I LIKE THAT FIGURE
If that figure doesn’t work the way I wanted for kitbashing, I’m still happy to have it.
The Figurine That Inspired This Post
When Hasbro, the toymaker behind the popular Marvel Legends released this Target exclusive Black Widow with 3 different head sculpts, I couldn’t help thinking that one head for this Marvel character looked like G.I. Joe’s Scarlett and another is what I was hoping Cover Girl would like that. The G.I. Joe line being made by the same company, it is not too difficult to swap heads from a character from one toy line to a character from another; in a few occasions, a small modification using mounting putty is required but more often popping one head out to pop another is all you need. However, before contemplating buying an action figure to kitbash, I always take into account the following factors.
When A Bad Head Sculpt Is Ruining One Of Your Favorites
I have a lot of praise for the G.I. Joe Classified toy line but there are times Hasbro misses the mark and unfortunately when they do, it’s often so of my favorite characters that end up with hideous faces that makes them unrecognizable and ruin a childhood beloved toy.
Cover Girl
This is a pretty bad head sculpt; it doesn’t convey the youth and sweetness of the character.
Falcon
Undoubtedly the worst face of the G.I. Joe Classified line; the 80s original was one of my favorite toys.
Lady Jaye
This head sculpt has the facial features of a teenage boy; a far cry from the beloved character.
Gung Ho
It’s not the worst but it’s not good either; it’s a mediocre sculpt that could be replaced.
Baroness
This head looks neither like the actress nor like the character she portrays.
An Extra Head Can Bring New Life To Another Figure
When considering a Marvel Legends character to come into my collection; I look at which figurine could visually fit in the G.I. Joe universe; if it has body parts that could be used for creating a new character, any heads I could use to replace one I don’t like on a character I really like etc. The following fit all the criteria.
The Winter Soldier
It’s a cool looking soldier with good accessories and a second head that can easily be used.
Moira
She’s got a great head that could be the Baroness’ sister and you have a scientist figure.
Ronin
You’ve got a cool ninja figure and an extra head perfect for using for a military character.
Elektra
Another ninja but this time, both faces could be use on a Cobra Valkyrie or on a Baroness body.
Baron Zemo
You’ve got a character with a baklava and a head that’s perfect for any generic soldier.
Adding Interesting Background Characters To Dioramas
Value packs are a great way to get more bang for your bucks and when they go on sale or on clearance, they’re perfect for kitbashing as they end up offering enough usable parts to modify and create a few of new figures for the price of one; these are some of the best packs I’ve seen for this purpose.
Captain America & Peggy Carter
Old time military characters fit perfectly with the G.I, Joe world and the extra head sculpt screams soldier too.
Dark Phoenix & Cyclops
The head sculpts for Dark Phoenix are amazing and both characters have parts that can be used for kitbashing.
Luis & Ghost
One mundane civilian character; a cool technoish cyberpunky character and an interesting extra head.
Star-Lord & Ego
Two human interesting looking human characters and a couple of extra heads; lots of cool parts.
They Visually Could Find Their Place In The G.I. Joe Universe
Sometimes, I really like a head sculpt of the look of a character; if I see multiple potential uses even if I only end up focusing on a single one; I still look at these figures if they’re on sale as having civilians and non G.I. Joe or Cobra figure only make dioramas better.
Cable
One of the few characters with a teddy bear; his futuristic look fits perfectly with Cobra’s troops.
Sharon Carter
Very versatile female body, a nice head; if you need a civilian-looking character; she can fit the part.
Everett Ross
Whenever I imagine Cobra kidnapping a world leader or scientist; I imagine someone looking like him.
Kate Bishop
Really pretty head sculpt and that outfit is slick too; the first head sculpt I was considering for Cover Girl.
Winter Soldier
I really like that version of Bucky; the different arms are great; the head sculpt is nice; it’s a solid figure on its own.
