Stephen King’s Crystal Ball G.I. Joe Classified Series Figure Is Back

Back in March, Hasbro dug deep into the ’80s with this figure of Richard “Crystal Ball” King – Cobra’s Rasputin-like mystic with the power to manipulate minds. It sold out quickly as a Walmart Collector Con exclusive, but you have a second chance to pre-order one here at Walmart for $24.82. It probably won’t last long. G.I. Joe fan or not, you have to admit that this G.I. Joe Classified figure looks awesome, and it comes with an interesting backstory.

The character of Richard “Crystal Ball ” King was developed because Stephen King’s son Owen was a huge G.I. Joe fan and wanted a magician on the team. Stephen King himself created the character with input from Owen. What’s more, Crystal Ball is said to be a seventh son of a seventh son, which just happens to be the title of an Iron Maiden album that came out in 1988 – right around the time that the character was created. Finally, you may have noticed the Vincent Price-like visage on the character. It’s no coincidence.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly back in 2017 for their collaboration on the book Sleeping Beauties, Stephen and Owen King confirmed the G.I. Joe story, noting the following about the development of the Crystal Ball character:

“It’s true,” Owen says, sounding a little bit chagrined, and handing the credit (or blame) off to his dad. “I think that he’s much better suited to explain because, I think my contribution to the creative element was more limited to being like, ‘Yeah, Dad, that sounds awesome.’”

“Oh, I mean that is such bulls—,” Stephen King replies. “It was his idea! He had all the G.I. Joes and we watched it on TV, and we read the comic books.”

Owen went on to explain his reluctance to talk about the character because he thought “G.I. Joe people don’t really like him”, and that may have been true at the time. However, this new version is one of the coolest figures we’ve seen in the G.I. Joe Classified lineup to date. If you agree, read on to find out how to get one for yourself.

G.I. Joe Classified Series #159, Richard “Crystal Ball” King / $24.82 Order exclusively here at Walmart: “New to the G.I. Joe Classified Series line, Richard “Crystal Ball” King comes ready for adventure, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability. This Richard “Crystal Ball” King figure contains 8 character-inspired accessory pieces including an alternate hand, D.I.R.E. (Dread-Inducing Responsive Energy) Tech-projected monster mask, lenticular hypno-shield with attachable fear manifestation, spectrally-charged sword, crystal ball with ghostly tendrils, and a weapon accessory.”