery_stalker.jpg
Here's the details:
--Same mold as swivel-arm Stalker v.1
--Has the 82-83 copyright date on the seat
--Camo pattern almost exactly the same, but some small differences
--Somewhat softer plastic than the 1983 version
The figure in question doesn't quite feel like an old figure. The plastic seems akin to the newer figures that are out. Not as soft as the recent comic 3 pack Stalker, but not as hard plastic as the old figures...somewhere in between, and also not as shiny (more of a dull coat than a gloss coat).
Plus, the newness of the figure I got leads me to believe that it is a new release, and not a well-preserved 1983 figure. But what is it? There's no mention of it on YoJoe.
Any help would be apprecaited. Thank you.
Sal
Obiwanjacoby
07-28-2005, 12:27 AM
Were you aware that Stalker was released as a mail-order in '86 and as a convention figure in '92?
-PJ
Robot Rabbit
07-28-2005, 08:30 AM
Were you aware that Stalker was released as a mail-order in '86 and as a convention figure in '92?
-PJ
Yeah, somewhere I suppressed a memory of foolishly not ordering that set of figures in 1986 :)
So you think the later releases are made of different plastic?
Obiwanjacoby
07-28-2005, 01:42 PM
So you think the later releases are made of different plastic?
I would assume so. I mean, I really don't believe they had that many overstock swivel-arm Stalkers produced in 1983. But I don't have enough figures from all three re-release years to make a judgement like that. It seems like some of the '83 figures are so much more fragile than others made from the same exact sculpt.
For example, I have had two identical '83 Zaps, but one had plastic that was very brittle. I mean the kind that would shatter when dropped from 3 feet. The other one I had was IMO very durable and "a bit softer" as you'd say (but not like say, a Funskool Zap). Zap was also re-released in '86 as part of the same promo as Stalker.
Same case with Steeler. Every one I have bought is super brittle. I broke three in one year just trying to make a complete figure from parts. What I wanna do is get a bagged Hasbro Direct Steeler to compare with the others, or find a MIB '94 convention Steeler.
-PJ
Robot Rabbit
07-28-2005, 02:14 PM
Yes, you are right. I just talked with a friend who had both a carded Cobra Soldier and a mail away Cobra Soldier. They used different kinds of plastic, the later one being less brittle, and also seems to hold details a slight bit better.
It still blows my mind that I found a v.1 Stalker in this good of shape, and for only $5. Especially since I paid $15 for the other one that has some wear on it.
Obiwanjacoby
07-28-2005, 04:04 PM
Yes, you are right. I just talked with a friend who had both a carded Cobra Soldier and a mail away Cobra Soldier. They used different kinds of plastic, the later one being less brittle, and also seems to hold details a slight bit better.
I don't believe that info will ever get on the archives though. Or even verified for that matter. And I hope it never does. It would really alter collecting Joes as we know it. For one, just imagine the new sub-categories for describing the figure's condition that we'd have to make up (and agree on).
Me, I just follow the rule of thumb (when buying vintage '83s) to try to get the mail-away or convention version over a loose version to ensure I'm getting something durable.
It still blows my mind that I found a v.1 Stalker in this good of shape, and for only $5.
Same here. You got a super deal, dude. Thumbs up on that.
-PJ