1993 Interrogator Profile
1993 Interrogator by satanic_supremacy_87
1993 Interogator by toy_du_jour
Showing posts with label Interrogator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interrogator. Show all posts
Friday, January 19, 2024
1993 Interrogator (Mail Away) - Around The Web
The mail away set with Interrogator and Major Altitude were quite common in the 1990's. There was tons of overstock in the community and they would sit, unsold, for under $15. Now, they are $300 for a set. And, you'll pay between $150 and $200 just for this neon yellow Interrogator. And, this is really too bad. This figure is a nice mesh of bright yellow and darker purple. There's not a ton of content on the figure out there. The high price kind of precludes lots of new acquisitions. And, once you get him, most people are loathe to take a $200 figure out into the snow and mud. But, there's still some good stuff out there. Whether you're frozen in all weekend like I am or not, take some time to peruse all the links below.
1993 Interrogator Profile
1993 Interrogator by satanic_supremacy_87
1993 Interogator by toy_du_jour
1993 Interrogator Profile
1993 Interrogator by satanic_supremacy_87
1993 Interogator by toy_du_jour
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
1993 Interrogator - Mail Away
While the neon color infusion that appeared in the Joe line in the 1990's has found far greater acceptance among collectors in the past decade, it still remains a divisive issue among the fan base. Many collectors still hate the bright colors and consider the later figures invalid treads upon the hallowed 1980's versions of Joe characters. Never mind the fact that Flash not only featured bright red in 1982, he also carried a hand held laser rifle capable of melting steel doors in a few seconds. So, to me, the bright colors and sci-fi concepts of the 1990's are nothing more that a logical progression from Flash and Grand Slam. But, of course, Hasbro probably went too far in 1993. While some neon figures are forgivable, others were bright just for brightness's sake. Such a case is the 1993 mail away Interrogator figure.
Just in case you thought Cobra had gone soft, Interrogator comes along. Aside from the Darth Vader helmet, the mold is straight out of a nightmare. He has a set of spiked brass knuckles strapped to his chest: just so any prisoner starts to think that Interrogator might go easy on them. The original was cast in black, dark blue and grey: classic Cobra villain colors. He is one of the highlights of the 1990's in terms of new Cobra characters and new figures in general. This repaint, though, is less frightening. Gone are the muted tones that allowed Interrogator to blend with the classic Cobra hierarchy. Now, the Interrogator sports a nifty pastel, neon green helmet with matching bandoleers and gloves.
If you replace the yellow with red or dark grey, this Interrogator might be one of the best figures of the 1990's and on par with any Cobra villain from any year. With the yellow, though, this Interrogator is a fun addition to a collection. Truth be told, it might be more frightening to see an inquisitor enter a prison cell decked out in neon yellow. You would really wonder what kind of psychopath would choose such a color. And, it's in that vein that I find use for this figure. Sure, the 1991 figure looks better. But, this look for the character helps to make him more psychotic and unpredictable. It's a mental torture that he saves for special cases. But, when this suit is broken out, you can be sure that the Interrogator is preparing to break someone important.
Also, though, the figure looks great with other 1990's Cobras. He is a nice complement to the 1988 Cobra Bugg, too. I often have him among the grew just because his colors mesh so well. The Interrogator works with Crimson Guard Commanders, 1994 Vipers, Cyber Vipers, Mega Vipers and even the 1993 Headhunter figures. While none of those may be among the most popular Cobra troopers, they are excellent figures in their own right and having a character to lead them helps to flesh out some of the more drastically colored figures. But, the neon yellow also isn't for everyone and there's no real denying that if you aren't a fan of bright colors, then this figure probably doesn't work for you.
I didn't really start re-collecting Joes in earnest until 1995. During that time, I would get various mail away offers in vehicles or packaged with figures. Many, many times I would stare at them and consider getting some classic figures or vehicles back. Each time I went to order, though, the total price for the figures and shipping just seemed out of line. I had held on to my childhood notion of mail aways being the domain of very cheap or even free promotional items and not realized that they could be a source of toys that had been gone from retail for over a decade. But, at the time, money was tight and Joes were still plentiful at retail. Plus, being 1995, I wasn't sure I would actually get any figures I ordered and I didn't want to risk sending in money that I'd never see again. So, while I saw this Interrogator figure in the catalogs, I never got all that close to ordering him.
In some ways, that was a shame. I would have found great use for this Interrogator at the time. Even his oddly colored set mate of Major Altitude would have been useful: finding many ways to perish in the Razorblade. The Cobra villains of the line's final years were heavy on re-imaginations of classic Cobra characters. Interrogator would have been new to me and would have found a strong characterization as someone new who would have joined my cabal of young Cobras who were starting at the time. It's probably good, though, that the figure didn't enter my collection. His absence allowed me time to find the right figures to represent the Cobras I had created. And, that was the driving force behind my early interest in foreign Joe figures. So, sometimes there are hidden benefits to cost driven decisions.
The original Interrogator included an oddball grappling gun. The 1993 version, though, only includes a knife. It's a small, greyish weapon that was also included with the 1987 Steamroller figure. It can work for someone who would incorporate torture as part of his repertoire. But, to me, the figure needs his iconic weapon. Fortunately, the black 1991 Interrogator weapons aren't overly difficult to find. And, if you're more adventurous, you can track down a silver repaint of the weapon (seen in some of the photos below) that was included with a Street Fighter Movie Edition M Bison figure. It adds a bit of flair to an already ostentatious figure while keeping him in sync with the weapon designed for him.
Despite the neon colors, this Interrogator version is somewhat pricey. Mint and complete figures will sell in the $50 range. Though, without the knife, you can get them under $40 from time to time. The figure isn't nearly as rare as many dealers make it out to be. Bagged overstock of both this figure and Major Altitude were available not only from dealers for many years, but Lee's Action Figure Review also gave away sets of them with a subscription to the magazine well into the early 2000's. So, while you may not see this figure with the regularity that you did 15 years ago, the reality is that a lot of them are out there and many of those tucked away in collections are bagged versions. But, for today's pricing, this Interrogator is really only a must have for the die hard completist. The original version is better in every way, is more common, has better gear and is about 1/4 of the price. But, if you like terrible, oddball repaints of really good 1990's figures, this Interrogator is for you.
Just in case you thought Cobra had gone soft, Interrogator comes along. Aside from the Darth Vader helmet, the mold is straight out of a nightmare. He has a set of spiked brass knuckles strapped to his chest: just so any prisoner starts to think that Interrogator might go easy on them. The original was cast in black, dark blue and grey: classic Cobra villain colors. He is one of the highlights of the 1990's in terms of new Cobra characters and new figures in general. This repaint, though, is less frightening. Gone are the muted tones that allowed Interrogator to blend with the classic Cobra hierarchy. Now, the Interrogator sports a nifty pastel, neon green helmet with matching bandoleers and gloves.
If you replace the yellow with red or dark grey, this Interrogator might be one of the best figures of the 1990's and on par with any Cobra villain from any year. With the yellow, though, this Interrogator is a fun addition to a collection. Truth be told, it might be more frightening to see an inquisitor enter a prison cell decked out in neon yellow. You would really wonder what kind of psychopath would choose such a color. And, it's in that vein that I find use for this figure. Sure, the 1991 figure looks better. But, this look for the character helps to make him more psychotic and unpredictable. It's a mental torture that he saves for special cases. But, when this suit is broken out, you can be sure that the Interrogator is preparing to break someone important.
Also, though, the figure looks great with other 1990's Cobras. He is a nice complement to the 1988 Cobra Bugg, too. I often have him among the grew just because his colors mesh so well. The Interrogator works with Crimson Guard Commanders, 1994 Vipers, Cyber Vipers, Mega Vipers and even the 1993 Headhunter figures. While none of those may be among the most popular Cobra troopers, they are excellent figures in their own right and having a character to lead them helps to flesh out some of the more drastically colored figures. But, the neon yellow also isn't for everyone and there's no real denying that if you aren't a fan of bright colors, then this figure probably doesn't work for you.
I didn't really start re-collecting Joes in earnest until 1995. During that time, I would get various mail away offers in vehicles or packaged with figures. Many, many times I would stare at them and consider getting some classic figures or vehicles back. Each time I went to order, though, the total price for the figures and shipping just seemed out of line. I had held on to my childhood notion of mail aways being the domain of very cheap or even free promotional items and not realized that they could be a source of toys that had been gone from retail for over a decade. But, at the time, money was tight and Joes were still plentiful at retail. Plus, being 1995, I wasn't sure I would actually get any figures I ordered and I didn't want to risk sending in money that I'd never see again. So, while I saw this Interrogator figure in the catalogs, I never got all that close to ordering him.
In some ways, that was a shame. I would have found great use for this Interrogator at the time. Even his oddly colored set mate of Major Altitude would have been useful: finding many ways to perish in the Razorblade. The Cobra villains of the line's final years were heavy on re-imaginations of classic Cobra characters. Interrogator would have been new to me and would have found a strong characterization as someone new who would have joined my cabal of young Cobras who were starting at the time. It's probably good, though, that the figure didn't enter my collection. His absence allowed me time to find the right figures to represent the Cobras I had created. And, that was the driving force behind my early interest in foreign Joe figures. So, sometimes there are hidden benefits to cost driven decisions.
The original Interrogator included an oddball grappling gun. The 1993 version, though, only includes a knife. It's a small, greyish weapon that was also included with the 1987 Steamroller figure. It can work for someone who would incorporate torture as part of his repertoire. But, to me, the figure needs his iconic weapon. Fortunately, the black 1991 Interrogator weapons aren't overly difficult to find. And, if you're more adventurous, you can track down a silver repaint of the weapon (seen in some of the photos below) that was included with a Street Fighter Movie Edition M Bison figure. It adds a bit of flair to an already ostentatious figure while keeping him in sync with the weapon designed for him.
Despite the neon colors, this Interrogator version is somewhat pricey. Mint and complete figures will sell in the $50 range. Though, without the knife, you can get them under $40 from time to time. The figure isn't nearly as rare as many dealers make it out to be. Bagged overstock of both this figure and Major Altitude were available not only from dealers for many years, but Lee's Action Figure Review also gave away sets of them with a subscription to the magazine well into the early 2000's. So, while you may not see this figure with the regularity that you did 15 years ago, the reality is that a lot of them are out there and many of those tucked away in collections are bagged versions. But, for today's pricing, this Interrogator is really only a must have for the die hard completist. The original version is better in every way, is more common, has better gear and is about 1/4 of the price. But, if you like terrible, oddball repaints of really good 1990's figures, this Interrogator is for you.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
1991 Interrogator - Around the Web
The Cobra characters of the late 1980's were not great. Oddballs like Dr. Mindbender, Crystal Ball, Big Boa and Road Pig all had their charms. But, the toys could be goofy or terrible. As the 1990's dawned, though, named Cobras got a bit more impressive in their appearance. Among the solid Cobra releases of the day was the Interrogator figure. Sure, he has a bit of Darth Vader in him. But, the figure conveys they type of fear a person of his specialty requires. He's become a fan favorite over the years due to the solid design and great colors. Here's the best of him from around the web.
1991 Interrogator Profile
Interrogator at the Dragon Fortress
Interrogator Video Review
Interrogator Dio 1
Interrogator at Half The Battle
Interrogator at 3DJoes.com
Interrogator Dio 2
Interrogator at JoeWiki
Interrogator at Toys From the Past
Interrogator Dio 3
1991 Interrogator Profile
Interrogator at the Dragon Fortress
Interrogator Video Review
Interrogator Dio 1
Interrogator at Half The Battle
Interrogator at 3DJoes.com
Interrogator Dio 2
Interrogator at JoeWiki
Interrogator at Toys From the Past
Interrogator Dio 3
Thursday, June 8, 2000
1991 Interrogator
Like the Night Vulture, the Interrogator is a figure that has found some cool uses in my collection. He is, as his name suggests, Cobra's interrogation specialist. I use him as a powerful individual who has realized that he must bide his time and build the Commander's confidence in him. He is a character who is very strong and inspires fear even among his superiors. He often accompanies Major Bludd into battle, though he stays out of the way. After prisoners have been taken, he may either interrogate them for information, or simply torture them for sheer pleasure. I also use him as the base commander who is in charge while the more combat heavy field generals are off fighting. It during this time that he builds his power and experience. He's one of my lesser characters that, given a chance, may become more important as time progresses.
This figure has so much potential, it isn't even funny. This is a great idea for a character, but the execution into an actual figure leaves much to be desired. This guy's mold isn't all that impressive. He's just a basic figure with no real distinguishing characteristics. Unlike the figures I normally like, who's simplicity is their greatest asset, this guy's mold just isn't all that great. They tried to make him busy and have the mold be on par with other '91 Cobras. Where they failed, though, is that they took the middle ground. This guy isn't flashy, gaudy, and full of unique accessories and molds like the Desert Scorpion, nor is he very basic, yet strong like the mighty Crimson Guard Immortal and the Incinerator. Interrogator is an unhappy medium where his chest has all sorts of things happening, while his helmet and legs are very calm and sedate. As such, he isn't a figure that has found much time in any area of Joe collecting. That, though, seems to be changing. As many collectors have grown up and become more interested in the characters behind the figures, Interrogator, much like Mercer, has started to take on a second life. He is starting to appear in both works of fan fiction and dioramas. As I have said, he is a specialty that seems to be necessary to an organization like Cobra. The fact that it took them almost a decade to come up with him, though, says much about Hasbro's efforts to really explore Cobra.
I started using the Interrogator the minute I got him. However, he quickly fell out of favor and disappeared into his drawer. A couple of weeks ago, though, I needed him. When I pulled the figure and his gun out into my rotation, I was fascinated by the possibilities he offered. As I have said before, I like prisoner figures. Usually, though, I use them on the Joe side. Law, Dialtone, Crazy Legs, Shockwave, Mace, Mutt, and a host of other figures are just too realistic. When I decided to do the prisoner angle from Cobra's point of view, Interrogator was a natural choice. I shudder to think what those pincers on his gun would do to a poor, captured soul. Needless to say, many of my prisoners have suffered at this guy's hands. Currently, he is one of my "featured figures" who is not kept in his drawer, but, instead is out, ready to be used. I don't know why I associated him with the Night Vulture. I think that both are such obscure figures that they just naturally go together.
If you look at the Interrogator figure, you see that he is draped in basic Cobra blue to go with his black, grey and red. As such, he actually blends with pretty much every standard Cobra army builder from the peak years of the line. That is a fact that is easily missed when you first look at the figure. But, once realized, the true value of this figure comes to light. Interrogator can be used in conjunction with the earliest Cobras or stood among those from the modern take on ARAH figures and still fit in. That is a rare combination for a figure from 1991. Especially for a figure that represented an all new character.
Where, oh where is the Interrogator mold?!? Hasbro used it in 1991 and again in 1993. But, the trail runs cold there. However, Hasbro has pulled out many of Interrogator's contemporaries so it's likely that the mold is out there and could easily be used for a new version. As the mold has so much potential, it would be great to see a newly colored version of this character. But, since this version is still very good, if we never see the Interrogator revisited, at least we have one version that is nearly perfect.
Interrogator's aren't too tough to find. The Battle Copters figures seem to appear from time to time. The mail in version, though, seems to come up for sale much more often. (This is the same mold as this figure, but is cast in pastel, neon yellow. Needless to say, it is a very interesting color choice.) Neither version, though, will cost you much. The original's gun, though, is kind of hard to find in mint condition. The prongs are very thin and brittle. They are prone to breakage, bending and warping. You can still usually find the figure with his gun. Like most of the '91's, you will have your best luck finding this guy in large lots. He isn't popular enough to be found by himself. Like other characters who have found a second life in fan fictions, though, Interrogator's popularity may increase in time. Collector's tend to like this guy. As such, he may not always be as available as he is now. As such, now is the time to add this guy to your collection. He is nice figure with cool accessories who will find as many uses in your collection as he has in mine.
This is another cool figure that I don't want any more of. I've you've found any cool uses for this guy, email me.
This figure has so much potential, it isn't even funny. This is a great idea for a character, but the execution into an actual figure leaves much to be desired. This guy's mold isn't all that impressive. He's just a basic figure with no real distinguishing characteristics. Unlike the figures I normally like, who's simplicity is their greatest asset, this guy's mold just isn't all that great. They tried to make him busy and have the mold be on par with other '91 Cobras. Where they failed, though, is that they took the middle ground. This guy isn't flashy, gaudy, and full of unique accessories and molds like the Desert Scorpion, nor is he very basic, yet strong like the mighty Crimson Guard Immortal and the Incinerator. Interrogator is an unhappy medium where his chest has all sorts of things happening, while his helmet and legs are very calm and sedate. As such, he isn't a figure that has found much time in any area of Joe collecting. That, though, seems to be changing. As many collectors have grown up and become more interested in the characters behind the figures, Interrogator, much like Mercer, has started to take on a second life. He is starting to appear in both works of fan fiction and dioramas. As I have said, he is a specialty that seems to be necessary to an organization like Cobra. The fact that it took them almost a decade to come up with him, though, says much about Hasbro's efforts to really explore Cobra.
I started using the Interrogator the minute I got him. However, he quickly fell out of favor and disappeared into his drawer. A couple of weeks ago, though, I needed him. When I pulled the figure and his gun out into my rotation, I was fascinated by the possibilities he offered. As I have said before, I like prisoner figures. Usually, though, I use them on the Joe side. Law, Dialtone, Crazy Legs, Shockwave, Mace, Mutt, and a host of other figures are just too realistic. When I decided to do the prisoner angle from Cobra's point of view, Interrogator was a natural choice. I shudder to think what those pincers on his gun would do to a poor, captured soul. Needless to say, many of my prisoners have suffered at this guy's hands. Currently, he is one of my "featured figures" who is not kept in his drawer, but, instead is out, ready to be used. I don't know why I associated him with the Night Vulture. I think that both are such obscure figures that they just naturally go together.
If you look at the Interrogator figure, you see that he is draped in basic Cobra blue to go with his black, grey and red. As such, he actually blends with pretty much every standard Cobra army builder from the peak years of the line. That is a fact that is easily missed when you first look at the figure. But, once realized, the true value of this figure comes to light. Interrogator can be used in conjunction with the earliest Cobras or stood among those from the modern take on ARAH figures and still fit in. That is a rare combination for a figure from 1991. Especially for a figure that represented an all new character.
Where, oh where is the Interrogator mold?!? Hasbro used it in 1991 and again in 1993. But, the trail runs cold there. However, Hasbro has pulled out many of Interrogator's contemporaries so it's likely that the mold is out there and could easily be used for a new version. As the mold has so much potential, it would be great to see a newly colored version of this character. But, since this version is still very good, if we never see the Interrogator revisited, at least we have one version that is nearly perfect.
Interrogator's aren't too tough to find. The Battle Copters figures seem to appear from time to time. The mail in version, though, seems to come up for sale much more often. (This is the same mold as this figure, but is cast in pastel, neon yellow. Needless to say, it is a very interesting color choice.) Neither version, though, will cost you much. The original's gun, though, is kind of hard to find in mint condition. The prongs are very thin and brittle. They are prone to breakage, bending and warping. You can still usually find the figure with his gun. Like most of the '91's, you will have your best luck finding this guy in large lots. He isn't popular enough to be found by himself. Like other characters who have found a second life in fan fictions, though, Interrogator's popularity may increase in time. Collector's tend to like this guy. As such, he may not always be as available as he is now. As such, now is the time to add this guy to your collection. He is nice figure with cool accessories who will find as many uses in your collection as he has in mine.
This is another cool figure that I don't want any more of. I've you've found any cool uses for this guy, email me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)