G.I. Joe Classified Budo Review

It’s not often I get caught off guard by a release these days—but that was exactly the case with Budo. I woke up to a surprise shipping notification from Amazon, and before the day was even over, the latest addition to my G.I. Joe Classified shelf was already waiting on my doorstep. Gotta love those kinds of surprises.

“Oh and if you missed our recent review of G.I. Joe Classified Series #159 — Crystal Ball, check it out here

First Impressions

Right out of the box, Budo makes a statement. Hasbro absolutely nailed the blend between traditional samurai aesthetics and modern military design. From the sculpted armor plates to the intricate helmet details, this figure feels both timeless and tactical. The head sculpt is particularly impressive—distinctive, expressive, and packed with character. 

Accessories & Gear

Budo comes loaded to the gills with accessories, and that’s putting it lightly. This may be the most loaded G.I. Joe Classified out of the entire line. You could easily use the included gear to kitbash two or three entirely different looks. Whether you prefer his modern tactical samurai armor or the classic Edo-inspired loadout, there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s included:

• Weapons: three distinct blades (katana, wakizashi, and tanto), a pistol with extended magazine, and a submachine gun with removable magazine.
  
• Armor & Gear: removable vest, leg guards, forearm guards, and interchangeable armor skirts for modern or traditional configurations.
  
• Head & Helmet Options: two alternate heads—one with a man bun and fade, the other with long hair—and two helmets, including an Oni-inspired mask and a dragon-crested kabuto.
  
• Extras: scarf, neck protector, shin guards, red gauntlets, pelt, and even a straw cape.
  

It’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer versatility here. You can display him as a modern tactical samurai, a classic warrior, or something in between—and every combination looks fantastic.

Figure Details & Articulation

The sculpting detail continues right down to the smallest touches. His tactical plate carrier features the Japanese G.I. Joe insignia, name badge (“Kyle A. Jesso”), radio pack, and ammo mags. The articulation is everything we’ve come to expect from the Classified line:

• Double-jointed elbows and knees
  
• Butterfly joints for wide sword poses
  
• Drop-down hips, thigh swivel, boot cut, and ankle rockers
  
• Excellent neck range for expressive stances
  

Movement is smooth throughout, making dynamic posing easy whether he’s dual-wielding swords or readying his rifle. 

Customization & Display Options

Collectors who love to tweak their figures are going to have a field day with Budo. The interchangeable gear makes him one of the most customizable entries in the Classified Series so far. You can seamlessly transition between modern combat-ready Budo and traditional samurai Budo, giving you display flexibility that few figures can match.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a long-time G.I. Joe fan or just love samurai-inspired action figures, Budo is an absolute standout. Between the sculpt, articulation, and ridiculous amount of gear, there’s almost nothing to criticize. Hasbro knocked this one out of the park. He wasn’t a favorite for me growing up, but he might just be now.Verdict: Highly Recommended. A perfect blend of ancient warrior and modern soldier—and one of the most display-worthy figures in the Classified line to date.

“For more new figure releases, don’t miss our coverage of the G.I. Joe Classified Lifeline announcement here

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