Airtight was the first 1985 figure I purchased that year. (Well, I got him and Footloose at the same time.) I've never regretted choosing him first. His uniform is cool. His colors are great. And, his accessories are top notch. He's a great photo subject for all those reasons. Sadly, the hose that plugs into his helmet has gotten stiff. So, I don't fully accessorize him like I used to. But, he remains one of those figures that I've just always enjoyed.
These days, I mostly use him in the context of his contemporaries. Most of these photos feature him with the same other figures. He looks great when posed with them. But, I should diversify my usage. Until then, enjoy the photos.
It's weird Airtight didn't get a updated figure as part of the Eco-Warriors team. I personally headcanon him as a member of that team. I also go back and forth between Ice Cream Soldier being a Eco-Warrior or a Mega Marine, or both. -Chev
ReplyDeleteAirtight's name appeared on an Eco Warriors list. Can't remember if it was '91 or '92, though. So, he was considered. Seems Eco Warriors went through a lot of changes between mandate and execution, though. There's a pretty good youtube video that goes into some of it.
DeleteClean Sweep should have been Airtight. Same colors, same kind of equipment. Even a similar hairline! Maybe he was originally meant to be Airtight, but they changed their minds and slapped a mustache on him.
DeleteI don't necessarily agree that Clean Sweep should have been Airtight, but leaving Airtight out of the Eco-Warriors completely was a bizarre move for Hasbro. Never had a character been so appropriate for inclusion in a (already niche) sub-team. I'm even willing to acquiesce that he didn't necessarily have to be the team leader (he's infinitely qualified, but I realize Flint was a more recognizable/marketable option from Hasbro's perspective).
DeleteOne nice thing about him NOT being an Eco-Warrior is that the presence of the 91/92 Eco-Warriors gives the 1985 version of Airtight some other Joes to hang around with and be photographed with. Whenever I see Airtight among a bunch of regular Joes, I'm forced to ask myself, "If Airtight needs that hazmat suit in this situation, shouldn't the other Joes be wearing some sort of protection, too?" Maybe I'm just overthinking things, though :)
I have a hard time seeing/using Airtight as anything other than USS Flagg deck crew. He looks natural driving the fuel trailer.
ReplyDeleteI always paired him with Barbecue like The Funhouse episode
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