It's been almost 20 years since I profiled the 1985 Keel Haul. When I did, you could get a mint and complete figure for about $25. Now, one will run you well over $150. It seems everyone forgot that Keel Haul was a mail away for many years. Sure, his pistol is rare. But, Keel Haul figures are not. I really feel that the "vibes" based pricing of the pre-internet era has returned. It's like we lost all our actual knowledge of collectibles that was gained between 1995 and 2015. Since then, pricing has been routinely out of whack to actual scarcity. And, when I think of all the bagged Keel Hauls that collectors got for $1 each from Hasbro Canada in 1999, I can't imagine their legacy would be an $80 figure to a younger generation of speculators.
As a figure, Keel Haul isn't the best. In a lot of ways, I expected the included figure with G.I. Joe's flagship toy to be amazing and perfect. Keel Haul is not that. He is, though, adequate for his role. There's not much you can do with an admiral when you don't have his ship. With Keel Haul, though, you can find a way to use him from time to time.
Most of his content that exists features Keel Haul on board the USS Flagg. He fits there. As I don't have a Flagg, I've used Keel Haul in Whale and Shark 9000. Most of my photos of him are in the Shark 9000. This is a relic of the fact that the 1993 Keel Haul was an integral part of the Shark 9000 crew when I was filling out my collection with the ghosts of retail G.I. Joe back in the mid 1990's. If I ever get my Whale out, again, I'll definitely use Keel Haul in a few times. His colors would be a nice fit with the olive Whale base. Until then, check out all the content below and let me know any funs times you had with Keel Haul.
1985 Keel Haul by dreadnokdread
1985 Keel Haul by thedustinmccoy
1985 Keel Haul by joemazing_stories
1985 Keel Haul by gijoe_c4_panama
I would add that, for people who don't own the Flagg, the Tactical Battle Platform also makes for a great place to display Keel-Haul. Plus, it's just an amazing/fun little playset that everyone should own. :)
ReplyDeleteI do not think I have ever owned a V1 Keel Haul. Another great figure, cool design, great sculpt. I go back and forth with acquiring one, it's a figure on my short list. Great photo with the SHARK 9000.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend the 1985 version...great color scheme, with the jacket being a particularly unique color. The head sculpt is great, too (of course, you also get that in the 1993 version).
DeleteThe 93 version is awesome. I think he is underappreciated, Hasbro being able to just do a straight re-release of a peak 1985 era figure in 1993 should get more praise. It's interesting that the figure mold holds up well against the slightly bulkier figures from the Battle Corps era. That said the 85 version is just the perfect encapsulation of what a high ranking GI Joe Admiral would look like. Just like 86 Hawk is exactly what a GI Joe General would look like - military design foundation but with some imagination added to it.
DeleteI love the tampo on the back of 93's jacket. But my heart still lies w the 85 version.
ReplyDelete