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Action Figure Review: Crimson Guard [Female] (Retro Series) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

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Action Figure Review: Crimson Guard [Female] (Retro Series) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro
Action Figure Review: Crimson Guard [Female] (Retro Series) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro
 

   I found two of newest series of Retro carded G.I. Joe: Classified Series on a store shelf a couple months back and then received the third in the mail directly from Hasbro Pulse. This series includes the female Crimson Guard, Zap, and Crazylegs. Let’s start checking these out by taking a look at the female version of the Crimson Guard. The first Classified Series version of the Crimson Guard (based more on the vintage toy) and the Retro carded second version (based more on the comic and cartoon) both came out in 2022. I only have the standard Siegie and never grabbed the original Retro card release. I grabbed this version, though, as now we have a female member of the Crimson Guard. The Crimson Guards are elite operatives who spend most of their time in disguise as ordinary citizens with pre-fabricated families just living in America and finding ways to subtly push Cobra’s agenda. Of course, they’re also absolutely capable of engaging in warfare and that’s what you get here. Ready to check out another addition to Cobra’s most elite ranks? Then join me after the break…

The Facts:

Height: 6 1/8ths inches
Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, boot swivels, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, balljointed drop down hips, balljointed waist, balljointed mid-torso, butterfly pecs, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, balljointed neck base, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: Rifle, magazine, pistol, holster, knife, sword, scabbard, backpack, 4 swappable hands, and a display stand. 
Non-Scalper Price: $28 dollars

Comparison:

* Here’s a shot of the 2026 Crimson Guard from the Retro Series (left) with the 2022 Crimson Guard (right). Besides having different body proportions and such because one is a woman and one is a man, the colors are very different. That’s because the female Crimson Guard is colored to match up with the brighter, silver-masked Retro Series male Crimson Guard, which I don’t have. If you do, they’ll match. If not, the shades are slightly different.

The Positives:

* I really like the bright color scheme of this Retro collection version (it’s weird calling it Retro collection when it’s based not on the vintage toy but on the cartoons and comics, but whatever). This is a review where I don’t have too much to say different from the previous version of the Siegie as their look hasn’t varied much over the past 38 years and the Classified Series didn’t really reinvent the wheel: A crimson red dress uniform with silver highlights and black uniform elements like gloves, boots, and belt. The only time the outfit has really changed beyond environmental/ unit specific swaps (Python Patrol, desert) was the DTC release in 2005 with a more elaborate jacket and the 2013 Retaliation release with the removable flak jacket. This Siegie is classic and she’s sporting neat and clean silver paint decorations on her detailed outfit. All of the little snaps, epaulets, logos, and the cord look excellent.  belt.

* The helmet is just a slightly smaller and sleeker version of the standard helmet from the male figure. Nothing different, though it does have the silver faceplate that the male Retro carded figure has. I originally thought I liked the black faceplate pest but this has me doubting whether I prefer the silver version.  

* These outfits strike an interesting blend between ceremonial and tactical. Are they ornate and classy? Absolutely. Do they also have built-in and leather boots with an excellent texture to them that also look like they’ll provide some great protection. They sure do. There are some cool storage pouches on the sides of the boots, too. This Siegie’s boots have a bit more of a wedge heel than the male version but not anything terribly noticeable that seems like it would be impractical for combat. 

* The articulation is all solid here. In fact, it might be a bit better than on the previous male Crimson Guards because this version has a balljointed mid-torso rather than a hinge, something I definitely prefer. Everything moves great, the joints are tight, and she’s incredibly fun to pose using her complement of weapons. She looks excellent wielding that rifle!

* Another improvement from the previous figures to this one is the inclusion of an alternate set of hands. You get a pair of fists for punching and a pair of pistol grip hands. It’s a nice little touch and is about as many extra accessories as most Marvel Legends figures seem to get, so I’ll gladly take them. 
* The accessories for the different Crimson Guards are largely the same, so I don’t have to much new to say here. First up is the same rifle that looks like an M4 rifle, which works as a solid modern weapon for the Siegies. It’s a pretty standard rifle that could easily pass for an AR-15. The rifle has a bayonet attached for some close quarters fighting and it even gets a silver paint app for the blade. 
* The magazine is removable, which is always a plus. 
* A fairly standard pistol is also included. 
* The pistol fits really nicely in the holster. Again, there’s nothing unique from the other Siegies here, but the uniformity makes sense. 
* This knife is really cool. I love the size and the snake head on the butt. It seems both practical and ceremonial. 
* Where’s the knife go? Right into this sheath on the Siegie’s right hip. It’s a permanent part of the belt and stays in place beautifully. 
* Last up is a ceremonial sword. The 2013 Crimson Guard figure was the first version I can recall that came with a ceremonial sword and it’s an addition I’m glad Hasbro included. It’s a great sword sculpt with a snake motif on the butt and handle that matches the knife. 

* A sheath is included that fits the sword perfectly. 

* One of the big differences between the first release of the Crimson Guard and both Retro variants is the inclusion of a red backpack instead of a black backpack. This figures backpack is red, like the vintage toy, though it does have a cool silver Cobra logo on the back.

* It also has a hole on the left side for holding the sword and sheath and a peg on the right side for holding the rifle via the trigger guard.

* Another extra you get with this figure that the original Siegie didn’t come with is a display base. It’s one of the simple based emblazoned with the Cobra logo, but I’m always happy to have more of these. 

The Negatives:

* The sheath is supposed to also fit into left side of the Crimson Guards belt but it doesn’t fit all that well. It rotates too easily, either falling out or causing the handle to raise all the way up. Maybe just a simple molding error in making a new, smaller belt piece?

   I’m really quite happy with the female version of the Crimson Guard. While the figure itself is different, yeah, the accessories are the same, but so what? That makes perfect sense. I know she’s a few dollars more than the original figure from four years ago but you do get a fully new sculpt and the additional alternate hands and a stand. That’s a nice little extra to sweeten the pot. This Siegie is an Epic figure and adds a bit more to the Crimson Guard ranks on your Classified Series shelf. Stay tuned as I’ll be checking out Zap and Crazylegs soon, too. 

Looking for more of the Crimson Guard? Then check out my review of the Classified Series standard Crimson Guard and the Python Crimson Guard.

For more G.I. Joe Classified Series reviews check out the following:

Destro  
Flint  


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