G.I. Joe Fans Rejoice, Slaughter and Mercer Are Back in Classified Form

The G.I. Joe Classified Series #173 brings a welcome two-pack update with Sgt Slaughter and Felix “Mercer” Stratton, combining fan-favourite characters into a highly detailed set that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The latest addition from Hasbro delivers a beefy accessories loadout, new sculpting details, and smart design choices that elevate both figures above mere repaints.

Release Date: December 1, 2025 (estimated for UK/US)
MSRP / Price Range: £49.99–£59.99 / $59.99 USD
Edition Size: Not specified
Manufacturer / License: Hasbro – G.I. Joe Classified Series

What accessories are included with the Classified Series Sgt Slaughter and Mercer figures?

There’s no shortage of tactical gear in this set. Sgt Slaughter leads the charge with:

• Two swappable heads and three extra hands
• His classic campaign cover, beret, and baseball cap
• A revolver, silenced pistol, SMG, rifle, baton, grenade and launcher
• His whistle, of course, because barking orders wouldn’t be the same without it

Mercer brings the anti-Cobra arsenal with:

• Alternate head and sunglasses
• Combat knife, backpack, shotgun, and silenced SMG
• Two extra hands for added posing potential

With 26 accessories across both figures, there’s a lot of gear-swapping and display potential. Whether you’re aiming for classic cartoon looks or dynamic modern poses, you’ve got options.

Opinionated Take, Two Icons in One Pack

Now here’s a combo that just works. On paper, pairing the loud, relentless Sgt Slaughter with a former Cobra defector might sound like an odd couple. But in practice, the duo offers a compelling contrast that plays out perfectly in plastic. Slaughter looks fantastic, with his different headgear allowing for multiple moods, from stern commander to full-on drill mode.

Mercer, meanwhile, has never looked better. His shotgun and backpack scream renegade, while his slick shades push the ‘80s cool factor up a notch. This isn’t just a repaint of the old Mercer, this is a modern merc with a conscience.

Put them next to figures from the New G.I. Joe Mad Marauders Sgt Slaughter figure set and you’ve got a narrative-rich team dynamic. For fans mixing in crossover ideas, consider dropping them into a scene with your G.I. Joe x Transformers collaborative figures, just imagine Slaughter yelling at Optimus for scratching the A.W.E. Striker.

Retro Cardback B.A.T. and Joe Trooper Greenshirt Figures

The Yo Joe June event didn’t stop at #173. Hasbro also revealed the next wave of retro cardback figures, the B.A.T. and Greenshirt Trooper. These are more than repaint fillers, they bring articulation and detail up to Classified Series levels while delivering that old-school cardback appeal.

The Retro B.A.T. includes extra heads and damage effects, while the Trooper comes with a whopping 14 accessories including multiple hands and a stand. At around £20–£25, they hit shelves in November 2025. Perfect for army builders or diorama completionists.

GI Joe Classified Sgt Slaughter Mercer pre-order, release date and where to buy

The GI Joe Classified Sgt Slaughter Mercer pre-order is live now across Hasbro Pulse, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, and Amazon. It’s slated to ship in December 2025. For UK fans, Hasbro Pulse UK is your most direct route.

These figures aren’t marked as mass retail, so fan-channel exclusivity could make them scarce later on. If you’re eyeing this pack for your collection, don’t wait too long.

Final Verdict

Among the best GI Joe Classified Series releases, the Sgt Slaughter and Mercer 2-pack stands out for its thoughtful pairing, generous accessories, and flexible display options. From the detail in Slaughter’s hat collection to Mercer’s smirk-ready alternate head, it’s a set that gives collectors exactly what they want, more ways to play and pose.

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