Overkill isn't a figure I've ever used with any frequency. When it was time to reduce my collection in the early 2010's, I even got rid of my vintage Overkill. The reason was that I had this nice 2003 version and there was no reason to keep two versions of the character. Now, I regret that decision as the original figure is quite well done. But, I have some solace in that I kept this 2003 figure and can still enjoy him.
The truth, though, is that I don't really take the time to appreciate this figure. In fact, my only remaining copy was still packed in his original baggie from the mail away set that shipped in late spring of 2003. I've taken him out once or twice. But, that's it. And, that makes little sense. Overkill is a cool looking figure who has some really nice gear, fun play features and solid colors. In short, he's everything I want in a Joe figure. Yet, he doesn't resonate with me.
Mostly, it's because he's a robot. I feel BAT's are a poor excuse for a villain. And, anything that dehumanizes the toll of war should be immediately suspect. So, that instantly reduces Overkill's usefulness. But, there's no reason I can't find a better aspect for the figure. While sentient robots carry a tremendous amount of baggage that extends beyond their role of protagonist or antagonist, you can find some ground where they can be useful.
Recently, I read a quote about how "all the best robots outwardly hate their creators" and that's a line that's stuck with me. Though, I'm not sure how to make it work. Overkill is equipped with weapons. No good person would built a robotic killing machine. So, Overkill can't be rebelling against his benevolent creators. So, that leaves him as the evil killing machine created by the most vile villains on earth. Hating them makes Overkill a bad guy. And the whole trope of a bad guy turning good is also problematic because no amount of good can overcome a murder.
So, I now see Overkill as a weapon of last resort for Cobra. He is activated when the situation is either very dire. Or, it can be carefully controlled. Overkill is an unrequited killing machine. And, once activated, will not really discriminate about his victims. Cobra Commander, of course, doesn't really care about some friendly fire casualties among his rank and file troopers. What he does care about, though, is that Overkill has the ability to escape dire situations, is fully cognizant that the Cobras in his vicinity are there to destroy him once his objective is attained and Overkill then still has the determination to pursue the Cobra hierarchy. And, even the fail safes built into Overkill can't be trusted because the robot is smart enough to detect and disable them prior to confronting the Cobra hierarchy.
So, if the Cobra technicians aren't able to turn Overkill off before he escapes, then Cobra Commander and his ilk are in danger of being stalked by a killer robot who is hell bent on revenge. At the same time, the Joes can't work with Overkill because his primary purpose is still to kill them. So, you have a monster who is loose in the world with no allies and grudges against all who he encounters. There are some Cobras who can negotiate with Overkill. But, his concessions are not killing them and them providing information on the Commander's whereabouts. It makes the decision to use Overkill much more dire. And, it also sets up a plotline where both Cobra and Joe are deathly afraid of a killer robot that is out there, trying to kill them both.
2003 BAT Set Pre Production Figures
2003 Overkill by fun_time_at_serpentors_lair
2003 Overkill by themexicangriswolds
2003 Overkill by toysandtomfoolery
2003 Overkill by toysandtomfoolery
2003 Overkill at Action-Force.dk
2003 Overkill at GeneralsJoesReborn.com
2003 Overkill by g.i.joe_manila_ph
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