Idea for Toyline: THE SECRET AGENT

Inspired by the DIY, crowd-funded methods of Marauder Gunrunners and Boss Fight Studios to fill the void left in the 3.75-4" figure market by Hasbro, I still felt there was a particular niche that wasn't being serviced. Marauders' focus is more on a military (with a hint of Sci-Fi; think Aliens) aesthetic, which I feel is too much of a retread, albeit a very good retread, of the Joe figures that we've gotten from Hasbro for decades. Boss Fight, on the other hand, went with a Greek Mythology motif for their initial launch, which had some collectors griping that it didn't fit with their particular Joe-centric play style (though this idea comes to mind). Not quite a valid complaint, in my opinion - good figures are good figures - and certain collectors just lack imagination; though I understand with having a singular Spartan warrior and Medusa-style figure, there's only so many "play" scenarios you can think of. Still, their base figure/buck looks fantastic; perhaps even a step forward, in terms of articulation and the number of poses one can do. Plus they promise to expand their slate to have different concepts for future waves (Barbarian wave!).

As I stated earlier, one of my nitpicks was that, although they were excellently done (perhaps the apex of sculpting and accessories; a continuation and pushing forward of what was done with G.I. Joe's highly-regarded "Pursuit of Cobra" Wave), there was something missing. Especially when it comes to play and display, there only seems to be two, or three, kinds of figures - military, super-hero and fantasy. Granted, these are the ones that many collectors would buy, because of its aesthetic appeal, but at this stage, especially appealing towards a more adult market, I think variety would be good.

Enter my idea for a new line: THE SECRET AGENT

Not exactly an original idea, since figures licensed and/or inspired by the James Bond Franchise have been produced since the 1960's, but those were usually in the 12" format (along with metal vehicles, kits, etc.), akin to the original G.I. Joe. When the latter transitioned to 3 3/4" figures in the early 80's, and became a kind of pseudo-standard for the action figure industry of the period, there was a lack of James bond or any similar take-off on the secret agent. Best guess is that creators and/or executives felt that a suited or tuxedoed figure wouldn't have much appeal to kids, compared to the gunned-out, gear-laden look of Joe, or the sci-fi/fantasy stylings of Star Wars.

Solid, but doesn't quite hit the spot

That was then, though. Nowadays, I think a Secret Agent line would attract many collectors. After all, Bond is still popular, as are Secret Agent-type films and TV shows like the Mission: Impossible series, the Bourne trilogy and 24 have proven. The simple design and aesthetic of a figure, or series of figures, in suits would allow for other play or "gaming" (to use an MJ term) options beyond the hero-vs.-villain. Not only could these "Agents" serve as auxiliary or background, but be main characters in their own right (more on that later).

So without further adieu, here's my concept, with notes. Keep in mind I'm not an artist or designer and have no association with any toy company, and have no knowledge if there are are legal issues in doing a Secret Agent-style figure. I'm just an over-eager fan and collector with a love for the hobby. If anyone wants to contribute their ideas, feel free to do so.

First Wave: Four Figures - The Secret Agent, Control, The Mastermind, The Henchman

Basically two good guys, two bad. 4 inch, or 1:18th style, with requisite articulation. Similar body builds (no differentiation, i.e., one stockier, one taller, etc.). Outfitted with unique weapons and accessories. Let's go through each:

THE SECRET AGENT - Typically handsome, square-jawed, physically fit white male in his late 30's/early 40's. Dressed in a black Tuxedo in default iconic suave mode. Weapons are a simple handgun (Walther PPK optional), perhaps some playing cards spread across (a Royal Flush, say), and a drinking glass (this is for adult collectors, after all).
Not exclusive to just Bond, many Secret Agents have rocked the tux, such as Ethan Hunt, Derek Flint, OSS 117, Schwarzenegger in True Lies, etc. - it's the default suave costume. But, so as not to incur the wrath of EoN's lawyers, differentiate the head sculpt from Sean Connery or any specific Bond actor. Instead, make him generic, with thick dark brown hair, perhaps a dimpled chin.

Secret Agent Inspirations

CONTROL - Basically the Secret Agent's boss. Late 50's or 60's. Dressed in a simple single-breasted grey suit, black tie, black shoes. Modeled after "M" in the films (pre-Judi Dench, of course), but also from the John Le Carre "George Smiley" Novels (hence the name) and Greg Rucka's comic series Queen and Country (called "C"). Headsculpt should be of an older gentleman, with white or gray-ish receding hair, as well as mustache. Accessories would be a bowler hat (which would fit on all figure heads), a closed umbrella (a nod to John Steed), a tea cup w/ plate(!), and perhaps a handgun.

Control Inspirations

THE MASTERMIND - The de facto villain; in his 40's or 50's. Dressed in a Nehru suit (khaki), similar to Dr. No or Blofeld or Dr. Evil, even Bond (as well as the Beatles!). Headsculpt should be intimidating - black matted hair, goatee, an eyepatch, sort of like a dark-haired Slade Wilson/Deathstroke. Accessories would be a pistol, a reposed cat (to lie on his lap and pet), an antenna-ed remote control (with red button).

Mastermind Inspirations

THE HENCHMAN - Blond-haired, Aryan version of the Secret Agent. Based on the Robert Shaw's Red Grant from From Russia with Love, but also Illya Kuryakin from Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Steve McQueen in Bullitt (design-wise). All black clothing - black turtleneck, black army pants, black boots. Perhaps a hint of color in the belt (like the buckle) and other metallic/non-cloth details. Out of the first wave, this figure is the most Joe-like (similar to "Dollar Store" Shipwreck) - decked out with a (removable) tan gun holster, with separate removable guns, a SOG knife, and a leg holster for the knife.

Henchman Inspirations

Features: For those complaining about certain figures being a bit too scene-specific, here's the solution: Swappable Heads. This means that that if you want the Secret Agent to be slightly less-dressed, exchange heads with Control; or if you wants to go all Night-Ops, the Henchman. Same thing with the others - A dressed-up Mastermind? A suited Henchman? Simple, idiot-proof customization, with no need for paint or other accouterments. It's Barbie in 4"s, basically.

Another feature: You're only limited by your imagination. Think the eyepatch and goatee make the Mastermind a cool sidekick for the Agent? Or better yet, make him the hardened, grizzled protagonist? Have Control be the turncoat villain in G.I. Joe (or MU) play? Have blondie be the Secret Agent instead? Since the figure designs are somewhat "generic,"  with the the same, or similar, build, you can switch roles or create any character in any scenario you want.

Cool things to include, but would probably be cost-prohibitive...

Swappable hands - I initially thought it would be cool and interesting, plus add more variety of customization, to have pop-in/pop-out hands. The Secret Agent character have triggered/gripped hands, similar to most figures; then the Henchman would have closed fists; Control would have a gun grip with trigger finger, plus an open palm; Mastermind would have a more open hand with fingers extended (kind of like Dr. Doom). If the collector wanted, he can switch hands to make different kinds of poses/gestures. Might be too expensive, though.

Mini-comic - One of the complaints of Boss Fight's initial wave of Spartan figs, and to a certain extent, Marauder John's military line, is just who are these guys? G.I. Joe had a whole Marvel/Sunbow-fueled mythology behind them, with filecards and pages of backstory, and that's something that's lacking in many of these toys.
Yeah, yeah, people would probably respond with, "use your imagination," or "I'll use them as a special task force within Joe" or whatever. Still, some characterization (complete with tragic backstories) beyond their appearance would be cool, right? In a nod to Super Powers, how about a short comic, like a six-page adventure profiling each character, ending with a cheeky "Will he survive? You decide!" ending?

Packaging - Though the figures would probably be bagged to reduce costs, a cardback with vivid artwork would be the icing on the cake. I imagined it to be a mix of the highly-colorful Adventure Team box art, with the just-as-vivid paperback covers of the Ian Fleming series of books, specifically the retro-style re-releases by Penguin (though with more focus on the hero/villain than the undressed woman, of course).

For package: G.I. Joe retro-meets-Bond pulp art

That's not all! There are some other cool ideas for Wave 2, and beyond! Just like a real a toyline! In Part 2!

Deathlok...the Demolisher!

Deathlok Marvel figure and its cover counterpart, drawn by creator Rich Buckler

Recently picked up the new, or latest, Deathlok figure front the Marvel Infinite Series line (still alive, yes!). Pretty cool figure, though a bit fragile. (His leg popped off with some posing; yep, these figures aren't really meant for kids.)

Deathlok? Um, no.

On the character of Deathlok himself (itself?), seems I'm not the only fan and admirer; some of Marvel's writers have given him a significant role in recent years - Charlie Huston/Lan Medina did a reboot mini-series a few years back, Rick Remender included him as a part of Uncanny X-Force, and Jason Aaron made him Terminator-esque killing machine in Wolverine: Weapon X, plus there's a new ongoing series of him (intriguing so far) by Edmundson and Perkins. On TV, they made a version of him (criticized by many for having a lame costume) in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. So the concept started in 70's by artist-creator Rich Buckler (and to a lesser extent, writer Doug Moench) sure has legs, even though it has never made a great impact, whether in in its initial publication or subsequent restarts. When it comes to popular Marvel characters, or company wide-events, Deathlok isn't included.

Underrated

So, what's the appeal? The version I was into was the 90's reboot, written by the late, great Dwayne McDuffie (of the animated Justice League fame), Greg Wright, and drawn by Denys Cowan, artist of one of my favorite Batman stories, Blind Justice. McDuffie and Cowan became part of the group that founded Milestone Media, which focused on minority-based superheroes and concepts. In their version: The corrupt company Roxxon is creating cyborg killing machines and selling them to the highest bidder. Michael Collins, a moralistic engineer, protests, and is subsequently "killed," with his mind transferred into said killing machine, Deathlok. Michael gains consciousness and control of the robot, and goes on the path of bringing down the unscrupulous company head, with the larger goal of transferring his mind back into the body he initially thought dead.


The most interesting part of the concept (even in the original) is that Collins has a relationship and interaction with the computer part of his consciousness. Collins is a pacifist with strict morals, while the machine part of his brain, besides handling all the grunt work, leans more towards extermination and self-preservation. Collins frequently instructs and reminds the computer on "no killing" parameters, wanting to just incapacitate his enemies, but amusingly sometimes does this through humor and sarcasm. Another cool detail is is how he could instruct the computer to "run" fights and other actions for him, i.e., the grunt work, so that he doesn't have to worry about it.

"Handle it, computer, ok? Thanks."

Another cool aspect to Deathlok, both as character and in play or display as a figure is he can be a good or bad guy. Portray him as a lone wolf, with internal dialogue as he/it battles against evil forces. Or make him a Terminator-like, unstoppable killing machine sent from an alternate future timeline to eliminate heroes in the present.

Can play the hero and the villain.