1982 Ranger STALKER! G.I. Joe action figure review! HCC788

[@toms781]

A few years back my mom was doing some gardening and found my old Stalker figure in the soil. Dude had been on patrol since I imagine the mid 1980s. It was good to see him again and have him return safely to base.

[@KahlessTheUnforgettable]

Great story!

[@Jake_E57]

The Stalker/Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow relationship absolutely MADE GI Joe. That is what really hooked me as a kid, their shared history, friendships and complications really made these characters something that stood out from just generic archetypes fighting for world peace or world domination and turned them into people with understandable motives behind what they did that made me care about them as characters.

[@r.hewlin8328]

HELL YEAH HCC!!! Stalker is my favorite Joe. I dealt with asthma as a kid and ended up spending Christmas in the hospital after an attack one year. I got the 12" '91 Hall of Fame Stalker as a present. I had the talking backpack Stalker later on too. I think that was my favorite one to actually play with. Can NOT wait for a Classified version. Welcome back! Thanks for this the timing for me personally was awesome with Christmas in a few days.

[@2nd_a_dad4791]

I loved the comics issue where Stalker was recollecting his Vietnam service with Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. He talked about carrying his “suppressed Mike-One-Six (M16) and “that weird bow he always carried,” talking about Storm Shadow. Storm used the bow to take out a VC scout who was about to discover the team and, IIRC his words, “it (the arrow) went through that poor sinner like a hot knife through butter.” I may not have the quotes right, it’s been 40 years since I read it.

[@mrdonigan]

When I went to visit my dad for the summer, the neighbor kid was the first to have G.I. Joes, and when he showed them to me, I fell in love. He played with Snake-Eyes, and I played with Stalker as our main characters. His Green Beret and uniform just made him so bad ass.

[@jfturner73]

I somehow ended up with a straight arm version as my 4th overall figure in 1983. His uniform is so cool that I used him A-LOT. So much so he was my first figure to fall apart when the o-ring wore out around 1986. Of course back then with no internet, there was no way of knowing as a kid that o-rings could be replaced. So I had to throw him away. He is the only figure I have never been able to replace. My other o-ring victims were re-purchased as a kid or repaired as an adult.

[@manofaction1807]

Stalker was my go to leader of the team before we knew anything about them. He had a Micronaut and an unnamed figure from the Adventure people in his command. The fireman, IIRC. When the swivel arm guy came out, it was on.

[@stevenweller9413]

Stalker was a great character and a good figure. As the comics went on he continued to grow as a character and is definitely top 5 in my favorite lists. As an aging fan 3 of my top five are original ‘82 figures. Can’t really say any one figure inspired me more than any other, but as my first figure was Breaker and I spent several years in the two way radio industry I will go with him.

[@G7M9W]

He wasn't my first figure and I don't recall having a "favorite" character in my earliest Joe fandom, but in terms of "making an impression" on my young mind, I'd have to say it was Dusty. The camo face paint and cloth havelock really intrigued me. Fun review, Hoodie -- thanks as always!

[@jdioramasjdioramas2814]

I agree with you bro my cousin had him back then I wish I had him 😃

[@JorgeGarcia-ho2qd]

Dusty rules

[@avice10535]

Stalker was the second figure I picked up back in '82. He is a cornerstone of the GIJOE team!

[@wadewilson84]

The very first my parents bought me in the middle 90s (1989 version) and my favourite ever since.

[@diegoborges3716]

My first G.I. Joe was a bit uncommon: Astro Viper. It didn't matter it was a villain, I loved that figure. The helmet, the backpack, the colours. I used It as the pilot of my Stiletto.

[@christianhafer9819]

Astro-Viper is am awesome figure. Love the colors. The Stilleto came with Star-Viper. What did you do with him?

[@diegoborges3716]

@@christianhafer9819 here in Brazil, the Stiletto didn't come with a figure. So, I've never knew that Star Viper was its pilot. Astro Viper seemed to be the perfect match.

[@christianhafer9819]

@@diegoborges3716 Intriguing. Did you get a Star-Viper? He's an awesome figure too.

[@diegoborges3716]

@@christianhafer9819 didn't find one :(

[@nerdcraftercoley7305]

My favorite character from GI Joe was always Destro. My favorite action figure as a kid though was not version one but version 2 with the gold head the cape on his shoulder. Always liked the bad guys better. I loved the hooded Cobra Commander the original blue one and the one with the black costume. The first figures I ever bought with my own money were xamot and tomax. As far as the good guys go duke was always my favorite and probably Dusty was my second favorite. Dusty might have been the coolest GI Joe action figure from the '80s to my opinion.

[@gijoedavec-straightfromthepit]

THE BEST. He is my favorite too ever since I got him for Christmas in 1982. Loved his camo, his gun, and the fact he was different then the others. Like you, When I saw how awesome he was in the comic - I knew he was my ultimate joe. Issue 7 cover in particular then I remember buying it at a comic shop in 83 and was blown away by it

[@Tim85-y2q]

I've read that the thing that makes lighter colored plastic on old action figures brittle is actually the flame retardant chemical used breaking down over time. Supposedly, that's also why lighter colors are more prone to discoloration over time.

[@grayj7441]

The first set was my jam. And that Nam story was solid.

[@joejupiter4138]

So good to see your videos back in action, Commander. Your passion makes KZbin a better place.

[@Payne-ted_Plastic]

Tormod S. Skoog!! 😁 In all seriousness, Stalker was (& is) a great character. Larry Hama really fleshed him out in the comics, but he was way under utilized in the cartoon. Great review my friend! So glad you're back at it!!

[@Payne-ted_Plastic]

@destructarr no...the listen n fun tripwire is definately on my wishlist though!

[@rtd1409]

This is so amazing and perfect timing as I have been way into Stalker these days. To me my V1.5 was worn into the ground as he was my GI Joe team field commander and always the most special early figure of mine. I just purchased the V2 yesterday and am looking at a V1 Straight-Arm. I am so sad the movies never follow the formation of the GI Joe universe through the Vietnam War conjunction of the initial key characters and through the eyes and storytelling of our beloved Larry Hama. This is what GI Joe is all about and thanks for making such a special review for us here!!!!!!!!

[@KahlessTheUnforgettable]

This is so damn true! G.I. JOE coulda been a great “Vietnam” movie that slowly morphed into something more fantastical. Great point!

[@joebishop1712]

For me the figure that kept showing up was Flint. I only started collecting Joes about 5 years ago and I was always doing toy photography with them. Well, without even noticing it Flint was showing up constantly. I just love that figure/character. He looks so cool. For me it's gotta be Flint.

[@enders1972]

Major Bludd was my favorite. He was my Stalker. I remember when I got all my GI Joes for Christmas that year. And I was opening all of them. I looked at this guy…. Oh he’s green with a gun. Look at this guy…. Green with a gun. Then I opened Major Bludd. Wow….. he had an eye patch. Rockets in his backpack. A metal arm. A freaking metal arm!!! He was my favorite. Then Cobra became my favorite. They just has so much more personality than the Joes. Sadly I lost the Major to time. But I still remember the moment I opened his blister.

[@jesseperry9602]

My first Joe was Zap. It was that clear visor on his helmet that drew me in, but then the orange padding made him stand out, and those cool leather gauntlets he wore. Plus he was the only Joe in the original line that came with a freakin' laser gun! But I always loved Stalker too, especially after I got into the comics. I really think they did Stalker dirty by replacing him as the field commander of the team with Duke.

[@charlesclark2151]

Ur thinking Flash with the laser gun. Zapp had bazooka

[@jesseperry9602]

@@charlesclark2151 yep, you are right. I misspoke

[@SkippyLaRonge]

He was my favorite joe as a kid. He was always team leader for my joe crew. Going to have to pick up a new figure now

[@chrisph9910]

My favorite figure growing up was originally Airborne followed by Duke. And Beachhead.

[@oldschooltommyim]

Stalker being camouflaged and a green beret made him very special and equally as cool in looks and place on the team as Snake Eyes and it was awesome how they tied their history along with Storm Shadows together in the comics.

[@MiKeMiDNiTe-77]

I live in NZ and in 1987 in a local toy shop there was a whole bunch of Stalkers and Breakers in baggies with thier accessories, Mom brought me one and looking back I wished I'd brought a whole bunch of them and sold them today. Really loved the 89 version with the kayak as well.

[@datamag2018]

Umm that title card art is magnificent, some cartoon or comic book company needs to hire that guy! Awesome review HCC!

[@hanschow5457]

Thank you for the great review and we're all glad that you're back. I'm glad that I could contribute to your review and I hope that I get the opportunity to do so again. Have a Merry Christmas!

[@steelbrigadekory]

The very first Joe my mom ever bought for me! Swivel arm version!

[@manni17b]

I had three figures as a kid that really were used in every single Joe adventure. Beachhead, Slip-Stream and Chuckles. No matter what Cobra was doing, those three could always beat it

[@TheRealNightmare9]

My first G.I. Joe figure was Clutch with the VAMP. My dad got it for me for my birthday and I remember playing with that thing for days on end. It wasn't long before I became obsessed with the rest of the team. Stalker was also one of my absolute favorites. Both in style and later on when I got heavy into the comics. Easily one of the top 3 greatest of all time.

[@arakuss1]

I had both the 1982 and 83 Salker. One of my first. And yes my Zap got snapped very easily though Stealer did hold up never had much of a problem with him breaking.

[@ididthisonpulpous6526]

I love to see posting regularly again man! My brother mentioned things were going smoother and you could post more. Great to see you post one of the best figures and characters of the entire run! Always liked seeing a Ranger, my uncle was a Ranger and did 3 tours in Vietnam, 2 as a Ranger 1 as a forward observer for the artillery. That's who I first heard the term "LRRP" I didn't know what it meant until I read the comics...

[@anthonyshortbox5498]

iwas born in '81 so imissed alot of the early joes but the one i remember the most is rampart. hes an awesome figure with a pretty cool gun! thank you for this video

[@NerdGasims]

My favorite GI Joe figure is/was a tie between Flint and Dusty. Flint looked cool with his beret, black shirt and camo pants with his shotgun as a kid and always had him in my missions as a kid. Simple but cool design, then I got Dusty. All desert camo, face paint and I just liked his look

[@jjmuse75]

Great review btw. Going into detail about the character not just the figure is what separates HCC from all other reviewers and makes him the absolute best.

[@trtledave3079]

He is one of my favorites now because he was of the original 13, but I remember being little and removing his legs and glueing them onto Golobulus' body because I didn't like him with the tail, I still have Stalker's torso somewhere, thank you for your service Stalker!

[@oldschooltommyim]

The M3 Grease gun a .45 cal sub machine gun was adopted for US military service December 1942 and is still used to this day mostly by tank crew. The M14 a .308 cal select fire combat rifle was manufactured for the US military from 1959-1964 officially replaced by the M16 in 1966 and totaly phased out by 1970.

[@cowpuddles4851]

Anyone serving in the 82nd knows you never wear your beret west of Grueber Rd. I hated this version of Stalker but absolutely loved the “arctic tundra explorer” version (version 2).

[@wraith6776]

Always liked Stalker. I think it is a great code name.

[@STRAKAZulu]

Stalker was one of my first figures. Always included him in my battles as a leader for the Joes.

[@mattdawg83686]

Snake Eyes was my first Joe figure, but the second figure I got was Stalker and to this day he is still my favorite.

[@bradleygood6871]

Another great video, Cool to see 1982/83 Stalker redone. I really like the 82/83 characters even though most never got the chance to shine. Luckily Stalker did. Thank you for making and sharing this.

[@anionhero]

Stalker was one of my favorite figures from the toy line. Great review as always!

[@Jayce1701]

Exceptionally excellent review! Thanks for taking the time to put it together, and personalize it with your experience with Stalker.

[@GrrrwolfWherewolf]

Awesome review! Stalker is a classic! I humbly and strongly feel that GI Joe would do amazing as a different iteration throughout history line. Have takes on the Joe team for the 60's, WW2, WW1, the Civil War, and Colonial Wars. Make a series and team for Joe Colton. Different fictional figures could be a part of different series as well like Lady Liberty, Uncle Sam, Rosie the Riveter, but also historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, General Patton, and others. Cobra could remain this enemy throughout history where you see different Commanders and Destros, etc.

[@ps3598]

Wikipedia says that "Grease gun" is still in service by now, of course with updated variants. Might have been useful for Salker for missions outside US or to equip his minions with cheap yet effective weapon as a gang warlord. I used to have the grinning black and yellow version and always just ignored the yellow paint. Totally agree that's an outstanding figure even comparing with the best of the best.

[@ididthisonpulpous6526]

One of my uncles worked in special operations, in fact as a Ranger, in Vietnam and he joked about using WWII "junk" like the grease gun. It came up when I had a grease gun squirt gun. He mentioned it was junk... I was like it is a toy... He was like the real thing is junk.

[@randallthompson6910]

Really loved this review buddy. Thanks for doing these. Yo Joe!

[@cristiantiniguar-sevilla467]

I'm currently growing up with the 2020 Retro version of Stalker, improves what it can and keeps what already worked. It's excellent.

[@TheSkullReviews]

Solid Review, great seeing you back to business HCC788, Keep them coming:)

[@magnuslauglo5356]

What a classic character. Great review :)

[@leamenrs]

The M3A1 Grease Gun was used by US Army into the 90's but Tank Crewmen and it was used in Vietnam but the Special Operations Groups (SOG)

[@robvegas9354]

Awesome vid about a great figure!! 1994 Stalker was actually the last figure i got back in the ARAH day. My go to guy for missions at play time was Falcon, he seemed like a real rad, butt kicking dude based on the figure and file card. I do tend to disregard his appearance in the movie LOLs. Merry Christmas and Yo Joe to all!!!

[@ismaelhart5237]

Glad to see you back in action Hoddie Coco

[@BaronDeCobray]

Dial tone was my favorite back in the day. I'm surprised we haven't gotten Stalker in the Classifieds line yet. We could definitely use him more than yet another Snake-Eyes or Roadblock.

[@Metsfan2011]

I never had this Stalker, although I wish I did. I didn’t get him until he came with a kayak. And to answer your question, Mutt & Junkyard we’re my absolute favorites.

[@edwardjacobs4042]

My first figure was Snake Eyes 1982 my brother got Zap. I liked a lot of the 82-83 figures but it wasn’t until 84 that they released my favorite figure and that is Roadblock. My favorite Cobra figure is a tie between Firefly and Storm Shadow.

[@johnsoehnlen4781]

Roadblock is tied as my favorite Joe too. Every version of him is great.

[@wraith6776]

The Bridgelayer was my first vehicle so Tollbooth was My first Joe. Still has a special place in my heart.

[@wraith6776]

@destructarr In was a birthday or Christmas present. I don't know where it was bought.

[@agenttexx]

The M3 Grease Gun was used during the failed Delta Force Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 as they were found in the remaining wreckage at the crash site.

[@marcturner5297]

He was my favorite joe...I hope they do him justice in the G I joe classified series...

[@glennrobbins2372]

Cool review, my son had the 2nd, 3rd and 5th version of Stalker. I think his favorite of those was the 2nd version. He loved the kayak and snow theme.

[@LukeWarm05]

My first Joe! Followed soon after by Breaker and the RAM. I totally got him because of the camo...he looked so freakin' cool! Always a favorite, but never THE favorite.

[@jaimz57]

Great work, I'd say this video makes it official. HCC788 is back!

[@rsleamen1]

Believe or Not, the M3 continued to be issued until at least the 1991 Gulf War as equipment aboard M60 Tank.

[@MattDeckard]

Back pocket is different too. Welt pocket on the straight stem, button flap back pocket on the swivel arm Good video! Thank you!

[@forumicebreaker]

There really only is a certain group of people that would think G.I.Joe Stalker when told that someone has a Stalker. I am using this at work tomorrow to see who gets this or is an unknown G.I.Joe collector.

[@baumer2504]

Can't wait to see this guy in Classified. Love Stalker. Favorite Joe... COMMANDO SNAKE EYES

[@jeffreygriner9464]

Stalker got alot of use in my childhood adventures but Dusty was the star

[@dazblue5515]

Great review as usual... I think Jammer from Z-Force (UK Action Force) should have had an honourable mention as he was a repaint of Stalker

[@StandingUpForBetter]

Great review! I always loved Stalker. Being a Ranger made him especially cool in my book. Keep up the great job! BTW I had no idea about all that great characterization in the comics. I am going to have to track down some of those old comics.

[@KahlessTheUnforgettable]

You can read them online

[@marcryan1974]

My fav Cobra’s were Zartan, Destro, HCC, Bats, Dreadnocks, and Crimson Guard.

[@larryh502]

The M3 submachine guns were issued to tankers as personal defense weapons up to the 90s.

[@pedroalmeida3474]

Flint was my 1st figure, and still my fav to this day.

[@stevenjohansen3827]

Rock n Roll v1 was my early favorite, but over all it was Mutt and Junkyard.

[@ChibiWes101]

My favorite figure would have to be Ripcord. Just the idea of a soldier having to train to work solo, behind enemy lines, cut off from most support and before he even gets to work on all that he has to JUMP out of a plane. Not Parachute, Jump, falling miles upon miles down on his own to avoid visual or radar detection breathing with his own supply of oxygen and then at the last possible moment rip that cord (hah) and drift down in the chute, hoping nobody noticed that last-second deployment. Terrifying stuff. Plus visually he's got a lot of what makes Stalker great and then some. Green and olive camolfauge, The Helmet and Oxygen Mask, Parachute and rocking that FN FAL Rifle! Oh man French Guns, how do they always look so cool?? Just a killer look! Sad to hear he was pretty thick headed, but I suppose we can't all be perfect. Good thing he focused all the rest his talent into making it to the ground and getting to work.

[@Majicalcreatures]

Great to see you back! Love the new intro! 👍🏆😊 Excellent review! Stalker was and is one of my all time favorites too!

[@gazz_N7]

Great review Hoodie! Did I say how glad I am that your back?, if not then, I'm so glad your back!! 😁 Stalker is hands down the coolest of the OG 13. Shockwave is my favorite, just thought he was cool with his smg, two holstered pistols, that Rambo styled knife and that hand connon. Then to find out reading the file card that he wasn't military, but a S.W.A.T. team policeman!? You have to be some badass to be asked to join the Joe's when your none military. Thanks for he review, see you in the next one! 😊

[@GumbosGhost]

Version one was probably the best version Stalker in ARAH

[@hernan3685]

The 90s stalker were cool and some modern versions are very nice

[@tonytee5435]

I got a lot of love for the stalker figure and character. Your rite You cannot dunk on Stalker👍🏽🇺🇸

[@CheapestBigSpender]

Rock n Roll and Firefly drew me to the joes

[@badape3620]

I was stalked but moving and several restraining orders later I was free. Oh wait a minute HCC788 is talking about a GIJOE character, my mistake

[@Solomangarcia]

If I was a Joe my specialty would be stalker. Beachhead was my favorite as a kid although his classified figure also has the wrong color beret.

[@petewallace9987]

Yes! My favorite character. Haven't even watched yet, here we go...

[@petewallace9987]

Awesome video man, great job as always

[@marcryan1974]

My favs were Flint, Duke, BBQ, Shipwreck, and Beachhead.

[@briangourley9572]

My only problem with stalker is the Green Beret the headgear for Special Forces. At that time Stalker as a Ranger would wear a black Beret.

[@christianhafer9819]

V2 of Stalker is one of my all time favorites. The original is run of the mill.

[@johnsoehnlen4781]

Stalker v2 is definitely the best Stalker.

[@christianhafer9819]

@John Soehnlen Far and away. It can hold all accessories, is army looking. He just prefers the original plain Stalker because it was first, even though it doesn't hold a candle to V2 of Stalker.

[@johnsoehnlen4781]

@@christianhafer9819 Absolutely agree. I can't hold the nostalgia against anybody though since I have that with a few versions of figures myself. I'm in the process of getting another Stalker v2. The one that I have has a stripped back screw that I have to drill out. I'm going to have a spare on hand before I attempt that little project.

[@christianhafer9819]

@John Soehnlen Indeed. It's such an awesome figure. Nostalgia shouldn't color you vision, though. V2 is superior in every way. It comes with a ton of awesome accessories including a freakin kayak!! The original came with a machine gun. Pffft! No comparison. Incidentally, where've you been? We were talking practically every day foe a couple months it seems, then you disappeared for a couple months, and now you're back again. Where were you?

[@johnsoehnlen4781]

@@christianhafer9819 May and June is when I get really busy. I start working long hours covering vacation since I'm a chemical operations specialist. Then my dad had a serious health issue crop up. I'm plugging away on my wife's honey do list. On top of that, I have a 47 acre farm to manage. That's why it seems like I drop off the face of the Earth every so often.

[@MarkRudolph666]

Short Fuze was my first, but Stalker is my favorite!

[@andrewandrew4568]

Those V1 Joes seemed very fragile. So many broken thumbs and crotches. I don't expect them to survive today 40 years later, so many of them broke when I playing with them when they were still on the pegs. Good times. Any cleaning suggestions appreciated, just got some of my vintage Joes back and they are dirty.

[@cosmiccowboy9358]

Shipwreck and Barbecue that was my go to guys and Falcon was always in charge I have most of my old figures but I need a stalker

[@nickfrancis]

The Sunbow cartoon didn't want to use him as a field commander, they were to busy putting Flint in almost every damn episode!

[@christingey5281]

Roadblock was my favorite.

[@Canoby]

I'm really loving Retro Stalker. Hoping his plastic ages better than his vintage fig

[@GrandmasDay32]

Great figure just picked up V2.

[@summonersumnerus4364]

For me it was Mainframe. Great figure, great character. A tech nerd who joined the Marines to become an arse kicking tech nerd.

[@KirksCORNER1983]

1 figure I MUST HAVE. I lost mine back in 91

[@alfonsogarcia8601]

Nice video I hope we can see the GI Joe Mauler soon.

[@wraith6776]

My favourite was always Snake Eyes. Not an unique pick but he is awesome. Second favourite is Gung Ho.

[@robawesome]

Hoping for a Classified version

[@phillipchallis966]

For me, that "most important figure" was Steeler. I had Zap first, but Steeler was the one that hooked me.

[@phillipchallis966]

@destructarr mine was a Christmas gift too!

[@yojoe2059]

Thank you for another great review! 👍