Sideshow Collectibles has been working with Hasbro to produce a high-end 1/6th scale line since 2008. They are based on the 1980's 3 3/4” action figures and not on the live-action films. They've given collectors most of the main characters, although some of the big names have yet to be announced. One of the recent big name releases was that of General Hawk.
Compared to his G.I. Joe teammates, Brigadier General Clayton Abernathy grew up in a rather normal existence. He came from a wealthy family and attended West Point, graduating at the top of his class. Prior to the creation of G.I. Joe, Abernathy gained a reputation of sticking his neck out for his troops even in defiance of his superiors. When a special counter-terrorist group was being formed, Abernathy became the team's first field commander under the code name Hawk.
As I've said with all of our Sideshow produced G.I. Joe figure reviews, they have brought the packaging design that made their Star Wars series so collectible...and added some of that old school Hasbro styling to it. That box design features dual windows on the inside (one for the figure and the other for accessories) and a magnetic front flap. The retro feel comes from those explosion backgrounds and the cut-out information card that's on the rear of the packaging.
Probably the most important thing to note about Sideshow's G.I. Joe line is that you'll never feel cheated out of accessories. Each figure comes loaded with guns, grenades, hands, patches, and pouches. Hawk isn't an exception. Just look at the above list (or these photos). Not only is it a great value, but the accessories and outfit options allow for a number of different display options.
The Flight Jacket gives Hawk a completely different look from his camouflage fatigues. You can have the figure wearing his helmet...or let him show off his hair. Also, the Sideshow Exclusive version has a switch out head with Hawk sporting an overseas cap. Then, you can decide which of the included guns you want Hawk to be holding...lots of display options!
As far as the sculpting goes, the Hawk character isn't based on a specific actor. I like how they sculpted him with a furrowed brow, a lot of wrinkles and little blemishes. He looks dead serious...and angry.
In recent years, Sideshow has inched closer to Hot Toys' level of paint ops. Better sculpting can lessen the importance of paint ops – since sculpting work can replace paint shading, etc. Sideshow also has been doing a much better job replicated the look of real human skin.
I'm an avid collector of Sideshow's G.I. Joe line, and I find that my favorite figures reflect their 3 3/4” counterparts. It's what I grew up playing with, so that's what I want to be reminded of. Sideshow's 1/6th scale version of General Hawk is one of those figures that holds up well against its inspiration. The brown jacket, camo pants, helmet, and gun holster across his chest harken back to Hawk circa 1986.