Character Bio:
By Vince Zannelli
Bounding off of the success of 3 3/4" comic book multi-packs from the early 2000s, Hasbro released a number of comic book 3 3/4" 2-packs beginning in 2008 and are still currently being released. While very few newly sculpted pieces were incorporated in the production of the packs, they did feature a variety of retooled and repainted figures and accessories as well as a high-quality reprint of either a modern or classic G.I. Joe comic. Later in the line, newly written comics created exclusively for these 2-packs were penned by G.I. Joe legend Lary Hama and featured covers and interior art by renown industry professionals.
This second version of Iron Grenadiers Destro is a combination of previously released Destro body parts, both the single carded 2007 25th anniversary release (with silver mask) as well the gold helmet singled carded version. A gold saber accessory reminiscent of the saber that the vintage gold helmet Iron Grenadiers Destro came with was included with this version. As a randomly inserted case variant, Hasbro also released this figure with a black head that had red eyes and a matching repainted black neckline. Black-headed Destro has only appeared in the comic book that is included with this 2-pack.
Destro's foot soldiers, known as the Iron Grenadiers, were created using a pre-existing Cobra Commander sculpt with an all-new head, which was also the same process used for the Toys R Us exclusive Iron Grenadiers 3-pack that featured two Iron Grenadier soldiers. This is a very faithful representation of the vintage Iron Grenadier figure and many collectors have been hopeful that a single carded release may be in the works.
|