And we come full circle
This is like archeology. Everything requires context. Theories are fine, but without context, you don't have much.
So yes, my theory is that this is the full production Roadblock costume. But since I got it with no mask, and there is no name on the costume, then I have no context. So I was very much hoping that the costume itself would jar some collectors memory, and dig up some specific evidence that points to it's identity.
The short story is that I've been specifically looking for a full production Roadblock costume since 1999. It's supposed to have been released with one of the 2 Duke costumes around 1992, or 1993. After 5 years I found the preproduction stash of Roadblock masks. One of which was an actual prototype with a simplified Duke costume.
That was all I was ever able to dig up after 11 years. If I ever found a Roadblock mask on the market, the seller was someone I had sold one to. So I could not prove that the costume had ever been released.
Then, last week I got this costume. One I've never seen before. Got it with a 1993 Duke on the same kind of package hanger. But no masks, and no further information from the seller.
So what do we have?
1) the rumor I heard in 1999 about a Roadblock costume released at the same time as Duke.
2) a prototype mask that appears to be Roadblock, being developed in 1992.
3) the 1992 12" Roadblock wears a helmet just like one the mask wears. This supports that it's Roadblock.
4) this costume in 1993.
5) the costume has some design elements from the 1986 Roadblock.
6) the costume has the color design from the 1992 Roadblock,
7) Roadblock is a heavy machine gunner. They need belts of bullets, the costume has one, even if the figures don't.
So the evidence is there. But I still need to find 1 more piece to the puzzle. Either a package with Roadblocks name on it. At the time costumes came both on hangers, or in boxes depending on the store you bought it from. Or a mask from a source other than me. Either of those would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Roadblock costume was in fact released in 1993.
I know, it's a little nit-picky. But look at all the guesses. It could possibly be a Rock 'N Roll, a Flint, Tunnel Rat, or any of a fairly decent list of options. The evidence is in favor of Roadblock, but it doesn't quite prove it.
Roger
