Overlord Profile
Overlord at JoeBattleLines.com
Overlord by Sithviper
Overlord at 3DJoes.com
Overlord at JoePedia
Showing posts with label Overlord. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Overlord. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2019
1990 Overlord - Around the Web
Overlord was originally conceived as a new version of Cobra Commander. Fortunately, Hasbro rebranded him as a new character. But, the original blue and black color scheme from the concept art would have made for a great figure. The gold and copper/orange base for Overlord, though, works as an autumnal tribute in Cobra's hierarcy. With his helmet and claws, Overlord can be fun. He is visually distinctive. But, he doesn't get the play you would expect for a character with his lineage and unique look. There's little out there on the character. But, here's the best I could find around the web.
Overlord Profile
Overlord at JoeBattleLines.com
Overlord by Sithviper
Overlord at 3DJoes.com
Overlord at JoePedia
Overlord Profile
Overlord at JoeBattleLines.com
Overlord by Sithviper
Overlord at 3DJoes.com
Overlord at JoePedia
Thursday, March 23, 2017
2006 Convention Overlord - Around the Web
This Overlord exists as an oops to the collecting community after the group responsible for it got backlash. They mistakenly thought collectors didn't like the 1988 Destro mold and skipped it in the 2005 convention set. So, rather than fix the blunder the right way, we got this Overlord using the Destro body in gaudy colors.
But, this figure isn't terrible and kind of works. The colors are tough to integrate. But, still, aren't bad. And, the general look is good for the character and it was nice to see Overlord return in some capacity. So, lemonade out of lemons, I guess. Here's the best of him around the web.
Overlord Profile
Overlord at JoeDios.com 1
Overlord Review at GeneralsJoes.com
Overlord at JoeDios.com 2
Overlord at JoeADay.com
Overlord at TNI
Overlord at HalftheBattle
Overlord at JoeDios.com 3
But, this figure isn't terrible and kind of works. The colors are tough to integrate. But, still, aren't bad. And, the general look is good for the character and it was nice to see Overlord return in some capacity. So, lemonade out of lemons, I guess. Here's the best of him around the web.
Overlord Profile
Overlord at JoeDios.com 1
Overlord Review at GeneralsJoes.com
Overlord at JoeDios.com 2
Overlord at JoeADay.com
Overlord at TNI
Overlord at HalftheBattle
Overlord at JoeDios.com 3
Thursday, September 11, 2008
2006 Overlord - Convention Exclusive
It has been more than 5 years since I last looked at the Overlord character. Since that time, my use of the character has changed dramatically. That is entirely the fault, though, of the figure which I am now profiling. Unlike that original Overlord figure that appears more ceremonial than combatant, this new version showcases the character as a dashing military leader. That was not the vision I had of the Overlord figure back in 2003 when there was only version to choose from with no updates on the horizon. This figure, though, has made the actual character of Overlord a relevant player in my collection. Now, this this mold at my disposal, Overlord is another military leader upon whom Cobra Commander relies.
This Overlord figure uses the torso of the 1988 Destro figure. While I've often ridiculed Master Collector for their lack of understanding that the '88 Destro figure was desirable, the fact is that had they used the mold for Destro in the 2005 set, it would be unlikely that we would have ever gotten this Overlord figure. The head was newly molded exclusively for this figure by Master Collector since it was likely the original mold died in Brazil. The rest of the body is taken from Barricade. As such, the figure can stand next to the '88 Destro but still appear different enough for them to be relevant. The helmet is a recolored version of the helmet included with the DTC Major Bludd and the trademark claw is actually from the 1988 Storm Shadow figure rather than the original Overlord. The result, though, is a complement of accessories that hearken to the original figure but that also seem like an upgrade over the old designs. This figure is instantly recognizable as Overlord. Yet, it also has a look unlike anything else in the Cobra army. That is a rare combination for a figure produced after 2001 and shows that, with a little ingenuity, great figures can still be produced from the library of ARAH style figure molds.
The paint details on this figure are exquisite. The highly detailed Destro chest is now painted to its full glory. You can see the shoulder pauldron, neck brace and strapping now that they are highlighted with full color. This figure is striking contrast of Gold and Green. There is just enough black and gray thrown in to make the figure stand out among retail released figures. The gold highlights are also a nice throwback to Overlords original color scheme and help tie to the two looks together. The green might be a little bright for some. But, it fits with the gaudy gold armour that Overlord wears and isn't a color that has been overdone in the Joe line. The Barricade legs, arms and waist fit nicely with the Destro torso. Overlord's gold mask does blend a bit too much into the figure's body when you remove his helmet. But, the silver monocle makes up for that as it brings more color to the figure's head. The COIL logo on Overlord's helmet is a nice touch. And, as the logo is two snakes, it still fits with the Cobra theme and allows this figure to be used as a full Cobra rather than some outside impostor.
This version of Overlord was meant to command the COIL Troopers. I don't know anything about the COIL. Supposedly, they were some lame Devil's Due creation to spark their always slumping sales. There is reference on Overlord's filecard to them being his new army. The result, though, is a figure cast in a non-traditional Cobra color of green. In a way, it works since it kind of ties to Serpentor's classic look. It is also a nice bit of diversity in the ranks of the high ranking Cobra command. Overlord's actual COIL troopers from the same convention set are done in the same colors. But, as figures, they are somewhat boring and have really failed to capture any sort of collector attention and can now be routinely purchased for less than their original price.
Now that the actual character of Overlord is coming back to my collection with this mold, I have to figure out a way to fully integrate him. I see Overlord as loyal to Cobra Commander rather than anyone else. My Commander needs more military commanders in his stable to offset the number of high quality generals loyal to Ramen. I see Overlord as a political climber who feels that military credentials are the fastest way to long term power. Unlike the conniving politicians who now surround the Commander, Overlord is someone who has little interest for politics. He sees himself become more of a military dictator rather than a legislator who rules through subversiveness and legalese. He is loyal to Cobra, though. I don't need any more enemy factions. Cobra is the organization with power and it's better to be a high ranking officer in Cobra than it is to control your own, smaller faction.
This has brought the character new life in my collection and made him a recent figure of some importance. The distinct look coupled with the classically underutilized character makes for a figure that retains some relevance. Many of the convention Cobra characters have been well done...but, they haven't exceeded earlier figures of the same character. As such, when choosing the iconic version of a figure, I find that the con figs are often left behind. This is not so with Overlord. To me, he is the highlight of the 2006 convention set and is worthy of replacing the vintage Overlord in my collection. Based on the exposure he sees in the modern collecting world, though, it seems that I'm in the minority on this point. But, it still gives me access to another high quality figure, so I'm happy. :)
Truthfully, I see little reason for another version of Overlord to appear. It is likely that Master Collector holds the exclusive rights to the head mold, so any figure utilizing the existing mold would likely have to come from them. While some might like to see this combination of parts appear in another color scheme that better integrates with Iron Grenadiers or standard Cobras, I wouldn't want to waste one of the few remaining ARAH style Joe slots on another repaint of a figure that was done so well with this release. I will grant that this figure isn't for everyone due to the colors. But, it is something different that adds more depth to a Cobra command.
Right after the 2006 convention, Overlord figures were cheap and plentiful. Slowly, though, they dried up and seemed to settle into the $25-$30 range for a while. As with all convention figures (except the 2002 Crimson figures), though, as new sets were released, demand for the older figures softened. These days, you can get a mint, complete Overlord in the $15-$20 range without too much effort. Given patience and a little luck, you can even get them for about 2/3 of that from time to time. Even at the high end, though, this figure is a must buy. It is the best version of Overlord and is the only rendition of the character that accentuates his roots as a military commander. For many collectors, though, the very nature of this figure being a convention release puts the figure out of their preferred price range. But, this is a rare case where the high price is well worth it for the quality of figure and importance of character.
This Overlord figure uses the torso of the 1988 Destro figure. While I've often ridiculed Master Collector for their lack of understanding that the '88 Destro figure was desirable, the fact is that had they used the mold for Destro in the 2005 set, it would be unlikely that we would have ever gotten this Overlord figure. The head was newly molded exclusively for this figure by Master Collector since it was likely the original mold died in Brazil. The rest of the body is taken from Barricade. As such, the figure can stand next to the '88 Destro but still appear different enough for them to be relevant. The helmet is a recolored version of the helmet included with the DTC Major Bludd and the trademark claw is actually from the 1988 Storm Shadow figure rather than the original Overlord. The result, though, is a complement of accessories that hearken to the original figure but that also seem like an upgrade over the old designs. This figure is instantly recognizable as Overlord. Yet, it also has a look unlike anything else in the Cobra army. That is a rare combination for a figure produced after 2001 and shows that, with a little ingenuity, great figures can still be produced from the library of ARAH style figure molds.
The paint details on this figure are exquisite. The highly detailed Destro chest is now painted to its full glory. You can see the shoulder pauldron, neck brace and strapping now that they are highlighted with full color. This figure is striking contrast of Gold and Green. There is just enough black and gray thrown in to make the figure stand out among retail released figures. The gold highlights are also a nice throwback to Overlords original color scheme and help tie to the two looks together. The green might be a little bright for some. But, it fits with the gaudy gold armour that Overlord wears and isn't a color that has been overdone in the Joe line. The Barricade legs, arms and waist fit nicely with the Destro torso. Overlord's gold mask does blend a bit too much into the figure's body when you remove his helmet. But, the silver monocle makes up for that as it brings more color to the figure's head. The COIL logo on Overlord's helmet is a nice touch. And, as the logo is two snakes, it still fits with the Cobra theme and allows this figure to be used as a full Cobra rather than some outside impostor.
This version of Overlord was meant to command the COIL Troopers. I don't know anything about the COIL. Supposedly, they were some lame Devil's Due creation to spark their always slumping sales. There is reference on Overlord's filecard to them being his new army. The result, though, is a figure cast in a non-traditional Cobra color of green. In a way, it works since it kind of ties to Serpentor's classic look. It is also a nice bit of diversity in the ranks of the high ranking Cobra command. Overlord's actual COIL troopers from the same convention set are done in the same colors. But, as figures, they are somewhat boring and have really failed to capture any sort of collector attention and can now be routinely purchased for less than their original price.
Now that the actual character of Overlord is coming back to my collection with this mold, I have to figure out a way to fully integrate him. I see Overlord as loyal to Cobra Commander rather than anyone else. My Commander needs more military commanders in his stable to offset the number of high quality generals loyal to Ramen. I see Overlord as a political climber who feels that military credentials are the fastest way to long term power. Unlike the conniving politicians who now surround the Commander, Overlord is someone who has little interest for politics. He sees himself become more of a military dictator rather than a legislator who rules through subversiveness and legalese. He is loyal to Cobra, though. I don't need any more enemy factions. Cobra is the organization with power and it's better to be a high ranking officer in Cobra than it is to control your own, smaller faction.
This has brought the character new life in my collection and made him a recent figure of some importance. The distinct look coupled with the classically underutilized character makes for a figure that retains some relevance. Many of the convention Cobra characters have been well done...but, they haven't exceeded earlier figures of the same character. As such, when choosing the iconic version of a figure, I find that the con figs are often left behind. This is not so with Overlord. To me, he is the highlight of the 2006 convention set and is worthy of replacing the vintage Overlord in my collection. Based on the exposure he sees in the modern collecting world, though, it seems that I'm in the minority on this point. But, it still gives me access to another high quality figure, so I'm happy. :)
Truthfully, I see little reason for another version of Overlord to appear. It is likely that Master Collector holds the exclusive rights to the head mold, so any figure utilizing the existing mold would likely have to come from them. While some might like to see this combination of parts appear in another color scheme that better integrates with Iron Grenadiers or standard Cobras, I wouldn't want to waste one of the few remaining ARAH style Joe slots on another repaint of a figure that was done so well with this release. I will grant that this figure isn't for everyone due to the colors. But, it is something different that adds more depth to a Cobra command.
Right after the 2006 convention, Overlord figures were cheap and plentiful. Slowly, though, they dried up and seemed to settle into the $25-$30 range for a while. As with all convention figures (except the 2002 Crimson figures), though, as new sets were released, demand for the older figures softened. These days, you can get a mint, complete Overlord in the $15-$20 range without too much effort. Given patience and a little luck, you can even get them for about 2/3 of that from time to time. Even at the high end, though, this figure is a must buy. It is the best version of Overlord and is the only rendition of the character that accentuates his roots as a military commander. For many collectors, though, the very nature of this figure being a convention release puts the figure out of their preferred price range. But, this is a rare case where the high price is well worth it for the quality of figure and importance of character.
Thursday, April 24, 2003
1990 Overlord
While most people shun the '90's as a very dark time in the history of the Joe line, there are many figures from those years that are among the best ever made. 1990 in particular, though, is chock full of high quality figure designs. As more people who discovered Joe in late '80's are now making their way into online collecting circles, you are starting to see more and more discussion about how 1990 was actually a year on par with many of the '80's. Most of the figures from that year are well done and worthy of some recognition. Overlord is no exception.
Like Mercer, Overlord has become a favorite character for authors of fan fictions and dio-stories to use. Overlord's only canonical biography occurred on his filecard. This hinted at his great ambition and showed some great potential in the character. He never appeared in the comic or cartoon, though, and remains a character who was never utilized. As such, he is pretty much a blank slate who character is free for authors to explore. This makes him among the most used obscure Cobra villains in the fan realm as authors do not have to worry about Overlord's history and are free to develop him as they wish without the risk of offending those who adhere strictly to the established Joe continuity. This has allowed Overlord to take on a greater life long after his release than he ever experienced during his production time. Overlord is one of the few major characters out there who was never fully utilized in Joe media.
For some reason, I have never really used Overlord in my collection. I got him very early in my return to Joe, but he never got used as any of my newly created named Cobras. Basically, he just went into a drawer and never emerged. At different times in past few years, I've been reminded of Overlord and thought about pulling him out and finding a use for him. However, I was usually sidetracked by some other newly acquired figure to ever really take any action. Now, though, I think Overlord will play a vital part in my Joe world.
If you have read this site, you know that my Cobra hierarchy is somewhat different. While Cobra Commander was once a major player, I now use him as an older, lecherous shadow of his former self.
While still the leader of Cobra, CC is more of a figurehead and doesn't really bother himself in day to day operations. Vying for the Commander's power is the character portrayed by the Sea Slug. He is slowly taking power away from the Commander while Destro and other older guard watch. On the other side is the Flying Scorpion character who also wants the Commander's power, but is seeking it through military triumphs rather than politicking. The Sea Slug character, though, has realized that the best way to usurp the Commander quicker is to attach himself to the successes of the Flying Scorpion. As such, Sea Slug has started interfering in the battle plans of the Flying Scorpion's South American campaign. In order to neutralize Sea Slug's interference, the Flying Scorpion character took a drastic, and unexpected, step.
Rather than eliminate the Sea Slug, the Flying Scorpion arranged so that Cobra Commander was killed in battle. With CC dead, the Sea Slug was appointed the new commander and quickly set himself to run Cobra's operations from Cobra Island. With the Sea Slug now preoccupied with taking over Cobra, the Flying Scorpion is free to control the South American operations without interference from Cobra Island. Here, he can bide his time until he is ready to take on the Sea Slug character and rule Cobra.
While you all may wonder what that has to with Overlord, well, I think I'll be using this figure to represent the Sea Slug character now that he is, officially, Cobra Commander. The look of the figure, with the regal colors, simple ornamentation, serpentine motif, and ceremonial look is a perfect match for the image the Sea Slug character would portray in his newly acquired role.
Early conceptual art for Overlord shows the design named as Cobra Commander. It seems that at some point in the process of this character's creation, his unique look was going to be for a new Cobra Commander figure rather than a unique individual. However, that changed. Cobra Commander was delayed and saw two figures of him released in 1991. The original conceptual designs then morphed into a new character. Seeing this happen in this case makes you wonder how many other Joe characters might have started out as someone else. Joe made a habit of recycling characters throughout its run, so it is very possible that many other later characters were originally conceptually designed as an update to an existing character. Perhaps we will one day find a stash of more artwork or internal Hasbro documents that might shed more light upon situations like this. Until then, though, it is fun to speculate.
I think that, done differently, a remake of Overlord could create a remarkable figure. His mold is dripping with potential for a great repaint. Alas, though, it is not likely that his mold is available. Along with his American release, Overlord was released in Brazil as Ciclon. There, he was part of the Iron Grenadiers (a nice match with his color scheme and overall look) and was available as an individually carded figure. Most of Ciclon's contemporary figures have since showed up in India or have been confirmed as lost by Hasbro. As such, it is unlikely that we will be able to see a return of this Overlord mold any time soon. (Though Hasbro's attempts to find old molds could always turn up some forgotten gems like this guy!) I, though, wouldn't mind seeing a new Overlord figure. Done right, he could make an excellent new sculpt figure and would be a welcome addition to the new Cobra ranks. He has the name and look of old that would entice old collectors but lacks the defining characteristics that would too firmly entrench him in the line's legacy. That would free him up to become a fuller character in the new line without having to worry about the character's legacy.
A few years ago, it was pretty hard to find a mint, complete Overlord for a decent price. As more people who collected in 1990 have sold their collections, though, Overlord has become more common. Now, you can get him mint and complete for under $10 on a consistent basis. (Sometimes you'll even get his vehicle at that price point.) It turns out that Overlord is rather common and was a figure that many people had. It just took them a while to make it to the second hand collecting market. For a character with as little backstory as Overlord has, that price might be a little high. He just isn't a player in the Joe world nor is he an army builder or all that rare. As such, only the sheer quality of the figure's mold keeps Overlord from being among the cheap named Cobras from the '90's. (Cesspool, Headman, etc.) Still, Overlord is a nice figure and a great character to add to any collection. He allows for some great leeway in characterization that can quickly turn him into a favorite member of your Cobra Cabal. I like that type of flexibility in my figures. It is what allows me to enjoy them without feeling any hindrances brought on by perceptions of how a figure should be characterized. With that being said, if you don't have an Overlord, I would highly recommend getting one. While his place in my collection is still being determined, the story to get him there will be lots of fun.
Overlord is a neat figure and I need his helmet to complete mine. I would also like a carded Ciclon from Brazil. If you can help with either of these items, let me know.
Like Mercer, Overlord has become a favorite character for authors of fan fictions and dio-stories to use. Overlord's only canonical biography occurred on his filecard. This hinted at his great ambition and showed some great potential in the character. He never appeared in the comic or cartoon, though, and remains a character who was never utilized. As such, he is pretty much a blank slate who character is free for authors to explore. This makes him among the most used obscure Cobra villains in the fan realm as authors do not have to worry about Overlord's history and are free to develop him as they wish without the risk of offending those who adhere strictly to the established Joe continuity. This has allowed Overlord to take on a greater life long after his release than he ever experienced during his production time. Overlord is one of the few major characters out there who was never fully utilized in Joe media.
For some reason, I have never really used Overlord in my collection. I got him very early in my return to Joe, but he never got used as any of my newly created named Cobras. Basically, he just went into a drawer and never emerged. At different times in past few years, I've been reminded of Overlord and thought about pulling him out and finding a use for him. However, I was usually sidetracked by some other newly acquired figure to ever really take any action. Now, though, I think Overlord will play a vital part in my Joe world.
If you have read this site, you know that my Cobra hierarchy is somewhat different. While Cobra Commander was once a major player, I now use him as an older, lecherous shadow of his former self.
While still the leader of Cobra, CC is more of a figurehead and doesn't really bother himself in day to day operations. Vying for the Commander's power is the character portrayed by the Sea Slug. He is slowly taking power away from the Commander while Destro and other older guard watch. On the other side is the Flying Scorpion character who also wants the Commander's power, but is seeking it through military triumphs rather than politicking. The Sea Slug character, though, has realized that the best way to usurp the Commander quicker is to attach himself to the successes of the Flying Scorpion. As such, Sea Slug has started interfering in the battle plans of the Flying Scorpion's South American campaign. In order to neutralize Sea Slug's interference, the Flying Scorpion character took a drastic, and unexpected, step.
Rather than eliminate the Sea Slug, the Flying Scorpion arranged so that Cobra Commander was killed in battle. With CC dead, the Sea Slug was appointed the new commander and quickly set himself to run Cobra's operations from Cobra Island. With the Sea Slug now preoccupied with taking over Cobra, the Flying Scorpion is free to control the South American operations without interference from Cobra Island. Here, he can bide his time until he is ready to take on the Sea Slug character and rule Cobra.
While you all may wonder what that has to with Overlord, well, I think I'll be using this figure to represent the Sea Slug character now that he is, officially, Cobra Commander. The look of the figure, with the regal colors, simple ornamentation, serpentine motif, and ceremonial look is a perfect match for the image the Sea Slug character would portray in his newly acquired role.
Early conceptual art for Overlord shows the design named as Cobra Commander. It seems that at some point in the process of this character's creation, his unique look was going to be for a new Cobra Commander figure rather than a unique individual. However, that changed. Cobra Commander was delayed and saw two figures of him released in 1991. The original conceptual designs then morphed into a new character. Seeing this happen in this case makes you wonder how many other Joe characters might have started out as someone else. Joe made a habit of recycling characters throughout its run, so it is very possible that many other later characters were originally conceptually designed as an update to an existing character. Perhaps we will one day find a stash of more artwork or internal Hasbro documents that might shed more light upon situations like this. Until then, though, it is fun to speculate.
I think that, done differently, a remake of Overlord could create a remarkable figure. His mold is dripping with potential for a great repaint. Alas, though, it is not likely that his mold is available. Along with his American release, Overlord was released in Brazil as Ciclon. There, he was part of the Iron Grenadiers (a nice match with his color scheme and overall look) and was available as an individually carded figure. Most of Ciclon's contemporary figures have since showed up in India or have been confirmed as lost by Hasbro. As such, it is unlikely that we will be able to see a return of this Overlord mold any time soon. (Though Hasbro's attempts to find old molds could always turn up some forgotten gems like this guy!) I, though, wouldn't mind seeing a new Overlord figure. Done right, he could make an excellent new sculpt figure and would be a welcome addition to the new Cobra ranks. He has the name and look of old that would entice old collectors but lacks the defining characteristics that would too firmly entrench him in the line's legacy. That would free him up to become a fuller character in the new line without having to worry about the character's legacy.
A few years ago, it was pretty hard to find a mint, complete Overlord for a decent price. As more people who collected in 1990 have sold their collections, though, Overlord has become more common. Now, you can get him mint and complete for under $10 on a consistent basis. (Sometimes you'll even get his vehicle at that price point.) It turns out that Overlord is rather common and was a figure that many people had. It just took them a while to make it to the second hand collecting market. For a character with as little backstory as Overlord has, that price might be a little high. He just isn't a player in the Joe world nor is he an army builder or all that rare. As such, only the sheer quality of the figure's mold keeps Overlord from being among the cheap named Cobras from the '90's. (Cesspool, Headman, etc.) Still, Overlord is a nice figure and a great character to add to any collection. He allows for some great leeway in characterization that can quickly turn him into a favorite member of your Cobra Cabal. I like that type of flexibility in my figures. It is what allows me to enjoy them without feeling any hindrances brought on by perceptions of how a figure should be characterized. With that being said, if you don't have an Overlord, I would highly recommend getting one. While his place in my collection is still being determined, the story to get him there will be lots of fun.
Overlord is a neat figure and I need his helmet to complete mine. I would also like a carded Ciclon from Brazil. If you can help with either of these items, let me know.
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