The 1988 Muskrat is one of those figures that I never quite feel is mine. He was released the year after I quit Joe. That summer, though, I took care of a house for a family a few blocks over. Their younger son had a full plastic tubs of Joe figures, with several 1988 figures featured prominently. One day, I opened it up to check out Muskrat as he just looked so amazing. I imagined all the adventures I could have had with him. But, I was still too young to drive and never went to a store to pick one up. In 1990, the Kohl's store where I bought my lone 1989 Night Viper surely had a Muskrat as they were chock full of both 1988 and 1989 releases. But, he simply couldn't compete with the Cobras of the day.
I like to get this guy out when I can. Now, the figure has some limitations. But, he's still an excellent overall release and is a perfect representative for everything about the 1988 line.
He's a wonderful sculpt. But, like the rest of the 88 figures, he needs a few more paints apps to make him stand out. If - for example - Hasbro had given Muskrat the same tiger stripe camo paint apps that Falcon got the year before (or even a pattern like Footloose or Ripcord), he'd be an all time top tier figure. As is, he's still pretty good, if a little plain.
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