I think part of the healthy reaction from the community was due to the prior year's membership figure, Iceberg, not being received that well, . I didn't mind him that much and went out of my way to order the bagged version of Iceberg from the Club, but there were other reviews by collectors more particular and refined than I who were understandably rough. Anyways.....
Right off the bat, I'd say this is a nice, modern update to the classic version one Cross Country we were promised. The color pallet rings true to the original while at the same time muting a few colors that could really have used it (compare the neonish green of the original). The headsculpt by Bossfight Studios is to my understanding the first collaboration between them and the Club and I think it's an outstanding modern take.
Last year's aforementioned Membership Figure, Iceberg, came with all sorts of accessories, but this year the club apparently chose to scale back the number of accessories in order to focus on getting the package just right. What Cross Country does come with fits the figure persona as a southerner and a heavy equipment operator/mechanic very well. The revolver is I think supposed to resemble a vintage Colt revolver, but I cannot put a finger on the exact model, nor on the carbine. The vest is amazingly detailed and unique to this figure. My only complaint about any of the accessories is that the revolver does not fit into the holster very well (see pic below), though maybe some simple modifications (like poking a hole in the bottom of it) would make for a better fit.
The Confederate "Stars and Bars" has a history that leaves it with a controversial legacy. Just as Hasbro chose to avoid controversy decades ago by giving Cross Country a belt buckle that is supposed to suggest a Confederate Flag without being a Confederate Flag, the Collectors Club has done likewise. Curious that what they chose instead is basically the flag of Zabbar, Malta.
What makes Cross Country as a character interesting and appealing to me is the fact that he's a mechanic capable of maintaining the Joe motorpool when he's not battling Cobra and having a number of characters like him always interests me. It looks like the Club created a new filecard talking about the new HAVOK MK-II which the club has been selling from it's club store. The new HAVOK is a green repainted Snowcat/Wolfhound half-track that was released as a companion piece for the membership figure.
Cross country has what has become the club's basic articulation including double jointed knees with one tilting wrist and the other wrist able to curl. He moves around decently enough, though his vest keeps the torso stationary unless it's removed. The only noteworthy limitation of the figure's movement is it's head, which doesn't have much room to nod up and down due to the collar on the jacket and the ample mullet Ol' Cross Country is sporting.
Grade: B+
Without breaking it down too much, I would give Cross Country a B+ as a figure, which honestly is about the minimum I think we ought to expect for a figure that is pretty much the reason we buy the $40 membership from the Club. I really like this figure's colors and details, but the accessories while good are few, and the fact that the pistol doesn't come close to properly fitting in the hoster takes a bit off. I was tempted to mark it down for not having a removable helmet, but on second thought honestly I think that would have been a mistake that would have made his cap too bulky. Remember that I tend to try to be a tough grader, so a B+ is an accomplishment
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| The Tank Crew |
