Airwolf/ Águia de Fogo - Stringfellow Hawke - Glasslite

One of my favorite 80's childhood series, if not my favorite to this day, is definitely "Airwolf" or in Brazil "Águia de Fogo" - Translated: "Eagle of Fire" Yes my friends, I don't know why people changed the names of things here! They always do that here! So, until I was 10 years old, when I started to learn a little English, I believed that the helicopter was called Eagle, sorry Lady! kkk...  

It was a popular series from 1984 to 1987 that captured the public's imagination with its main vehicle, a black high-tech helicopter equipped with supersonic speed, a wide range of armaments, and various technological devices. These features allowed its pilots, led by the charismatic Stringfellow Hawke (Jean-Michael Vincent), to carry out critical missions on behalf of the United States government.

Riding the wave of the show's success, Glasslite acquired the licensing rights for the series and created a toy line that included not just a friction model of the helicopter but also other vehicles adorned with series-themed stickers.

One of them is the Cheetah F-5, a car based on the Lamborghini LM002 that came with an exclusive, now rare, figure of the character Stringfellow Hawke.

Ok, we know it's not a great model, even for the model of the time, Hawke looks like an old man to me... 😆. The hands were modeled more open and not very anatomical, this prevents the character from holding objects and the joints are like first generation Joes, but honestly I don't care that much about that. Having an Airwolf figure at the time was super cool and still is! Who knows how to do a custom one later by updating the chassis!
I don't know if there were other action figures of Airwolf characters in the world, but without a doubt, a Brazilian company made this 100% in Brazil, well, that's incredible!👌

Águia Comando/ Command Eagle - Estrela

Águia Comando (Command Eagle) is an exclusive figure from the Comandos em Ação - Air Patrol series, released only in Brazil by Estrela in 1994, during Series 11 of the toy line. It does not have a direct equivalent in the American G.I. Joe series. Clearly, Estrela recreated the Air Patrol based on the American Sky Patrol series from 1990, and it's likely that its colors were "inspired" by Skydive V1 and Static Line V1. I think there were some oversights in recreating this series which, in my opinion, turned out to be quite random compared to the original.

Nevertheless, Águia Comando is a fascinating example of the reuse of parts from other figures in the line. It uses parts from Piloto do Força 2000 - S.P.A.C.E. (released in 1991) and Biosfera (released in 1993). If we were to pinpoint the parts from G.I. Joe characters, we would have the head and legs from Sneak Peek V1 (1987), arms and chest from Maverick V1 (1987), and waist from Recoil V1 (1989).

Its accessories are also a mix from various other figures and include a somewhat odd kind of parachute.

Personally, I find the figure controversial, but interesting. It can be added to the Sky Patrol team, although it doesn't make much sense as a military parachutist, so in this case, we have to "abstract" the concept and consider it a futuristic figure. The accessories could also be a more coherent mix suited to the theme of the figure.

Image: CobraCafé

Image: YoJoe Brazil

The card says:

ÁGUIA COMANDO (Command Eagle)

When action requires total precision, he is called upon. Only ÁGUIA COMANDO can, without the aid of any equipment, recognize from the air the exact point of attack. Using his fantastic photographic memory and impressive self-control, there is no critical situation when ÁGUIA COMANDO is in the air.

---------------------

"Several times he has drawn enemy installations with so much detail, so much detail, that when planning the attack, the Comandos would abandon their traditional maps and use his notes... They were much more accurate!"

Well, I also don't understand why Estrela did this, but that's it!

Força Tigre - Estrela

The Tiger Force line from the G.I. Joe franchise is one of the most memorable and visually distinct sub-series within the expansive G.I. Joe universe. Initially launched in the 1980s by Hasbro, Tiger Force represents an elite unit composed of selected members from the G.I. Joe team, specialized in reconnaissance and assault operations in challenging terrains.

Concept and Design

What sets Tiger Force apart is its vibrant color scheme and camouflage patterns based on tiger stripes, which not only serve as camouflage in specific environments but also provide a bold and recognizable look. This aesthetic choice reflects the aggressiveness and speed, essential qualities for the nature of the team's missions.

In 1990, Estrela launched “Força Tigre”, which had essentially the same concept as the American version, with Duke with long sleeves from Ripcord V1, Hip from Lifeline V1, differences in tones in colors and accessories. Lifeline or "Paramedico" maintaining the same modeling as V1, just with different shades of the same colors as the original. However, 3 new exclusive characters were included in the collection instead of just being re-released exactly like the america collection. These new figures with exclusive repaints would become known worldwide and are now rare. in the market
So the "Brazilian" Tiger Force was formed by:

• Tigre Oficial de Inteligência - “Duque”/ Tiger Intelligence Officer – “Duke”
• Tigre Operação Resgate - “Paramédico”/ Tiger Operation Rescue - “Paramedic”
• Tigre Anti-Radiação - “Ar Puro”/ Anti-Radiation Tiger - “Pure Air”
• Tigre da Selva - “Felino”/ Jungle Tiger - “Feline”
• Tigre Guarda-Costeira - “Marujo”/ Tiger Coast Guard - “Sailor”

Rambo: Force of Freedom

The "Rambo: Force of Freedom" collection, released by Glasslite in Brazil in 1989, is a fascinating dive into the pop culture of the 1980s, marked by the influence of animated shows that captivated the imaginations of children and teenagers. This toy line, based on the animated series "Rambo: The Force of Freedom" that premiered in 1986 in the United States, brought a new dimension to the iconic character played by Sylvester Stallone in the "Rambo" film series.

The animated series and the toy collection portrayed John Rambo as a positive hero, leading a group of specialists known as the Force of Freedom on missions to combat evil and the terrorist group S.A.V.A.G.E., led by the evil General Warhawk, and promote justice around the world. Among the notable characters in the line, besides Rambo himself, were Colonel Trautman, Turbo, Kat, Chief, T.D. "Touchdown" Jackson, and White Dragon, each with their unique abilities and accessories, reflecting the diversity and action that were the hallmark of the show.

In the United States, the collection was launched by Coleco, known for its innovative toy lines that often accompanied television and cinema hits. Coleco capitalized on the enduring appeal of Rambo, transforming the character’s bravery and adventures into a series of action figures that became highly sought after by young audiences.

In Brazil, Glasslite acquired the rights to launch the collection, extending Rambo's international reach. The Brazilian company, already known for bringing successful toy lines such as Star Wars and G.I. Joe to the national market, saw in "Force of Freedom" an opportunity to capture the imagination of a new generation.

The "Rambo: Force of Freedom" collection remains a vivid example of how 1980s cartoons and action figures transcended the boundaries of entertainment, becoming an integral part of the youth culture of the time. It not only celebrates the nostalgia of those who grew up during that period but also serves as a time capsule for new generations to discover and be enchanted by.

Character List Manufactured:

FORCE OF FREEDOM

• John Rambo - The protagonist, a former Special Forces soldier with exceptional combat and survival skills.
• Colonel Samuel Trautman - Rambo's mentor and commander, providing strategic guidance and support.
• Turbo - A brilliant mechanic and engineer, responsible for inventing and maintaining the team's equipment.
• Kat - A former Olympic gymnast, specializing in infiltrations and stealth operations.
• T.D. "Touchdown" Jackson - A former American football player, known for his physical strength and tactical skills on the battlefield.
• Chief - A communications and electronic warfare strategist, crucial for the team's intelligence operations.
• White Dragon - A martial arts master, often responsible for missions requiring hand-to-hand combat.

S.A.V.A.G.E. - Specialist-Administrators of Vengeance, Anarchy and Global Extortion

• General Warhawk - The tyrannical leader of S.A.V.A.G.E., seeking to dominate the world through terror and destruction.
• Sergeant Havoc - Warhawk's brutal and loyal second-in-command, often leading field operations.
• Gripper - A criminal with superhuman strength and endurance, used as the brute force of the organization.
• Nomad - A mercenary and master of disguise, capable of infiltrating governments and organizations undetected.
• Mad Dog - Known for his cruelty and pleasure in causing chaos, he is the group's psychopath.
• Dr. Hyde - An evil scientist and inventor, specialized in creating chemical and biological weapons for the organization.
• X-Ray - A technology and surveillance expert, responsible for espionage and electronic sabotage operations.
• Serpentino - Known for his agility and camouflage skills in swamps, Serpentino is an expert in guerrilla tactics and ambushes, using venom from poisonous animals and traps as his main weapons.

S.O.S. Commandos & Rambo

 Well, to start talking about S.O.S. Commandos produced by Gulliver (BR) it is inevitable not to talk a little about the history of this franchise.

Launched at the end of the 80s as a “cheaper” alternative to compete with G.I. Joe/ Comandos Em Ação of the Estrela SA, this collection was a sales milestone in Brazil.

SOS. Commandos is actually a “Frankenstein” of franchises, but the dolls were based on the American Schwarzenegger Commando action figure line released by Diamond Toymakers in 1985, in 3.37” or 1:18 scale, which piggybacked on the success of the film “Commando”. 1986 (in Brazil “Comando para Matar”) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Yes, muscular and masculine men were successful at that time! 😂

White Billy (Blaster), Tony Turner (Spex) and Willie Go (Chopper):

However, this line was not as successful in the US, probably because they were dolls of different sizes than G.I. Joe, much less articulated for a military action doll, with few and “uninteresting” accessories that had almost no connection with the film.

With Gulliver purchasing parts of the rights to the American collection and not being able to use the same name or anything that mentioned the actor or the film due to Paramount's rights, the dolls released by Gulliver had to be changed and therefore had many differences compared to to those of the original line. Starting with the material, the plastic was more malleable than the American one (this was an advantage over the Comandos em Ação, which the fingers broke easily) and as the objective was to compete with Estrela and the Diamond Toymakers dolls were stockier, the modeling of the body structure was changed so that the doll fits the “10cm” standard.

Below is a list of these changes to the collection:

• Added more waist area
• Increased lower leg
• Arms have been remodeled
• Heads have been reshaped
• The color palette of the series has been completely redone
• The doll gets a belt as an accessory
• Holster and scabbard have been added
• A pistol and a knife were made
• Names have been changed
• Team names have been changed
• Vehicles from other collections have been added

In short, what was a simple collection became something very cool and extended to several series with repaints and additions of new characters, one of them Rambo (which generated rights problems). Well, in another post I will continue this story in more detail! Follow the photos!

Willie Go (Chopper), Rambo, White Billy (Blaster) and Tony Turner (Spex):

My First Joe (Comandos)

The first post... There was no doubt which character I would choose.
My first "Comandos Em Ação" (G.I. Joe) that I received as a birthday present was in May 1985!

I remember my dad taking me to Sears, a huge department store that had just opened in my town. He was my great friend, always calm and playful. My father and I were in the toy department with huge aisles. I was shocked by so many different toy options than I had received so far, until my father, crouched down to my height and with a card in his hand, said to me:

"Son, what do you think about this figure? Do you like it? He's a soldier!"

I looked at that sensational blister card that had a huge explosion on its back and a brave soldier, in a green uniform, with an ammunition belt, holding a weapon that looked heavy. He was fully articulate and realistic (yes, very realistic for the time!), I got frozen, I couldn't believe I was getting that figure (in fact I would get four G.I. Joes in the same day!). Until then, I was used to 5cm static plastic figures with a Western theme, natives, cowboys, horses and other animals... some Playmobil too and that's it!

The memories of that magical day have NEVER left my head, it is actually a very affectionate way of remembering my father/ my hero. It's been 39 years, I no longer have my father, but I have that wonderful moment in my memories and the figure he gave me on that date with lots of love. It would change my mind and G.I. Joe would never leave my life again!

Arma Pesada - Codename: Gladion (MACHINE GUNNER - Rock 'N Roll V1/straight-armed)
Here he is with some battle marks! 🔥🔥🔥

The front of blister card:

I remember spending hours looking at the back of the card and dreaming of having them all:

In Brazil, the file cards were modified (I don't no why?), this is the Brazilian original:

It says:

"A weapons specialist, he can penetrate enemies alone, to harass their positions. He is very strong, being able to carry his heavy machine gun anywhere. His firepower increases even more when he is commanding the missile launcher."