12-Inch Figure S.W.A.T. Commander

There was a time when 21st Century Toys was at the top of the 12-inch military and law enforcement, 12-inch action figure market.

I remember when 21st Century Toys first began as a small company turning out only a few figures.  Before long the popularity of their figures due to their quality and accurate outfits and weapons became a huge hit with the military law enforcement collecting community.

21st Century Toys turned out dozens of figures, weapon accessories, vehicles and more.

Unfortunately the bubble burst in the early 2000s as more companies began producing 12-inch figures.  Sideshow, Dragon and Blue Box (among others) soon saturated the market and 21st ceased production of its large figures and vehicles.

While 21st Century Toys were a good value for quality at the time when other companies entered the field they upped the quality to even higher standards.

Part of the appeal of 21st Century Toys figures were their affordability.  To up to quality and details would have dramatically increased the price.  21st Century opted to keep its lower price structure and collectors preferred the higher quality competitor figures.

Too little, too late 21st Century realized what was happening. Before long sales dropped off and the 12-inch action figure toy line was dropped.

One line of 21st Century was its America’s Finest featuring urban and crime fighting elite.  The S.W.A.T. Commander was one figure in the series of five.

The figure with accessories is attached to a slip in open box.  The figure is secured with twist ties and the accessories and weapons are protected and covered by a form-fitting plastic cocoon.

The S.W.A.T. Commander fully articulated 12-inch figure comes dressed in solid black starting with his undergarments, which are covered by a Velcro jumpsuit.

The figure wears a solid black helmet held in place by an elastic chinstrap, goggles and fingerless gloves.  A preponderance of Velcro strips and pads cover the chest area of the figure that allow that various weapons and accessories to attach.

The Commander's black pant legs tuck into black boots with laces.  A large bulletproof/crowd control shield sits atop the figure in the box.

The shield is approximately half the body height of the figure.

A large protruding viewer section with a plastic ‘window’ allows the figure to peer out at crowds or attackers while still remaining unharmed.

Accessories include eight ammo and equipment pack/pouches that attach via Velcro and are decorated with clasps, clips, buckles or fold over flaps.  Also included are knee and elbow pads, a walkie-talkie with microphone and wire, and an automatic handgun with thigh holster and a black assault rifle with clip and shoulder strap.

All are accurate in detail and the weapons and walkie-talkie are easily held by the figure.

No stand is necessary for the figure as it balances in various poses, moves easily in nits loose-fitting clotting and paint application is clean, crisp and has no slopover edges.