I never saw this figure, I love the figure, but not the accessories. 20:23-24:20 is the best statement of diversity I've heard in a long time and I share the opinions in this video. Many thanks HCC788 for a well thought out summation.
I had this guy growing up and liked him very much as he had a nice Military theme to the design. Maybe when he get promoted he'll change his code name "Brigadier Bravery". Really appreciated your comments after the review. Thank you
There are SOOO many excellent episodes of HCC788... BUT this is the best . It’s not because of the Toy Review... It showcases who HCC788 is and what kind of man. He is speaking from the heart. I’m glad to call him a friend and a leader in the Joe community. On behalf of ALL the Joe Fans ... thank you Brian for bringing us together.
My pleasure! The whole journey has deep meaning for me as much as anyone. Rock 'n Roll version 1.5 was my first G.I. Joe toy and I still have him, if not all his accessories. Had so much of the '83/'84/'85/'86 lines and a bit here and there of the later ones. Gave away all my vehicles when I became a teenager, thought they took up too much space in my room and in storage. I sorely regret it now, they would be proudly displayed throughout my home. I still kept my figures though, at least those that stayed intact, didn't get lost, or ones I could repair. I still know exactly where they are in a box in a closet. One day I will get that box out and go through it all again. Maybe I'll make a video of that and put it on UA-cam. I was spoiled by my parents as a kid, I had so many toys, but Transformers and G.I.Joe were always the center of my toy universe.
I gave him brown paint where there is the green also painted the chest holster brown black pistol, silver grenade and a yellow helmet insignia.gave him a grunt backpack and a black assault rifle. He's cool when you fix him a little bit.
Thank YOU! Yes, it seems even a message as gentle and uncontroversial as that is still risky. Some folks just don't want to hear it. But you know what? They can hear it anyway.
It certainly has shortcomings in that department, but I honestly think that compared to many of its peers (especially in the early part of the vintage line's run), it was at minimum fairly decent in the diversity department. For all the stereotyped characters that came later, the first two years of the line featured an African American (in a command role no less), a Hispanic, an Asian american, 2 women, a Native American (the far less stereotyped of the two that would eventually appear) and a disabled individual (Snake Eyes), That's pretty solid for 1982/83. While criticism and objectivity are important for the things we love, so two are viewing things by the standards of their time. I appreciate the way you were able to put that into perspective here.
I only recently discovered this channel, but I absolutely love this episode's concise review of diversity and inclusion and what we should strive for in our fandoms and our society.
I wasn't collecting through these years, so I don't know a lot about this fig, but he looks really cool, and you reviewed it well. honestly, as an adult, I really only really collect modern joes, with the exception of vintage vehicles, but I still watch all your reviews, because they are so informative, and entertaining... thanks for all the hard work you do on these, enjoy your week off, and I'll look forward to seeing the next one.... :)
The cream shirt and the code name killed this figure for me when I had it as a teen. I did get a lot of use out of his guns though. I spray painted them black and just some of the green would chip through. It gave them a cool almost camo look. I’m afraid I left the figure in my old yard one day by a tree and never came back for him. I sometimes wonder if he’s still there or if someone found him.
I like this 90's figure, because he was the only one in the selection of action figures from his wave that really looked like an actual G.I.Joe figure. I always spray painted my figure stands to black. But I didn't color the under of the stand so that I could keep track of which stands are which.
can we get a massive review of all the one-hour wonders that Hasbro only made absolutely one figure of? like Col Courage, Hardball, Fast Draw, etc? they were some of my favorites! I guess because if I were a Joe, I would have probably been in this club!lol
Brother! this message at the end is powerful and proves a lot! Thank you, because I believe you very much encompassed what the philosophy of our generation (Gen X'ers) was about. That is the message I am trying to raise my children with. Nobody has the clean cut answers to anything, and we all need each other's part of the puzzle to move forward as society. I believe that was the overall message that G.I. Joe was trying to teach us. Kuddos!
I remember seeing this figure on the shelf and thinking "Colonel Crazy" would've been a better name given the artwork. I was out of GI Joe by then pretty much, but I kept an eye out for vehicles for a few more years.
HoodedCobraCommander788 I forgot to mention something all though Colonel courage never appeared in the G.I Joe Media which would have love to see his role in leadership... I was seeing a couple of season 1 episodes a similar character Colonel Sharp (gijoe.wikia.com/wiki/Colonel_Sharp) which was created for shown which was in command of the GI joe & giving ordres to Duke... by time season 2 started he was cut off from the show changing the chain of Command to General Hawk, Duke, Flint and Beachhead... thank you again and hopefully this channel will grow to the better
nice video to one of the better later figures and especially the final statement. I could not agree with you more my friend, all our welcome in our wonderful hobby.
I have to admit I jumped ahead to the end to listen to what you had to say, and your words make me glad I subscribed to your channel. Excellent review by the way, Sir!
Col. Courage is a great figure and the closest the '90s figures got to the early years of the G.I. Joe toyline. Sure, I wish his helmet was removable, but he has a good sculpt and a neat backstory, nonetheless.
Even though he came out a year later he could still drive the vehicle that came out a year earlier. More than likely kids already had the vehicle so when the figure came out you could just use him with it. Figures don't have to come out the same year in order to drive a vehicle. I would say you could put a 90s figure in an 80s vehicle and he could still drive it. In the end they are just toys. There dont need to be continuity to it.
Even though it's not the best code name, I do like the concept for this figure/character. He's sort of a staff officer for the Joes (an aide de camp for general Hawk perhaps?) while still keeping with the "every man is a fighting man" concept for the Joes. (well...except for Lifeline)
Man your reviews are excellent. And your point about diversity in the end was a good one and I hadn't thought about it that way before. For example if there was another ice age or something we'd need some Alaskan, Inuit type people to teach us how to survive. However I do still feel diversity is more of a side-bonus of our American culture rather than a virtue. Now onto the figure, I have owned this figure for years, like him for a lot of the same reasons(and don't feel some of the things you felt were faults were all that detrimental, being a 90's kid, this stuff was all common place for me, and this figure's color scheme and other things like that were all less obtrusive than a lot of other 90's figures of the time) He really is an amazing figure, great guns, awesome look to him, and very well designed. Like you I tend to favor realistic-military over extreme fantasy(although I can tolerate a little of that too, just look at my name.) Now a couple of random factoids. I have been handling the figure for years and his launcher doesn't appear to have 'golden paint syndrome' like other hasbro characters and weapons did. The character's African American skin-tone paint actually wears off faster than his missile launcher's, at least as far as the hands are concerned. While the launcher handle is bulky, it does fit in MY personal figure's hand pretty well. His other hand actually widened from holding his gun instead. As he was created after the cartoon established chain of command, I tend to believe he'd be placed after Hawk in that chain of Command. Of course I have a greatly expanded chain of command in my personal continuity: Top ranked would be the 5 star General General Flag. Then the 4 star General "G.I. Joe" Colton. Then the Grand False Colton, his body double, THEN finally, General Hawk, and then Colonel Courage, and then the usual line of command from their, Duke, Slaughter, Flint, and then Beachhead, and from then on ranks are organized according to the usual chain of command.
If he is Commander he could be a easy target with this all equipment on the front line . To many equipment makes him more a hero of old Doom or Quake II game ...
Great Review! In the cartoon series before Hawk return to the field, there was Col.Sharpe who might have being Hawk's Ops. Officer. basically Col.Sharp might have retired and Col.Courage replace him. I bought Col.Courage have him leading a team of Joes from the G.I Joe Amphibious Transport.
I think the "weapons trees" could have been a good idea IF they had stuck to a better color. Black or grey or even olive drab. Sure, it would still mean that multiple figures would have the same weapons, but as a military unit that would make sense. This figure is a pretty solid semi-realistic figure, but the neon accessories kind of kill that vibe.
I love the diversity of the joe line and I liked your opinions more than I like the figure haha still not a bad sculpt for a later release the colors kill the legitimacy of colonel courage to me
This fine words what you talk about diversity . In the meantime I think that something bad going with my nation & thanks current politics class they start think that all Polish guy should be Catholic be radical & all most hate others who are others . I have my own right to speak this cos am live here & am cry sometimes see how they try crippled us as nation . Our success was in diversity in past ...
Very cool. Diversity is indeed important. Never really understood why the 90s Joe's were so odd looking. Sure, the 90s were not the 80s, but an All purpose, specialized mission force such as GI JOE still should have looked like modern Army soldiers and not some "other universe" type characters. Nevertheless, awesome review.
I don't remember this figure but I think he looks cool (shame about the colour scheme ). I would have liked to see a small 'sub team' made up of non combat characters who wore the same uniform and maned the command base.
That's kind of a brilliant idea. Not only could you include someone like Col. Courage in that sub-team, but you could also have some crew members for the USS Flagg.
Loved the thoughts about diversity. It is important in my while I am collecting with the intention of playing with my kids someday that they have a playworld that is inclusive. Biggest problem I am finding is with Asians getting represented. I was glad that new Star Wars movie added one non martial arts Asian guy.
I'm totally for diversity as long as it isn't forced. GI Joe was diverse without feeling that way. in the comics it never felt forced either. You can show diversity without drawing attention to it and I never got the impression as a child to it feeling forced from the comics.
Jeenkz K i agree. i didn't really notice the diversity that the joes had. i just liked the character developments and their jobs. stalker, roadblock, doc, scarlett, lady jaye, airborne, spirit, covergirl, baroness, zarana, alpine, quick kick, jinx, tunnel rat and the rest were kick ass in their own right. the problems arise when being forced to accept something just "because" , it takes away from freewill and decisions that make you uniquely you.
I think the whole command structure in G.I. Joe got all messed up in the 1990s. You had two Generals in 1992 Gen. Hawk and Gen. Flagg I am assuming Col. Courage became second or third in command during 1993.
That is probably what they were intending. If Colonel Courage had been released earlier-- for one thing, he would have had a better name. Also, we could have seen exactly where he would fall in the command structure. It seems they didn't intend him to be in the field often.
This is a great review..great job I really love this figure growing up for personal reasons.. My uncle who helped raised me that was like a father to me. He was Lieutenant Colonel in the army, he taught me to be man and gentlemen from teaching me how to properly tie a tie to shine my shoes to shave and most important how to treat people that was different from me with respect. Col. Courage remind me of him. Yes design aesthetics wasnt the best but a lot of characters in the battle Corp line suffered the same issue. diversity is one of the many reasons I love Gi Joe and that courage wasn't just your run of the mill token character, it's a cool a young black kid to have black male as high ranking official where you have African-American people in high ranking positions (IE: Colin Powell) it inspired me that I can do anything.. And chase my dream. Today currently work for Hasbro designing toys for them for the past 15 years. That happened because of this figure. Lastly I see a quite a few negative comments about this figure but I chalk it up that some people are a bit salty or butthurt that Col. Courage outrank their Golden boy Duke and Flint. 😆😆Again awesome review.
Perhaps Kanye West has a time machine, and went back to around '92 to do some modeling. ... actually, let's all hope Kanye West doesn't gain access to a time machine or any other history-altering technology.
col. courage and beach head from the battle corps were my last 2 figures from the 90's. i did start collecting again in the late 90's through the mid 2000s. i only picked up col. courage because i didn't have any officers for the joes and I needed an officer in my collection. i think i still have mine. overall col. courage is meh in my opinion. with hawk, flagg, and keelhaul as flag officers with the other officers like sub-zero, flint, wild bill, and ace it was hard to have a proper chain of command. another great video nonetheless.
Thank you, Matt! Other than the generals, I doubt Hasbro had any real plan regarding the chain of command. The pecking order in the cartoon series, I think, was built upon what they had done before, with Duke being the leader. They couldn't put Flint ahead of Duke, because Duke was there first. They couldn't put Hawk behind Duke, because he's a general. I'm guessing they expected Beach Head to be pretty popular (they were right), so they put him in the hierarchy, too.
The better question than why is he 'just a commander' is why is he a Commander at all? Commander is a Naval rank. The answer: Because the title of Commander sounds cool.
You mentioned Stalker and diversity. It is funny, as a 10/11 year old, I saw Stalker as being from a black and Latino home. He was fluent in Spanish and Swahili fluently, in addition to others. Having a German grandmother, I learned Yiddish early on, I just assumed he learned Spanish and Swahili from family members. Even his name, Lonzo, sounded Spanish to me. Diversity is good, as long as it is not done for the purpose of diversity. There is a huge difference between equal opportunity (everyone, every single individual, is graded and treated on their own merits, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or how much diversity they bring to the table) and affirmative action (an individual's affiliation to a desired ethnic, religious, political, social, financial group raises their status because their inclusion will bring diversity to the group). In Chesapeake VA, the written police exam, math section specifically, was deemed racially biased, as there were not enough Latino or African American individuals with passing scores. This complaint came down to diversity and affirmative action, instead of equal chances regardless of background. In 1995 the Navy stopped asking the race/ethnicity question on rating exams. This decision evened the playing field as an individual's ethnicity would no longer contribute to how their score would be applied to their chance of advancement. I believe in diversity, as long as it happens as a result of equality.
Every Joe in the comics and cartoons seemed to be on the team thanks to being the best at what they did... except Falcon in the movie, he sucked and was only there because of his brother Duke.
Great review! Now I remember why I never bought him, the weapons tree for one, I didn't like the color. The lame name, took the piss out of the figure! Great Johnny Cockran reference! Lol.
When I was growing up, SNL was mocking the OJ trial, so Johnny Cochran is still a celebrity in my mind. Also, he was a damn good defense attorney. The man did his job, and he did it with style.
I agree that the fig looks cool, and being an african man is a + in the joes line up. also that the weapon s color completely wastes the realism of the fig. the shooting gun should have attached in the back, and a rack to put it on ground too. before black men in cobra, I had always figured them to be racists like the kkk. it makes cobra look less evil. I wish somebody would come up with a script where cobra rules the world, just to see how worse it could be to where we are. lol.
Great video as usual HCC! Loved the "editorial" at the end, diversity is great specially when it is not forced. I'm Venezuelan and I grew up on G.I. Joe, M.O.T.U. and Star Wars, same as many other kids did around the world, so I always felt that Joes where heroes regardless of country, religion, sex or race. I could talk to anyone about G.I. Joe or Star Wars and find a common ground to build a friendship.
I appreciated your message on diversity. When I was growing up playing with G.I. Joe's in my preteens, I guess I never made a conscious connection to the variety of backgrounds represented in this toy line. Though I am white, I was very happy to have african american soldiers on my team. I loved my Roadblock as a kid and he was often a hero in my stories. As I start recollecting some of these figures for my nostalgia trips, I'm happy to realize I grew up on the right side of history. Thanks for helping me relive my memories and inspiring me to grab my own Col. Courage. 🙂
A bit surprised here our conservative Hooded Cobra Commander is relatively positive about an action figure that comes so late in the line. Awesome video notwithstanding : his speech at the end really moved me.
Thank you for your support, and thank you for going on this journey with me. It really does mean a lot to me. The people who are going on this journey have become part of my everyday life in ways that you probably aren't aware of. You keep me motivated to keep doing my best every week.
I had this guy as a kid, I liked the green weapons, his beard, and how his tie made him stand out. Nice comments at the end, too.
I never saw this figure, I love the figure, but not the accessories. 20:23-24:20 is the best statement of diversity I've heard in a long time and I share the opinions in this video. Many thanks HCC788 for a well thought out summation.
Agreed, The original card back artwork for g1 g2 figures and vehicles . I was always attracted to the art work.
The card art was inspirational. It made the characters come to life. It really gave you a feel of what type of person is represented in plastic.
HoodedCobraCommander788 Correct the lifelike feeling was always there. Hasbro had a lot of heart and soul in there artwork.
Wise words on diversity. Thank you!
Thank you! And thanks for going on this journey with me.
I had this guy growing up and liked him very much as he had a nice Military theme to the design. Maybe when he get promoted he'll change his code name "Brigadier Bravery". Really appreciated your comments after the review. Thank you
Thanks for your appreciation. Not everyone likes what I have to say, but I'm glad to know that a few do.
Very touching monolog about diversity and being welcome.Thanks!
There are SOOO many excellent episodes of HCC788... BUT this is the best . It’s not because of the Toy Review... It showcases who HCC788 is and what kind of man. He is speaking from the heart. I’m glad to call him a friend and a leader in the Joe community. On behalf of ALL the Joe Fans ... thank you Brian for bringing us together.
Watched the entire video. Bravo!
Thank you. And thanks for going on this journey with me.
My pleasure! The whole journey has deep meaning for me as much as anyone.
Rock 'n Roll version 1.5 was my first G.I. Joe toy and I still have him, if not all his accessories. Had so much of the '83/'84/'85/'86 lines and a bit here and there of the later ones. Gave away all my vehicles when I became a teenager, thought they took up too much space in my room and in storage. I sorely regret it now, they would be proudly displayed throughout my home.
I still kept my figures though, at least those that stayed intact, didn't get lost, or ones I could repair. I still know exactly where they are in a box in a closet. One day I will get that box out and go through it all again. Maybe I'll make a video of that and put it on UA-cam.
I was spoiled by my parents as a kid, I had so many toys, but Transformers and G.I.Joe were always the center of my toy universe.
I gave him brown paint where there is the green also painted the chest holster brown black pistol, silver grenade and a yellow helmet insignia.gave him a grunt backpack and a black assault rifle. He's cool when you fix him a little bit.
Nice Words about diversity! I send u my Best wishes from México!
thank you. I watched all the way to the end and know it is a risk to come out and say what you did...Yo Joe
Thank YOU! Yes, it seems even a message as gentle and uncontroversial as that is still risky. Some folks just don't want to hear it. But you know what? They can hear it anyway.
I appreciate your thoughts on Joe's diversity and occasional shortcomings.
Thank you! I think it is important to always be as objective as possible, especially about the things we love. Love can make us blind to faults.
It certainly has shortcomings in that department, but I honestly think that compared to many of its peers (especially in the early part of the vintage line's run), it was at minimum fairly decent in the diversity department. For all the stereotyped characters that came later, the first two years of the line featured an African American (in a command role no less), a Hispanic, an Asian american, 2 women, a Native American (the far less stereotyped of the two that would eventually appear) and a disabled individual (Snake Eyes), That's pretty solid for 1982/83. While criticism and objectivity are important for the things we love, so two are viewing things by the standards of their time. I appreciate the way you were able to put that into perspective here.
Being a military operation, diversity shouldn't be a problem.
Well said.
I only recently discovered this channel, but I absolutely love this episode's concise review of diversity and inclusion and what we should strive for in our fandoms and our society.
I wasn't collecting through these years, so I don't know a lot about this fig, but he looks really cool, and you reviewed it well. honestly, as an adult, I really only really collect modern joes, with the exception of vintage vehicles, but I still watch all your reviews, because they are so informative, and entertaining... thanks for all the hard work you do on these, enjoy your week off, and I'll look forward to seeing the next one.... :)
Thanks, Myke! I'll be spending the time off putting more work into the next review!
The cream shirt and the code name killed this figure for me when I had it as a teen. I did get a lot of use out of his guns though. I spray painted them black and just some of the green would chip through. It gave them a cool almost camo look. I’m afraid I left the figure in my old yard one day by a tree and never came back for him. I sometimes wonder if he’s still there or if someone found him.
I like this 90's figure, because he was the only one in the selection of action figures from his wave that really looked like an actual G.I.Joe figure.
I always spray painted my figure stands to black. But I didn't color the under of the stand so that I could keep track of which stands are which.
That's not a bad idea. Some of the figure stand colors from 90s Joes are in crazy colors. They look like Starburst candy.
I feel this guy got thrown on to GI Joe for PR.
Well that moment when I realized that armament of Razorback Wild Roar was some kind a prelude to something wrong in this line of toys ...
I am always happy to hear from you, Jakub.
Thanks for response Commander ! :)
Good word man!
I don't like the accessories but I do like the figure. I like the cream shirt, just wish the suspenders weren't so bright.
But what do you think of the tie?
Doesn't bother me as much as his code name. :P
had it, loved it. when it broke. i stuck his head on a battle corps military fig and he lived another few years. one of my favs
Great review and great message.
Thank you! And thanks for going on this journey with me.
can we get a massive review of all the one-hour wonders that Hasbro only made absolutely one figure of? like Col Courage, Hardball, Fast Draw, etc? they were some of my favorites! I guess because if I were a Joe, I would have probably been in this club!lol
Yes, Hasbro should have only done *one* figure of *LOADS* of characters (I couldn't name them all in this comment).
Excelente video.
Thankyou for your review. Keep em coming ...
Brother! this message at the end is powerful and proves a lot! Thank you, because I believe you very much encompassed what the philosophy of our generation (Gen X'ers) was about. That is the message I am trying to raise my children with. Nobody has the clean cut answers to anything, and we all need each other's part of the puzzle to move forward as society. I believe that was the overall message that G.I. Joe was trying to teach us. Kuddos!
Forgot that Joes and G2 Transformers shared some weapon molds
Great video man
Thank you! And thanks for going on this journey with me.
I loved playing with this guy
great review and great message at the end!
Thank you! And thank you for going on this journey with me.
looking forward to more of the 90's figures too!
I assure you, there are more coming! :)
you're so welcome HCC 788! You have the BEST commentary on GI Joe out there!
I remember seeing this figure on the shelf and thinking "Colonel Crazy" would've been a better name given the artwork. I was out of GI Joe by then pretty much, but I kept an eye out for vehicles for a few more years.
Yes, a lot of G.I. Joe fans *hate* the code name the figure *did* have.
awsome review thank you and such inspiring words about diversity...
Thank you! And thanks for going along on this journey with me!
HoodedCobraCommander788 I forgot to mention something all though Colonel courage never appeared in the G.I Joe Media which would have love to see his role in leadership... I was seeing a couple of season 1 episodes a similar character Colonel Sharp (gijoe.wikia.com/wiki/Colonel_Sharp) which was created for shown which was in command of the GI joe & giving ordres to Duke... by time season 2 started he was cut off from the show changing the chain of Command to General Hawk, Duke, Flint and Beachhead... thank you again and hopefully this channel will grow to the better
Interesting. Maybe there is some inspiration there. Or at least, maybe they intended Col Courage to fit in that role.
He has enough weapons to support a whole GI Joe Team!!!! Just paint/spray them black and all are armed to the teeth.
nice video to one of the better later figures and especially the final statement. I could not agree with you more my friend, all our welcome in our wonderful hobby.
Thank you! Inclusion should not be a controversial message, but there are always a few folks who just don't want to hear it. :)
I have to admit I jumped ahead to the end to listen to what you had to say, and your words make me glad I subscribed to your channel. Excellent review by the way, Sir!
Thank you, Matt! That means a lot to me. Thank you for going on this journey with me.
Col. Courage is a great figure and the closest the '90s figures got to the early years of the G.I. Joe toyline. Sure, I wish his helmet was removable, but he has a good sculpt and a neat backstory, nonetheless.
Great video. I appreciated your words at the end.
I had that figure I think he came with a back pack.
Nvm I think I just have him one cause I had many.
Great discussion at the end. I just ignored those neon guns and gave him a plain black rifle and pistol.
Thank you! An accessories change is definitely in order. I pistol would be appropriate for this guy.
Even though he came out a year later he could still drive the vehicle that came out a year earlier. More than likely kids already had the vehicle so when the figure came out you could just use him with it. Figures don't have to come out the same year in order to drive a vehicle. I would say you could put a 90s figure in an 80s vehicle and he could still drive it. In the end they are just toys. There dont need to be continuity to it.
I had this figure.
Even though it's not the best code name, I do like the concept for this figure/character. He's sort of a staff officer for the Joes (an aide de camp for general Hawk perhaps?) while still keeping with the "every man is a fighting man" concept for the Joes. (well...except for Lifeline)
The missile launcher was also slightly tweaked and given to Generation 2 Optimus Prime.
I could imagine it as a transformers weapon.
Love your channel, keep up the good work :)
Thank you!
That helmet looks like an imperial guard helmet from 40k
Man your reviews are excellent. And your point about diversity in the end was a good one and I hadn't thought about it that way before. For example if there was another ice age or something we'd need some Alaskan, Inuit type people to teach us how to survive. However I do still feel diversity is more of a side-bonus of our American culture rather than a virtue.
Now onto the figure, I have owned this figure for years, like him for a lot of the same reasons(and don't feel some of the things you felt were faults were all that detrimental, being a 90's kid, this stuff was all common place for me, and this figure's color scheme and other things like that were all less obtrusive than a lot of other 90's figures of the time) He really is an amazing figure, great guns, awesome look to him, and very well designed. Like you I tend to favor realistic-military over extreme fantasy(although I can tolerate a little of that too, just look at my name.) Now a couple of random factoids. I have been handling the figure for years and his launcher doesn't appear to have 'golden paint syndrome' like other hasbro characters and weapons did. The character's African American skin-tone paint actually wears off faster than his missile launcher's, at least as far as the hands are concerned. While the launcher handle is bulky, it does fit in MY personal figure's hand pretty well. His other hand actually widened from holding his gun instead. As he was created after the cartoon established chain of command, I tend to believe he'd be placed after Hawk in that chain of Command. Of course I have a greatly expanded chain of command in my personal continuity: Top ranked would be the 5 star General General Flag. Then the 4 star General "G.I. Joe" Colton. Then the Grand False Colton, his body double, THEN finally, General Hawk, and then Colonel Courage, and then the usual line of command from their, Duke, Slaughter, Flint, and then Beachhead, and from then on ranks are organized according to the usual chain of command.
Also, the military ceased use of "Serial Numbers" by 1972. Since then, it's SS numbers.
If he is Commander he could be a easy target with this all equipment on the front line . To many equipment makes him more a hero of old Doom or Quake II game ...
Great Review! In the cartoon series before Hawk return to the field, there was Col.Sharpe who might have being Hawk's Ops. Officer. basically Col.Sharp might have retired and Col.Courage replace him. I bought Col.Courage have him leading a team of Joes from the G.I Joe Amphibious Transport.
Great review and great statement. I feel more than welcome here, as a fan of G.I. Joe and as a human. You got my subscription bro.👍🏿
I think the "weapons trees" could have been a good idea IF they had stuck to a better color. Black or grey or even olive drab. Sure, it would still mean that multiple figures would have the same weapons, but as a military unit that would make sense. This figure is a pretty solid semi-realistic figure, but the neon accessories kind of kill that vibe.
I love the diversity of the joe line and I liked your opinions more than I like the figure haha still not a bad sculpt for a later release the colors kill the legitimacy of colonel courage to me
Thanks, Mike! And thanks for going on this journey with me.
HCC: Great Video! I always look forward to each upload. :)
Thank you, Ron!
This fine words what you talk about diversity . In the meantime I think that something bad going with my nation & thanks current politics class they start think that all Polish guy should be Catholic be radical & all most hate others who are others . I have my own right to speak this cos am live here & am cry sometimes see how they try crippled us as nation . Our success was in diversity in past ...
excellent review my friend and the diversity talk at the end just put this video in my favorite list well said definitely on point with your veiw
Thank you! And thank you for going on this journey with me. It really does mean a lot to me.
HoodedCobraCommander788 the honor is all mine man
Very cool. Diversity is indeed important.
Never really understood why the 90s Joe's were so odd looking. Sure, the 90s were not the 80s, but an All purpose, specialized mission force such as GI JOE still should have looked like modern Army soldiers and not some "other universe" type characters. Nevertheless,
awesome review.
I don't remember this figure but I think he looks cool (shame about the colour scheme ). I would have liked to see a small 'sub team' made up of non combat characters who wore the same uniform and maned the command base.
That's kind of a brilliant idea. Not only could you include someone like Col. Courage in that sub-team, but you could also have some crew members for the USS Flagg.
HoodedCobraCommander788 they could have come in special 6 packs one for Pitt crew and one for Flagg crew.
you are awesome!
Great review...and well said!
Great review and very well said at the end. I truly appreciated that message.
Thank you! And thanks for going on this journey with me!
By the early '90s It's like Hasbro just gave up.
Loved the thoughts about diversity. It is important in my while I am collecting with the intention of playing with my kids someday that they have a playworld that is inclusive. Biggest problem I am finding is with Asians getting represented. I was glad that new Star Wars movie added one non martial arts Asian guy.
I'm totally for diversity as long as it isn't forced. GI Joe was diverse without feeling that way. in the comics it never felt forced either. You can show diversity without drawing attention to it and I never got the impression as a child to it feeling forced from the comics.
Jeenkz K i agree. i didn't really notice the diversity that the joes had. i just liked the character developments and their jobs. stalker, roadblock, doc, scarlett, lady jaye, airborne, spirit, covergirl, baroness, zarana, alpine, quick kick, jinx, tunnel rat and the rest were kick ass in their own right. the problems arise when being forced to accept something just "because" , it takes away from freewill and decisions that make you uniquely you.
Great review and episode!
Was any good figure in 1993? I don't think so.
9:02 BLASTER NOOOO HE HAD A FAMILY
Your concern for Blaster is touching. :) I think the next review will be a 1993 figure, so maybe we'll find a good one from that year. We'll see.
HoodedCobraCommander788 Oh, okay. We'll see.
He is wearing the dress shirt and tie of a world War 2 combat officer with a H harness and world war 2 green trousers and boots.
Awesome video my man.
Well said sir!!!!Thank you for your candor!And, as always, great reviews!!1
That card art makes him look like an Imperial Guardsmen from Warhammer 40K
I think the whole command structure in G.I. Joe got all messed up in the 1990s. You had two Generals in 1992 Gen. Hawk and Gen. Flagg I am assuming Col. Courage became second or third in command during 1993.
That is probably what they were intending. If Colonel Courage had been released earlier-- for one thing, he would have had a better name. Also, we could have seen exactly where he would fall in the command structure. It seems they didn't intend him to be in the field often.
Euuhh ...colors of the weapons !! i like the statement bro ! we are on all on the same team here YO JOE !!!
This is a great review..great job I really love this figure growing up for personal reasons.. My uncle who helped raised me that was like a father to me. He was Lieutenant Colonel in the army, he taught me to be man and gentlemen from teaching me how to properly tie a tie to shine my shoes to shave and most important how to treat people that was different from me with respect. Col. Courage remind me of him. Yes design aesthetics wasnt the best but a lot of characters in the battle Corp line suffered the same issue.
diversity is one of the many reasons I love Gi Joe and that courage wasn't just your run of the mill token character, it's a cool a young black kid to have black male as high ranking official where you have African-American people in high ranking positions (IE: Colin Powell) it inspired me that I can do anything.. And chase my dream. Today currently work for Hasbro designing toys for them for the past 15 years. That happened because of this figure.
Lastly I see a quite a few negative comments about this figure but I chalk it up that some people are a bit salty or butthurt that Col. Courage outrank their Golden boy Duke and Flint. 😆😆Again awesome review.
The card back art makes him look like Kanye West, crazy eyes and all.
Perhaps Kanye West has a time machine, and went back to around '92 to do some modeling.
... actually, let's all hope Kanye West doesn't gain access to a time machine or any other history-altering technology.
I love the ghost child. One day you'll see her.
My favorite part about this guy was his dress sense. Soldier first, yes, but takes pride in his appearance.
col. courage and beach head from the battle corps were my last 2 figures from the 90's. i did start collecting again in the late 90's through the mid 2000s. i only picked up col. courage because i didn't have any officers for the joes and I needed an officer in my collection. i think i still have mine. overall col. courage is meh in my opinion. with hawk, flagg, and keelhaul as flag officers with the other officers like sub-zero, flint, wild bill, and ace it was hard to have a proper chain of command. another great video nonetheless.
Thank you, Matt! Other than the generals, I doubt Hasbro had any real plan regarding the chain of command. The pecking order in the cartoon series, I think, was built upon what they had done before, with Duke being the leader. They couldn't put Flint ahead of Duke, because Duke was there first. They couldn't put Hawk behind Duke, because he's a general. I'm guessing they expected Beach Head to be pretty popular (they were right), so they put him in the hierarchy, too.
Will you be reviewing the street fighter line of gi joes
I don't have Street Fighter 2 on the agenda right now.
HoodedCobraCommander788 I sure would like to see that. The Mortal Combat ones, as well.
Why is Cobra Commander just a commander?
If a fig newton is fruit and cake, what is a fruitcake?
The better question than why is he 'just a commander' is why is he a Commander at all? Commander is a Naval rank. The answer: Because the title of Commander sounds cool.
Mabay it's philosophical, The only way to bring peace is to take cammand over everyone's life.
You mentioned Stalker and diversity. It is funny, as a 10/11 year old, I saw Stalker as being from a black and Latino home. He was fluent in Spanish and Swahili fluently, in addition to others. Having a German grandmother, I learned Yiddish early on, I just assumed he learned Spanish and Swahili from family members. Even his name, Lonzo, sounded Spanish to me.
Diversity is good, as long as it is not done for the purpose of diversity. There is a huge difference between equal opportunity (everyone, every single individual, is graded and treated on their own merits, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or how much diversity they bring to the table) and affirmative action (an individual's affiliation to a desired ethnic, religious, political, social, financial group raises their status because their inclusion will bring diversity to the group). In Chesapeake VA, the written police exam, math section specifically, was deemed racially biased, as there were not enough Latino or African American individuals with passing scores. This complaint came down to diversity and affirmative action, instead of equal chances regardless of background.
In 1995 the Navy stopped asking the race/ethnicity question on rating exams. This decision evened the playing field as an individual's ethnicity would no longer contribute to how their score would be applied to their chance of advancement.
I believe in diversity, as long as it happens as a result of equality.
Every Joe in the comics and cartoons seemed to be on the team thanks to being the best at what they did... except Falcon in the movie, he sucked and was only there because of his brother Duke.
He looks okay, but I don't really have any interest in any figures after 1990. Aren't your whole videos opinions? Not just the last few minutes.
Your diversity argument is logical; cheers.
Great review! Now I remember why I never bought him, the weapons tree for one, I didn't like the color. The lame name, took the piss out of the figure! Great Johnny Cockran reference! Lol.
When I was growing up, SNL was mocking the OJ trial, so Johnny Cochran is still a celebrity in my mind. Also, he was a damn good defense attorney. The man did his job, and he did it with style.
For a second I thought this was Courage from the Spiral Zone.
Did you wear a tie during this review on purpose? Can't believe it took me so long to make the connection!
You caught on to the tie bit. :)
I agree that the fig looks cool, and being an african man is a + in the joes line up.
also that the weapon s color completely wastes the realism of the fig.
the shooting gun should have attached in the back, and a rack to put it on ground too.
before black men in cobra, I had always figured them to be racists like the kkk.
it makes cobra look less evil.
I wish somebody would come up with a script where cobra rules the world,
just to see how worse it could be to where we are. lol.
are bad puns Ok?
Only if they're funny.
I can't promise you anything
Great video as usual HCC! Loved the "editorial" at the end, diversity is great specially when it is not forced. I'm Venezuelan and I grew up on G.I. Joe, M.O.T.U. and Star Wars, same as many other kids did around the world, so I always felt that Joes where heroes regardless of country, religion, sex or race. I could talk to anyone about G.I. Joe or Star Wars and find a common ground to build a friendship.
I believe diversity is an old wooden ship
I'd be surprised if the affiliates were concerned about the lack of an old wooden ship.
You can't say hasbro without saying cost cutting
That's a fact. It is strange how, in some ways, their toys were the highest quality. But in other ways they were surprisingly cheap.
jesus weapon overkill. why would he need that many weapons??
But why do all the black Joes have to speak in rhyme?
i agree with your thoughts of diversity quick question though were their any gay either joes or cobra troops i cant seem to find one
Hasbro really lost the plot in the 90s.
There was one thing they were sure of: They were being beaten by Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers. They didn't know what to do about that.
I appreciated your message on diversity. When I was growing up playing with G.I. Joe's in my preteens, I guess I never made a conscious connection to the variety of backgrounds represented in this toy line. Though I am white, I was very happy to have african american soldiers on my team. I loved my Roadblock as a kid and he was often a hero in my stories. As I start recollecting some of these figures for my nostalgia trips, I'm happy to realize I grew up on the right side of history. Thanks for helping me relive my memories and inspiring me to grab my own Col. Courage. 🙂
A bit surprised here our conservative Hooded Cobra Commander is relatively positive about an action figure that comes so late in the line.
Awesome video notwithstanding : his speech at the end really moved me.
Weird ... :(
Because of your beautiful ending commentary, I have now subscribed to your channel. Well done, sir.
That's awesome! Thank you! I hope you enjoy the show!
Videos of this quality are big part of why I choose to support you on Patreon. Bravo sir.
Thank you for your support, and thank you for going on this journey with me. It really does mean a lot to me. The people who are going on this journey have become part of my everyday life in ways that you probably aren't aware of. You keep me motivated to keep doing my best every week.
This video made me take a second look at Colonel Courage and think that he's cool now I want one. I love his bright green accessories as well
Meh.