There are certain figures that never really did anything for me—until I read one of their appearances in the Marvel Comics GIJoe: A Real American Hero series. Whether it was an odd uniform, a rather bizarre vehicle, or just a goofy code-name, these individuals never left much of an impression upon my young Joe-filled mind. In fact, many of these characters might have simply faded into obscurity if it weren’t for the writings of Larry Hama. As a writer, Hama was often able to take some of the more ridiculous concepts in GIJoe and allow them to transcend their limitations—almost like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes. One such character was Cross-Country—the southern driver of the HAVOC. I was never impressed by the HAVOC, nor did its driver strike me as a particularly useful character. Yet, once I read the storyline involving Cross Country’s exploits in the oil-rich nation of Benzheen, I knew that he would have a place on my GIJoe team. When I saw the second version of the character I knew I’d found my definitive Cross-Country figure.

The Battle Corps version of Cross-Country stands out in sharp contrast to the original incarnation of the character. Initially clad in gray pants, white spats and shirt, and a green vest, the figure never struck me as terribly dynamic. The 1993 version, however, is a vast improvement while still maintaining a few key elements of the original. Robert M Blais is definitely going for a more casual look in terms of his “uniform” and it certainly shows. The “Transport Expert” is now wearing a gray jacket over an orange shirt with a pair of well-worn blue jeans and gray cowboy boots. (If it were the late ‘80’s, I’d say he was sporting some “acid-washed” jeans!) It’s a look that is much more civilian than military and yet it works much better for the character than the original design. Holsters, belt, and other details are painted in the same bright orange color as his shirt—reminding us that the “neon 90’s” aren’t entirely gone. The character design is a bit deceptive—appearing quite simple on an initial glance yet revealing a surprising amount of detail upon closer inspection. Cross-Country is wearing a holstered pistol across his chest and his jacket features visible stitching across all of the seams, conveying the impression of gray denim. In a move that would send the most politically-correct toy designer into a fearing fit of focus group backlash, this southern driver is sporting a large Confederate flag across his back, as well as a smaller version on his belt buckle. (The original 1986 version also had this emblem as a belt buckle design.) It certainly shows how much more “PC” our culture has become in the 13 years since this figure debuted; now he’d be the focus of spotlights on “Good Morning America” and “60 Minutes”. His head is also topped with his signature Confederate cap once again letting the world know which region of the United States Specialist Blais hails from. However, the most impressive detailing on this figure—at least in my opinion—is found in the tool kit that is molded onto the figure’s right thigh. Cross-Country would appear to be a driver who’s perfectly capable of repairing his vehicle in the field if the need arises. Fastened to his leg is a multi-piece tool kit containing a mallet, socket wrench, pair of screw drives, and an adjustable wrench. It’s an amazing bit of sculpted detail that is almost hindered by a thick coat of orange paint. Fortunately, the tool kit was sculpted with enough contrast that not even the overly-thick color application can mute out the amazing amount of detail present. I’d expected to comment that the two-tone nature of his jeans was one of the more impressive details of this figure but the tool kit just blows everything else away. It really shows just what level of excellence the Hasbro team could achieve in 1993.

Oddly enough, Cross-Country also features a similar but entirely new head sculpt. The design for the original 1986 figure had a larger, more rounded head than many of the other figures released at that time. In fact, the cheeks were so exaggerated in their "roundness" that Cross-Country reminded me more of a chipmunk than a member of the US Military. (I could swear he was storing acorns in those cheeks!). This version, however, features a “toned down” version of the character’s head. The head itself is slightly smaller and the cheeks are not nearly as rounded as they were before. The nose has been reduced while the chin is more “squared off”. The entire countenance has lost some of its “roundedness” as has been rendered in a much broader fashion. The end result is a face that is a bit more determined and slightly less jovial in appearance that it was in 1986. It’s almost as if this is the “post Benzheen” face of Cross-Country—a man who is now battle-hardened, living with the concept that he survived where many of his comrades did not. It is a face that makes the character appear to be more serious, as well as more proportionate. There's a bit of attitude in the slightly stubborn expression that just makes this character stand out so much more than the placid visage of the original. I can this figure defiantly shaking his fist at his enemies-- daring them to take on his squad and delude themselves with notions of victory. Given the choice between this version and the original 1986 figure, my choice is clear—this is THE version of Cross-Country. As this is a Battle Corp release, the figure comes packaged with a standardized “weapons tree” and spring loaded launcher. It’s the same equipment that was also included with the 1994 Snow Storm figure. The set includes an over-sized automatic pistol, M4 assault rifle, knife, and an AUG77 assault rifle as well as an ultimately forgettable spring-loaded launcher with two missiles.

It took seven years and the “War in Benzheen” story arc but Hasbro finally produced a Cross-Country figure that was worth owning, at least in my opinion. With better proportions, better colors (even the orange), and a much more interesting sculpt, Cross-Country steps up to the plate as a viable figure instead of “that guy that came with the Havoc”. He’s gone from someone who could have faded into the shadows to someone that has a past, a personality, and a place in my collection. I see him as the guy that Duke and Falcon go to when they’re putting together a team and need a “wheel man”. As the three survivors of such an ill-fated mission, these men have learned to rely on each other completely and it’s only logical that this bond would carry over to future missions. Regardless of what of vehicle he ends up behind the wheel of, this is the Cross-Country figure that truly defines the character in my eyes. I can whole-heartedly recommend the 1993 version to any Joe fan looking to add a definitive Cross-Country to their collection.