The Kraken figure isn't so much a rarity as it is an oddity. How this monster came to be included in the Action Force line isn't know and he's as out of place as the Lunartix aliens from the end of the Joe line. At the same time, he is also a perfect fit for the Action Force mythos. Why wouldn't this team of super-baddies who have some mad scientist type characters also have a monster? It's not a question a kid would have asked back in the '80's. You were just happy to acquire a really cool and fun toy.
Being a 5 points of articulation figure, Kraken is a natural fit for any Kenner Cantina or Jabba's Palace diorama. You'll see his Walrus Man inspired webbed feet. He's the type of weirdo who fits into this scene in both design and figure construction. The green, black and red coloring is eye catching and vibrant. (It will appear on a factory custom Eel in 2026.) He's that perfect combination where the weird design allows for colors that would be, otherwise, out of place for a Red Shadows figure.
Kraken figures are surprisingly common. Even complete versions aren't all that expensive. But, like most '80's toys, these days, supply has gotten tighter. And, the figure has gotten fairly popular in recent years. So, you'll pay more than you would have a few years ago. The upside is that he's available. And, since he's one of the more famous designs, lots of collectors have them and European collectors were keen to pluck him out of the huge lots of Action Force figures that used to be common at boot sales and second hand shops.
Never owned one. He looks fun, but the thin handled, short handled trident is odd. Did they even test accessories?
ReplyDeleteIIRC, the comic story was the Red Shadows or someone found an ancient amphibian frozen in ice, and then Baron Ironblood cloned them to serve the Red Shadows.
He looks really unthreatening lol. Speaking of the Lunartix aliens, why do they go for so much money on ebay? I remember you explained it to me on Twitter a few years ago but I have since forgotten your explanation. -Chev
ReplyDeleteLast wave syndrome. Supposedly, the second wave of Star Brigade was limited to 10,000 cases. So, they're pretty limited in terms of overall production numbers. (Fun fact, Carcass was overpacked in he case while Ozone was shortpacked. Hence, the stupid prices on Ozone.) As production figures go, they're probably the rarest in the vintage era. So, you pay for them today.
DeleteThe Kraken was probably the only Action Force 5poa figure I never wound up with. I think I avoided him after being real disappointed by the Skeletron figure.
ReplyDeleteHe looks fun, and is goofy enough to overcome the weak articulation