(February 2002)

21st Century Toys' "3rd Special Forces Group" Figure Set

After a couple of years of increasing mediocrity and industry irrelevance, 21C has bounced back strongly with several high quality figure sets.  First there was a mountain "Search And Rescue" figure for the adventure theme fans, then an Ardennes figure for the WW2 fans, and now a Desert Storm special forces figure for the modern fans.  All of these sets are a great step up from their previous releases.  Great sculpting, great detailing, and a lot more gear.  And 21C seem to have learned the value of aesthetics - Not only are the figures fairly accurate, but they just look COOL.  For instance, adding the do-rag on this special forces figure was a stroke of genius.  It adds so much to the look of the thing.  Overall, I can honestly say that this is the greatest modern figure that 21C has yet produced.

Below are pics of the set.  NOTE: I replaced the desert fatigues with 21C woodland cammo and added a climbing harness.  Otherwise, everything shown is straight from the set with no improvements or customizing. 

Headsculpt looks somewhat like actor Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I)


Yet another new bootsculpt, but it's actually better than Dragon's jungle boots and arguably better than BBI's rendition.


A nice Barret 50 cal rifle.



A great CLOTH backpack. Yes, it does have a frame!





More figure shots. Notice the excellent new glove sculpts.




Nice goggles.


A green shemag.


What happened to the desert fatigues? Went to one of my patented "no photo references obviously" soldiers! :)