Packaging - ***1/2
I didn't include a package shot last time, so I figured it was pretty important this time around. The boxes are completely collector friendly, with no need to damage anything when removing the figures. Some of the accessories can be a little tricky to get out (the knifes are pretty well encased), but you can do it.

As with the first set, there's cool bio cards on the back for each character that you can cut out, if you do decide that the package can be trashed.

Sculpting - ***1/2
All of the figures have great expressions, tough yet not over the top. There's enough variety here to satisfy the army builder, and to give any kid a nice assortment to pick a favorite.

Unlike the Marauder's set, this time you also get a great looking female figure in Zanya.

Remember, the scale here is fairly small, with each figure coming in right around 4" tall or so. These fit in great, scale-wise, with other 4" lines.

The all stand great on their own too, and the hand sculpts are designed to hold the accessories.

While there's not a ton of small detail work when it comes to the paint ops on the outfits and accessories, there are plenty of sculpting details. Considering the scale and the style, it's pretty impressive.

Paint - ***
Again, considering the scale, the work is quite good. The eyes are fairly clean, the hair, eyebrows, beards and mustaches look great, and skin tones are even and lack any glop. Some are a little shiny (especially where the molded color of the plastic is the skin color), but it's fairly minor.

Most of the cut lines on the clothing are good, but there's a few spots that they could have been cleaner. A couple of the figures sport tatts, and these are done well, tampo-style.

There's a little more slop this time around than on the first set, especially with Zanzibar, one of my favorites. I wish the work around the eyepatch was a bit better, as well as the silver highlights on his shoulder armor.

Articulation - ***
These guys (and gal) all have the same expected Joe articulation - ball jointed neck, shoulders and hips, pin/post elbows and ankles, cut wrists, and an ab crunch.

They all work as well as you expect, with the necks being the highlight - at least for me. Some of the figures took more natural poses than others (I particularly liked Burn Out and Zanya in that regard) but the joints are solid, sturdy and useful across the board.

There's one caveat of course, and I mentioned that last time - without any sort of upper cut joint on the thigh, or a knee that can twist, these hips are very frustrating for me. I just can't get the legs into the kinds of poses that I know they'd be capable of with just one more joint...argh.

Accessories - ***1/2
As with the previous set, there's goodies for everyone included.

Most of the figures have some sort of vest or harness, and these are generally removable.

Burn Out comes with his flame thrower and backpack, and the hose can connect. It's tough to keep it in place, however.

He also has a pistol grip shotgun, and both weapons can fit easily in either (or both) hands. Paint is a little sparse, but that's true for all the accessories.

"Gnaw" Hyde, the Joe from Down Under, comes with a rifle and large knife. The knife fits inside a sheath on his back. His hat is also removable, adding another accessory.

Road Pig, straight out of some knockoff version of the Mad Max films, has a road sign shield that comes in two pieces (and says "Alligator Alley") as well as a rather unique cinder block mallet. The road sign and grip only go together one way, so holding the sign on his left arm results in the lettering being upside down, but I figure that's a minor nit.

Dreadnok Thunder comes with two weapons as well - a large Arabian style sword, and an unusual cross between a mace and a staff. These fit nicely in either hand, but are short on the paint ops as well.

Next up is the rather odd Zandar. He comes with a pistol that fits in his shoulder holster, a funky looking crossbow, and an even funkier rifle. This is one bizarre looking dude. The knife you see on his hip is sculpted in place.

Zanya is the only lady in the set, but there's nothing lady-like about her accessories. In fact, Zandar has the girlie colors, not Zanya. She has a cool Russian style rifle, a big knife, and a terrific, huge S&W .357. The knife doesn't work particularly well with her hand sculpts, but the two guns do.

Finally, there's the last of the 'z' characters - Zanzibar. Fitting in with the pirate theme, he has an old timey Flintlock pistol that fits in his shoulder holster, a knife that fits in a sheath on his back, a long sword...and just to be different, a very modern revolver that fits in a holster low on his left leg.

All the figures also come with a black display stand with their names on it, always a nice touch.

Fun Factor - ****
These are great toys, first and foremost. If you're a Joe collector, they also make a great buy, but they really are classic action figures first, collectibles second. Kids looking for army builders will love a set like this.

Value - ***1/2
You can get these for under $6.50 each. That was an excellent price a couple years ago, let alone today. While there's some re-use here, let's also not forget that these are exclusives.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. Everything here is sturdy and well made, capable of deployment into any environment, be it living room or sand box.

Overall - ***1/2
If I could only choose one of the two sets, I'd probably go with the Marauders. The overall quality seems a little better, and the number of good characters included in the seven is higher.

But I think Burn Out, Zanya and Zanzibar are all great figures, and well worth the purchase. It's the likes of Zandar and the Dreadnok Thunder that end up making this set, when considered in total, not quite up to par with the other.

And remember - there's lots of photos to scroll through, since I included at least two photos of every figure.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***
Accessories - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ***1/2
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy -
Big Bad Toy Store is the place to pick up this set, as well as the Slaughter's Marauders set. Each set is $50, or you can snag both at one time for just $90. That's less than $6.50 each!

Related Links -
Most of my past Joe reviews have been of the guest variety - 

- like Zartan

- but I hit up the Marauders, the Pit Commando and Shipwreck.

- Sideshow is doing a sixth scale series of figures, and I had a guest review of Snake Eyes.

- in the regular Joe series, there was a guest review of the VAMP vehicle.

- let's not forget the 25th Anniversary series, including these figures, and these figures.

Discussion:
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