The 1985 Eel is one of the best figures in the history of the G.I. Joe line. Because of this, his follow up design that was released in 1992 is often denigrated as it's so different from the classic look. But, the 1992 figure is a strong design on its own. The 1993 repaint is not really better or worse than the 1992. It's missing a paint application and has very different weapons. But, that allows it to be used either in conjunction with the 1992 figure or as a separate unit of Cobra's frogmen.
I like the purple 1993 version, though, just because it's not a figure you see all that often. Despite that, I've been able to find some decent content featuring him. He's never going to replace the 1985 Eel in collector's minds. But, he can be a fun figure that really works well with his contemporaries.
I haven't done much with him for quite a while. I need to get them out again this fall and get at least one more in action shot of these Eels either working with the Bugg or taking out some Joes. They work really well in those contexts. Until then, enjoy all the creators below:
1993 Eel by yojoe_collectibles
1993 Eel by fun_time_at_serpentorslair
For a sense of mold-accessory continuity, I'd give him the silver version of his speargun that came with the 1994 Navy SEAL Guile figure from the Street Fighter Movie line--or, for more coordination, give the '92 figure the silver one (which matches his swim fins), and give that figure's neon yellow version to the '93 figure.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm not a fan of the '92 or '93 versions of the Eel, I can't deny that they look great with the BUGG.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your profile...the '93 Eel was tough for me to track down even in the 90's. I really wish they hadn't left off the paint application in the stomach area. If it had been painted, it would help the '93 version blend in better with the '92 version and work as sort of an officer/NCO with a slightly different color to his wetsuit. As it stands, though, the yellow stomach just makes him look unfinished.
My impression of this figure has kind of changed over the years. Like I said, I'm not a fan of the '92 or '93 versions. However, I used to prefer the brighter blue of the '92 version (I felt like the purplish/blue color of the '93 version just made the figure look discolored). Over time, though, I've come to kind of prefer the '93 Eel's wetsuit color over the '92 version's. It sort of flows better with the yellow portions of the outfit (to my eye, anyway).
One thing's for sure, this guy would have definitely benefitted from better accessories. At least they had the decency to give him the flippers