Haven’t I covered this guy already? Sort of. At the time, I was less than kind to Cross-Country. I apologize, since he was such a likeable guy in both the comics and Sunbow cartoon. Neither he nor his vehicle were a favorite of mine as a kid or collector. It seems though, that as I dig through my collection, take pictures and write, my tastes seem to change here and there. Such is the case here.
The HAVOC was a great vehicle for a kid who had just come off of years of playing with Star Wars toys. If there was ever a Star Wars tank back in the 80′s, I think it would have resembled the HAVOC, with its angular design, rotating laser-like guns, and separating one man vehicle.
What about the HAVOC’s driver? Through a modern lens, this isn’t the most politically correct toy. In 1986, the design probably wasn’t a huge issue, but there’s not much of a chance today of a character from the southern US garbed in a kind of Confederate uniform, complete with rebel flag belt buckle. The funny thing is, even in the 90′s, the Confederate flag was more prominent on the back of the 1993 figure’s jacket.
Political correctness aside, I’ve always had a problem with Cross-Country’s head. That face has got to be one of the ugliest Joes ever. The rest of the figure I do like, however. The vest has held interest for me in relation to other ’86 Joes who wore something similarly styled. Roadblock wore a vest that resembled this one in both color and the presence of a red shoulder pad. Low-Light, though outfitted in a full grey jacket, also wore a red shoulder pad. Was the red shoulder pad a theme for the year?
