SCC Figure Spotlight - MUSKRAT (Version 1)
In the G.I. Joe Universe, the swamps are hostile territory. Cobra had Copperhead and his swamp boat - the Water Moccasin and also Croc-Master and his army of crocodiles that were both capable of operating there. Furthermore, the swamps were the main stomping ground of Zartan and his gang of Dreadnoks. Though the G.I. Joe Team had members that were qualified for multiple kinds of environments, it wasn't until 1988 that they got their first designated Swamp Fighter - Muskrat.
According to his file card, Muskrat was born in Louisiana and grew up roaming the native swamplands. In those years he came across several dangerous individuals and creatures out there and learned how to deal with them. By the time he got to Ranger School, it was a walk in the park. This is an environment that was made for him! G.I. Joe needed a tough soldier that knew how to navigate a swamp with confidence and they got that in Muskrat.
Muskrat wore a green boonie hat and had reddish hair. He had a vest and pants with the same green color. On his chest he had some great sculpted gear like a pistol, knife, shoulder light and a walkie talkie. He had bare arms and looked like he was wearing 2 watches on either wrist.
Muskrat came with three accessories. He had a black shotgun, a light blue machette and a swamp skimmer. The swamp skimmer was an odd but interesting addition as it was basically a boogie board. The board had a back-peg, so he could transport it when not in use. It also had a foot-peg, so he could stand or "ride" on it.
Muskrat even had an unofficial vehicle. The G.I. Joe Swampmasher, a green and purple swamp vehicle, was released the same year as the figure. So if you were anything like me, Muskrat was the obvious choice to use as it's driver.
Additionally, Muskrat was released in 1988 on a standard card-back. The same year, however, he was also released in a Target exclusive 2-pack called "Ultimate Enemies" with him VS. Voltar. There is no real reason suggested on the packaging as to why these two are facing off. I personally think it would have been better to pair him up against someone closer to the "swamp" territory like Croc-Master, who was released the year before. Another option would be the Dreadnok Poacher - Gnawgahyde, who was released the following year in 1989.
I really liked the Muskrat figure! He was one of those "why has it taken so long to get this" figures! He had a great look with his green uniform and he had good accessories. If I could suggest anything to improve... maybe a cool backpack that the board and/or machette could be carried on. But that's minor and he doesn't NEED it. On his own, Muskrat is an excellent figure that nabs himself a 5 out of 5 Boogie Boards!!!
One memory I have of Muskrat is that I bought him pretty early that year when he was released. He was such a cool figure, he was an instant pick. However, that Christmas I got another one. This is before I knew anything about "collecting", but I made the decision to keep him in the package. Unfortunately, after a few months it was driving me crazy to have a figure all sealed up in his package. I don't know why, but I ended up opening it. Silly huh? It would be nice to have a carded version now! Oh well...
So what do you think of Muskrat? How did he fit into your battles? Was he out arresting Dreadnoks or arm-wrestling Croc-Master? Sound off your thoughts or memories below!
UP NEXT??? MUSKRAT, Version 2 - NIGHT FORCE!!
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