G.i. Joe Classified # 159 Crystal Ball
A Cobra operative that presents with a unique persona so bizarre, it manages to unsettle even the most seasoned of the Cobra ranks, this is what best sums up Crystal Ball. Often exhibiting odd mystic-like behavior that defies logic, he claims he is able to read minds thanks to his psychic powers, making him the perfect interrogator for Cobra to use on their captives. A master hypnotist, he can get anyone do what he wants them to see and do.
A lot crazy goth details going on with figure. Pretty cool.
As an homage to the vintage toy, Crystal Ball comes with a shield that has a lenticular sticker on it for visual effect.
It’s really cool how the design team went with skull and snakes for the shield this time around. I could never figure out what was going on with the vintage toy’s shield.
For added effect, Hasbro even included some sculpted snakes that you can snap onto the shield. It’s a bit difficult to do though.
For actual weaponry, C.B. here comes with a unique “snake-themed” revolver.
The revolver can be holstered on his left thigh.
The set also comes with a big sword for him to wield.
To cap it all off, the set provides an alternate head for the figure, to make him look more of a spiritual threat and complete his “supernatural” vibe!
Lastly, Crystal Ball comes with the most important accessory of all, a crystal ball! Lol… I actually was looking forward to this, as it always seemed odd that the vintage figure didn’t have one, despite his name and his entire mysterious motif centered around this prop.
Overall, I love it! This is probably the best reinvented Cobra character in the Classified line thus far! Much like how the line made Raptor cool and menacing to look at now, they also applied it to one of the other goofiest joke characters from the original series and he totally rocks now! Very nicely done, Hasbro Joe brand team!
Looking at how cool he is now, I kind of regret not picking up the Ghost Viper sets to hang out with this guy. They all look darn good together! Hmm…
Hasbro’s oddball internal codename for pre-orders for Crystal Ball is Hudson.
Gold
