One one hand, it seems like this 2004 Double Clutch should be a commonly used figure. He's a solid update to a classic character. The figure is both common and cheap. And, Double Clutch fits with a wide array of figures from the entire line's history. Instead, he's an obscure version of a beloved character that appears infrequently at best. Much of this is due to the fact that the mold isn't great. Double Clutch is somewhat awkwardly designed and his parts make him appear barrel chested.
The other thing that doesn't help Double Clutch is that he lacks a signature vehicle. The 2004 VAMP seems like an obvious choice for him. But, because the VAMP was built for skinny 1982 figures and Double Clutch uses the bulkier parts from 1993, he's not a great fit with the classic jeep. Double Clutch really needed a repainted Mudbuster or Badger to operate. With this, the figure would have had a more noble purpose and likely would have found more use.
So, here's a bit of content about this figure that I could find.
Unproduced "Small Head" Clutch
2004 Clutch at Joe Battle Lines
2004 Clutch by fantasyactionfigures
I'm a huge comic/original 13 fan, but these left me cold upon their release. I think the fatal flaw was the shades of colors used on the O13 comic pack figures. I get that, in some of the comics, the Joes were depicted as having boots/belts/etc. that were almost yellow in color (heck, that's how they're depicted right on the cover of issue #1). But, come on, we all knew that they were intending to represent a light brown/tanish color (more like the color scheme we see on the cover to issue #3). The yellowish colors on these figures DO give them a lot of pop... I'll admit that. But I still find it a bit jarring to this day. Just my personal tastes
ReplyDeleteI do have to give Hasbro credit for remembering the red collars, though. That was a nice touch.
I also like the head sculpt on this version of Clutch. It's got a lot of character. I wish it was a bit larger, but that's a common ailment for figures of this era.
So hard to believe the comic packs are 20 years old.
ReplyDeleteYou just know if they'd got to comic pack Chuckles, they'd reuse that body parts combo.
ReplyDeleteI originally bought several of the comic book packs when released orginally and then when I got back into o-ring collecting about 10 years ago now (yikes) I made it a goal to get them all. I do think these packs have merit but over time the shrunken heads got to me and I ended up selling them off. It's funny to look back on how much I loved the comic sets initially to finally selling them all off. Wouldn't be surprised if one day I decided to recollect them again. I do think (Double) Clutch was one of the more well done figures of the comic book line.
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