As a child of the 80’s I think this is one of the coolest crossovers to hit a mass produced toy line in a really long time, if ever. Hasbro is releasing a tribute figure of the leader of M.A.S.K., Matt Trakker. As many of you may remember M.A.S.K., which stands for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, was an animated television series from the mid-80’s that featured a G.I. Joe type task force with a twist, their vehicles could transform into a completely different vehicle, both of which were controlled by their driver’s mask.
It just so happens that M.A.S.K. also fought against a snake themed villainous organization similar to G.I. Joe’s Cobra, V.E.N.O.M., which stood for Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem and was led by the evil Miles Mayhem. It seems to me like this team-up between two classic 80’s cartoons/toy lines was meant to happen. Who could have imagined that over 20 years after M.A.S.K. left the airwaves we’d have our very first cross-over between G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K.
The reason all of this is possible is because Kenner, the original holder of the M.A.S.K. toy license, was purchased by Hasbro in 1991. Since Hasbro also owns G.I. Joe, the two teams were finally able to join forces to protect the world from evil.
Specialist Trakker, as the character has been renamed, will be a part of G.I. Joe’s 11th wave of its 3 3/4” 25th Anniversary action figure line. The figure is schedule to be released in November 2008 with a suggested retail price of $6.99.
