The Power of (Knock-Off) Packaging: Special Force
Special Force comes to us from Sungold, a company perhaps best known for the Galaxy Warriors series, a Masters of the Universe knock-off line that is now beloved for collectors of me-too cheapness. These days there’s a cottage industry of custom bootleg art toy offerings that take their cues from what were once the odd castoffs of the past. We live in interesting times.
The card art for the Sungold GI Joe KO is unique in that it presents four almost-Joes who are instantly recognizable as Alpine, Leatherneck, Dial-Tone and Beachhead. I admire the boldness of stepping out and copying the original figures right on the package. Of course, they’re all changed a bit, and I also have to give credit for the crude but creative use of lighting in the painting. It’s truly a special force.
Not-Leatherneck needs to lay off the lipstick. When I saw the thumbnail image before I clicked in, I thought it was a really bad painting of Lady Jaye. Neat find, though…gotta admire the brass ones on bootleggers sometimes.
I was going to say something about Not-Leatherneck looking a lot like Charlie Sheen
Cuban Charlie Sheen.
Also notice that not-Leatherneck has a Corporal’s insignia on his hat and Major General stars on his epaulettes.
That art is so stolen it’s wonderful! How were the figures? I could go for a SWAT blue Beach Head.
Here you go:
http://toysfromthepast.blogspot.com/2013/09/327-sungold-special-force-team-of.html
Apparently, only the arms were movable.