Roadblock GI Joe Classified Series 01 Wave 1 2020 $19.99 Heavy Machine Gun Knife Backpack Butterfly Shoulders Field Variant UPC Paint Variation

Overview

Roadblock is figure #01 in the G.I. Joe Classified Series — the first figure in the official line numbering, which makes a statement about where Hasbro sees the character. Wave 1 launched in summer 2020 at $19.99, bringing five core G.I. Joe and Cobra characters into the 6” scale for the first time. Roadblock opens the catalogue as the team’s heavy weapons specialist: a one-man wrecking crew with the size, strength, and firepower to back it up.

The Classified Series revived the franchise at 6” scale after years of absence from major retail. Wave 1 — Roadblock, Snake Eyes, Destro, Duke, and Scarlett — established the line’s visual aesthetic: modernised designs that retain strong DNA connections to the original Real American Hero figures, with enhanced articulation and a premium collector presentation.

File Card

Code Name: Roadblock
Real Name: Hinton, Marvin F.
Primary Specialty: Heavy Weapons Specialist
Secondary Specialty: Cook
Birthplace: Crescent Hills, Caswell County, North Carolina
Grade: E-8, Master Sergeant

Roadblock has always been built around the contradiction at his core — a man massive enough to carry a heavy machine gun as a primary weapon who aspires to be a Michelin-star chef. In the Marvel Comics run by Larry Hama, he was one of the most prominent team members and carried several major story arcs. His original 1984 figure set the template for large, heavily armed Joe team members. This Classified version updates the look toward a Version 2 aesthetic — darker and more armoured than the original — while keeping the essential silhouette.

Original Figure Comparison

The 1984 Roadblock (Version 1) wore a tan and brown outfit with a sleeveless shirt — the gentle giant look. Version 2 (1986) gave him a darker, more combat-ready configuration. The Classified Series version pulls from Version 2’s sensibility with heavier armour elements. The original figure’s signature piece was the M2 Browning heavy machine gun; the Classified version maintains a large heavy artillery blaster as the primary weapon, scaled and posed appropriately for his size.

One collector note from early reviews: the gold accents throughout the figure were polarising at launch. Reviewers at HissTank noted concerns about the gold details feeling heavy and slightly off-model. As the line matured and Hasbro adjusted its approach toward more muted, realistic aesthetics, this early Wave 1 bright gold/yellow design ethos became one of the distinguishing visual traits of the inaugural figures.

The Figure

Roadblock is the tallest figure in Wave 1, which is fitting — he’s consistently depicted as physically imposing, and the scale hierarchy across the wave (Roadblock tallest, Snake Eyes shorter and slimmer, Scarlett shortest) is one of Wave 1’s strengths. The sculpt adds excellent texture work across the pants and vest, with folds and wrinkles that convey fabric weight realistically.

Articulation is comprehensive, built around the standard Classified Series scheme. Butterfly shoulder joints — present on all five Wave 1 figures — significantly improve two-handed weapon poses. For Roadblock specifically the butterfly shoulders allow a proper both-hands-on-the-machine-gun combat stance that the original 3¾” figure could never achieve. One specific highlight: Roadblock can actually retrieve his knife directly from the vest sheath — the holster is functional and the knife fits correctly.

Paint quality in early production had minor inconsistencies in the grey vest area and around the beard/mustache. This was noted by reviewers as a minor concern but not indicative of wider quality issues across the wave.

Accessories

Heavy artillery blaster — the primary weapon, large and appropriately scaled to Roadblock’s size. Two-handed grip possible with butterfly shoulder positioning.

Knife — stored in a functional sheath on the vest. Roadblock can actually reach and retrieve it — a small engineering detail that rewards close play and display.

Backpack — completes the heavy infantry load-out.

The Field Variant

A paint variation exists — identified by UPC 5010993931415 — known as the Field Variant. The Field Variant has brighter paint and removes some details from the gun and hands. If you’re building a Wave 1 display with consistent aesthetics, be aware of which version you’re buying. The original release (UPC 5010993662388) has darker, more detailed paint. Secondary market and retail restocks may include either version. Check the UPC or photo-compare if variant-accuracy matters to you.

Collector Context

Roadblock’s place in GI Joe lore is secure — he’s been a consistent A-list team member since 1984, and the Classified line correctly leads with him. The #01 designation is a curatorial choice: Hasbro is saying Roadblock defines the line as much as Snake Eyes. His solo ARAH comic appearances, particularly during the early Hama run, give him depth that casual fans who only know the cartoon may not be aware of.

For anyone starting a Classified Series collection, Roadblock is a logical anchor point. He displays well, articulates well, and the functional knife sheath is the kind of specific-detail execution that sets the tone for what the line can deliver.

Verdict

Roadblock #01 is a strong launch figure — correctly sized, well articulated, with a functional accessory highlight in the vest knife sheath. The gold accents were divisive but are now a period marker for early Classified design. The Field Variant paint difference is worth knowing. An essential figure for any Classified collection.