I’m not sure why they chose to call this action figure Roadblock nor why we need two of them in the new G.I. Joe: Classified series action figure line. The answer may become evident soon enough, I suspect it has something to do with the new G.I. Joe video game releasing soon. Never-the-less, in my mind I’m calling him Heavy Duty but you can do what you want.
I am of mixed emotion about the Target Cobra Island Roadblock. For starters, I love the main line Roadblock. I’m not sure why they didn’t go with the version 1 decor and instead went with the green vest version but I’ll forgive Hasbro since it’s still a really awesome action figure. Target Cobra Island Roadblock is a rougher version. For starters, you’ll notice the beard is considerably longer, to the point that he really does look like a different character.
I have also heard it said that facially he resembles the late mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice, and I suppose I can see the resemblance. Still, I sort of like this look. I am especially fond of the removable sunglasses. I’m not a big fan of the T-shirt but, again, we will have to wait and see if this whole new decor makes sense down the road.
While I think the new look is cool, the G.I. Joe Target Cobra Island Roadblock is not nearly as impressive a figure as the main Classified line Roadblock. He lacks the accessories, his clothing is really muted, and his weapon is basically the same as the green vest Roadblock’s Rail Gun only stripped down.
I never noticed until I took this picture that you can actually see Roadblock’s eyes through the sunglasses. That’s pretty cool. I really, really like the head sculpt to this version of Roadblock but the rest of the action figure is so plain, I just wish there was more to him.
The back of the G.I. Joe Target Cobra Island Roadblock is just about as plain as the front. There’s not much to say about it because there’s not much to it.
There are some differences between the G.I. Joe Target Cobra Island Roadblock’s gun and the main Classified line’s gun. For some reason the word “Broiler” is stamped on this one. I suppose, at some point it may become apparent as to why.
G.I. Joe Target Cobra Island Roadblock looks really, really cool. But he comes with exactly two accessories and one is a pair of sunglasses. This version of Roadblock just needed more to be a really good action figure.
In conclusion, I do like the overall look of G.I. Joe Cobra Island Roadblock, but I can’t really give it a big thumbs up because he lacks so much. The mainline G.I. Joe Roadblock with the green vest just has so much more going for it. Again, in my head cannon and on my shelf this is Heavy Duty, I don’t need two Roadblocks. Still, I’m very happy to see G.I. Joe action figures back on the shelf and I don’t regret for one second getting this action figure.
If you found this article interesting consider becoming a Patreon supporter. That is how When It Was Cool keeps our website and podcasts online, plus you get lots of bonus content including extra and extended podcasts, articles, digital comics, ebooks, and much more. Check out our Patreon Page to see what's up!
If you don't want to use Patreon but still want to support When It Was Cool then how about a one time $5 PayPal donation? Thank you!
