Official Sideshow Crimson Guards!

[thenammagazine]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Nam, unless I'm mistaken, I don't think you fall in the classic / purist camp.

But regarding the pleather...eh, it's not a deal breaker for me. We don't know for certain (as I don't think there is anything on record stating this), but I believe that the original Crimson Guard uniforms were intended to be a satiny, ceremonial type uniform, a lot flashier than the wool / polyester crap they gave to the lowly Troopers. Maybe that's just an assumption on my part, but perhaps pleather was the best viable option to approximate that satin look.

I dunno, I think that looks pretty good actually. I'm more concerned with the helmet, and I hope that it is tweaked somewhat.

Now, from a practical standpoint, I'm going to have the reserve judgment. You guys that have been in the 1/6 arena longer than I've been have more experience with this.

Nah, I don't fall into the purist camp. Though I feel you should be able to instantly identify the character you're looking at if you were any fan of the toys, comics and figures. That said, while I feel the "look" is faithful to the CeeGees, it's the material used that's the headscratcher. I mean, if you look in that pic, the jacket just looks atrocious in how it's assembled and sits on the figure.

As for the HS, I dig it. I think it's a "modernized" Fred. He'd look out of place sporting an 80's dew in contrast to the rest of the line anyway, and the Freds' job is to blend in. Hell, depending, I might even see how it looks on Duke.

 

[devilof76]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

nam, I think you're looking at modernization as the genus of how they're deviating from the vintage. I understood that they would be taking liberties, and that modernization was simply one of the differentia of that. Artistic license is the genus, as I understand it.

I'm not seeing the gay connotations of the leather uniform either. It makes sense as a ceremonial uniform. The problems it raises for poseability, I do understand, which is my issue with it. It also doesn't lay well, but I know how to futz. Barring those impediments, I don't see how it will effect my appreciation of the figure.

 

[thenammagazine]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

nam, I think you're looking at modernization as the genus of how they're deviating from the vintage. I understood that they would be taking liberties, and that modernization was simply one of the differentia of that. Artistic license is the genus, as I understand it.

You know, ironically, I don't think I'd take much issue with it if it wasn't so shiny. If it had been done like a HT leather jacket, with a more natural leather matte finish, I don't think I'd have any issue at all with it. But the fact that it looks like shiny bondage leather makes no sense for Cobra Commander's elite guards, ceremonial or not.

 

[saintsyn]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Can you imagine a garrison of those guys trying to sneak up on anyone in all that leather? You' hear them from a mile away....

And upon further inspection I gotta say I actually like the way it looks... I'll probably throw a belt over the front "bib" to help that part, but I do like it. I may also be using this Fred head for Duke... Looks more like Duke to me. I also REALLY like how they did the boots.

 

[thenammagazine]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

This actually has me a bit worried that Battle-helmeted CC will be blue shiny bondage leather, too.

 

[DinoDB1975]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Can you imagine a garrison of those guys trying to sneak up on anyone in all that leather? You' hear them from a mile away....

Wouldn't happen. From Wiki...

"The Crimson Guard are the most elite soldiers of Cobra's Viper legions, under the direct command of Tomax and Xamot, but completely loyal to Cobra Commander, serving as his personal guard. Building the Crimson Guard network was believed to be the first thing Cobra Commander did after founding Cobra. Crimson Guardsman are not wasted on the battlefield like the more common Vipers and Cobra Troopers. Rather, "Siegie" agents operate undercover all over the country, in the political arenas and business world. All Crimson Guardsmen must hold a degree in either law or accounting, and be in top physical condition. They strive to present a facade of exemplary normalcy and civic responsibility, and are provided with fully supported cover identities, and even pre-fabricated "families". However, these agents are accumulating financial and political influence for Cobra through every means possible, supporting each other in creating schemes of blackmail, fraud and espionage.

Each member is rigorously trained and inducted in a secret ceremony in the lowest levels of Cobra's headquarters. To be a Crimson Guard is to swear absolute loyalty to Cobra and Cobra Commander. Many members also become part of a "series", undergoing plastic surgery and behavior modification to look and act like one another within a series. This allows one series member to completely replace another should the need arise without arousing suspicion. The most commonly depicted is the "Fred" Series."

 

[devilof76]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

You know, ironically, I don't think I'd take much issue with it if it wasn't so shiny. If it had been done like a HT leather jacket, with a more natural leather matte finish, I don't think I'd have any issue at all with it. But the fact that it looks like shiny bondage leather makes no sense for Cobra Commander's elite guards, ceremonial or not.

Point taken. Soft leather would be infinitely better. It might look more crimson too.

However, the sheen and hue are both going to be affected by the studio lighting used for the shots. The possibility is there that neither will be an issue in the final analysis.

 

[Deak Starkiller]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

I wish I could post at work instead of using my phone.

 

[saintsyn]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Wouldn't happen. From Wiki...

"The Crimson Guard are the most elite soldiers of Cobra's Viper legions, under the direct command of Tomax and Xamot, but completely loyal to Cobra Commander, serving as his personal guard. Building the Crimson Guard network was believed to be the first thing Cobra Commander did after founding Cobra. Crimson Guardsman are not wasted on the battlefield like the more common Vipers and Cobra Troopers. Rather, "Siegie" agents operate undercover all over the country, in the political arenas and business world. All Crimson Guardsmen must hold a degree in either law or accounting, and be in top physical condition. They strive to present a facade of exemplary normalcy and civic responsibility, and are provided with fully supported cover identities, and even pre-fabricated "families". However, these agents are accumulating financial and political influence for Cobra through every means possible, supporting each other in creating schemes of blackmail, fraud and espionage.

Each member is rigorously trained and inducted in a secret ceremony in the lowest levels of Cobra's headquarters. To be a Crimson Guard is to swear absolute loyalty to Cobra and Cobra Commander. Many members also become part of a "series", undergoing plastic surgery and behavior modification to look and act like one another within a series. This allows one series member to completely replace another should the need arise without arousing suspicion. The most commonly depicted is the "Fred" Series."

'twas a joke mate!

 

[onethousandmasks]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

The classic vs. updating argument has being going on ad nauseum in most of the Joe threads posted. While I respect everyone's arguments and opinions, whenever I hear that someone wishes that the Sideshow line was an exact 1/6 replica of the old RAH line from the 80's / early 90's, part of me wants to quote Wayne's World and say "Live in the NOW, man".

Most of us understand there is going to be modernization of the character. The problem is with the execution.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Most of us understand there is going to be modernization of the character. The problem is with the execution.

 

[The Craw]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Wouldn't happen. From Wiki...

"The Crimson Guard are the most elite soldiers of Cobra's Viper legions, under the direct command of Tomax and Xamot, but completely loyal to Cobra Commander, serving as his personal guard. Building the Crimson Guard network was believed to be the first thing Cobra Commander did after founding Cobra. Crimson Guardsman are not wasted on the battlefield like the more common Vipers and Cobra Troopers. Rather, "Siegie" agents operate undercover all over the country, in the political arenas and business world. All Crimson Guardsmen must hold a degree in either law or accounting, and be in top physical condition. They strive to present a facade of exemplary normalcy and civic responsibility, and are provided with fully supported cover identities, and even pre-fabricated "families". However, these agents are accumulating financial and political influence for Cobra through every means possible, supporting each other in creating schemes of blackmail, fraud and espionage.

Each member is rigorously trained and inducted in a secret ceremony in the lowest levels of Cobra's headquarters. To be a Crimson Guard is to swear absolute loyalty to Cobra and Cobra Commander. Many members also become part of a "series", undergoing plastic surgery and behavior modification to look and act like one another within a series. This allows one series member to completely replace another should the need arise without arousing suspicion. The most commonly depicted is the "Fred" Series."

if Cobra was real, i think i'd like to join them. they sound well organized.

 

[DinoDB1975]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

'twas a joke mate!

Wait, you weren't serious?

Most of us understand there is going to be modernization of the character. The problem is with the execution.

I understand, but IMO there hasn't been any unforgiveable issues with any of the Joes, except for Snake Eyes needing to be ported over to a TTA to look good.

if Cobra was real, i think i'd like to join them. they sound well organized.

Yeah, me too, but only as a Crimson Guardsmen. Except that whole plastic surgery, look like another dude thing sucks.

 

[ProgMatinee]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

Most of us understand there is going to be modernization of the character. The problem is with the execution.

I would argue the problem isn't even "execution", it's taste.

IMO the leather jacket actually looks well made, the issue is whether to like it or not.

 

[Mercer]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

I'd start out as a Viper and quit.

 

[thenammagazine]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

I'd start out as a Viper and quit.

 

[Deak Starkiller]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

I would argue the problem isn't even "execution", it's taste.

IMO the leather jacket actually looks well made, the issue is whether to like it or not.

FINALLY the site works! I agree Prog, I will be on the lookout for some WWII German uniforms or something like that. A regal CLOTH outfit I can RiT dye. I would never want to pay for a $800 set of doll pants.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

I would argue the problem isn't even "execution", it's taste.

IMO the leather jacket actually looks well made, the issue is whether to like it or not.

But the "taste" factors into the execution. And I'd argue that "execution" applies to all figures, not just the Crimson Guard. Me personally wouldn't have given Dusty a goatee. That just changes the character right there. You wouldn't release a Gung Ho without a mustache would you?

Sideshow's "taste" is mostly in the right place but there's the little things that are actually the biggest things for me.

I'd start out as a Viper and quit.

 

[ProgMatinee]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

I can't lump taste with execution. To me execution relates to quality.

Choosing to make the outfit leather isn't an execution flaw its a design flaw. They executed the design pretty well, you just don't like the designs.

 

[granbeetle]

Re: Offical Sideshow Crimson Guards!

You know, ironically, I don't think I'd take much issue with it if it wasn't so shiny. If it had been done like a HT leather jacket, with a more natural leather matte finish, I don't think I'd have any issue at all with it. But the fact that it looks like shiny bondage leather makes no sense for Cobra Commander's elite guards, ceremonial or not.

I don't like the material one bit but, if they insist on going with it I wish they would have used a more natural leather matte finish too. That would have looked much better and not stuck out so much.

Does anyone else notice the red seems different in certain pics of the figure? I really hope it is less 'candy red' almost pink than it appears in most of the preview pics.