When Playing Mantis released their Green Hornet and Kato Captain Action figures in 1998, (complete with a figure in a "story book" box) they not only made one of the most sought after Captain Action costumes available (The Green Hornet), they showed their ability to create a completely new Captain Action set (Kato).  After the initial public giddiness had worn off, there were some grumbling about the Hornets missing signal watch, and the "non vintage" approach of packaging the uniforms with the figures.  Although these might seem like minor points, collectors are a finicky lot and they know what they like.  So playing Mantis has come to the rescue with their latest (and sadly, final) release in their Captain Action series.  The retro boxed Green Hornet and Kato uniforms.  For those of you who don't like to read a long story to get to the bottom line, they are fantastic.

Lets start with the Green Hornet.  Playing Mantis has packaged this set in a stunning window box, in the style of the Phantom and Kabai Singh uniforms released earlier this year.  All of the contents are displayed against a bright green backing card in true vintage style.  But this is far more than a mere repackage of the fine 1998 costume, it has been vastly improved upon. The most obvious change is the addition of the signal watch the rarest of all Captain Action items.  But They didn't stop there.  The face only style mask of the original set has been replaced with a full head mask and a removable eye mask, an original approach which looks great  This change has resulted in the hat being a bit too small to fit comfortably on his head, but its a small price to pay.  The handset for the scanner is now attached with a plastic wire, so no more last handsets.  The scarf has been replaced with a shirt and tie, giving the set a much more authentic look.  The felt buttons on the jacket have been replaced with plastic buttons, another nice touch.  The plastic snaps used on the original Playing Mantis set have been replaced with black metal snaps, which not only look better but will provide longer life.  The picture on the scanner is now the black beauty, the souped up car in which Kato would chauffeur the Green Hornet around.  The jacket even has an inner pocket for storing the pocket watch.  In short, these guys have thought of everything.   Rounding out the set are the shoulder holster, gas pistol, gas mask, shoes, socks sting ray (cane) and pants.  Every piece in the set is highly detailed and well made, and they display fantastically.  This is a great set, arguably the best release in the Captain Action series.

Kato also has been packaged in a visually striking window box, with an orange backing card sporting the same graphics as the Green Hornet card.  I really like the orange since the pieces in the set really stand out against this background.  Like the Green Hornet set, this is no simple repackaging of the 1998 set.  The best thing that Playing Mantis has done to this set is to completely redo the facemask.  Like the new Green Hornet mask, Kato has a full head mask with a separate removable eye piece.  The new face is more defined and just looks better than the original one.  In addition to the original accessories, Kato now was a Micro Radar watch for his wrist, and a set of "Hornet darts"  The plastic snaps on this set have also been replaced by black metal snaps.  The set also includes a hat, throwing star, nunchaku, shoes, socks, jacket and pants.  The suit is displayed on a vintage style body dummy.  This is simple a great set, and its 100% Playing Mantis original.  This is a must have for all Action figure and Green Hornet fans.

If I have left any doubt in your mind, let me clarify it for you.  These are simply great.  They are outstanding collectibles and they are just plain fun toys.  If you don't already have them, get them.  Even if you have a set of the 1998 releases and are wondering if it is worth it to pick up another Green Hornet and Kato, it is.  They are that good.  They are my personal favorite releases in the Captain Action series and that is saying alot.  Both sets merit a perfect five out of five aliens.   I have no qualms about giving them our highest ratings, and my personal recommendation. 

Daniel Webster