A little bit of context
A Deep Dive into Rusty Pete and his DC Direct Action Figure
Rusty Pete, the erratic and often-inebriated first mate of Captain Slag, has carved a unique niche for himself in the Ratchet & Clank universe. While not always a central figure, his quirky personality and memorable moments have made him a fan favorite. This blog post delves into the depths of Rusty Pete’s character, explores his appearances in the video game series, and examines the DC Direct action figure that immortalizes this quirky space pirate.
Rusty Pete: A Pirate’s Life for Him
Ratchet & Clank are known for overpowered weapons, ingenious gadgets, interstellar exploration, and outrageous humor1. The franchise has consistently delivered critically acclaimed and commercially successful games, captivating players with its unique blend of action, platforming, and humor2. Within this vibrant universe, a colorful cast of characters has emerged, and among them is the unforgettable Rusty Pete.
Rusty Pete, a robot pirate with a rusty brown hue, first graced our screens in Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction1. Clad in typical pirate attire, he cuts a distinctive figure with his mechanical body and often-inebriated demeanor. Serving as Captain Slag’s loyal sidekick, he initially appeared as a somewhat comical and unpredictable character. Under the command of Emperor Tachyon, both Pete and Slag harbored secret ambitions of keeping the Lombax Secret for themselves5. Despite his seemingly dimwitted demeanor, Pete played a crucial role in the events of Tools of Destruction, forcing Ratchet into a showdown with Slag by threatening Clank’s life. Following Slag’s defeat, Pete’s unexpected philosophical musings on life and death added a layer of depth to his character, hinting at a complexity that lies beneath his goofy exterior5. This intriguing contrast between his comical antics and moments of surprising depth is further highlighted in later games, where he grapples with questions of loyalty and self-preservation6. His voice, provided by the talented Wally Wingert, perfectly captures his erratic and often-amusing personality7.
In Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty, Rusty Pete stepped into a more prominent role, acting as the narrator and offering occasional assistance to Ratchet, Clank, and Talwyn. While he initially appeared to be an ally, Pete ultimately betrayed Ratchet to help resurrect Slag, leading to another thrilling confrontation5.
Although Pete and Slag didn’t physically appear in Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, their presence was felt through their pirate radio show on Planet Ardolis5. Pete even established his own “Rusty Pete’s School of Piracy,” further solidifying his place in the Ratchet & Clank universe5. He also makes a brief appearance as a 2D model in the “My Blaster Runs Hot” minigame alongside Captain Qwark5.
Rusty Pete’s relationships with other characters are primarily defined by his loyalty to Captain Slag and his interactions with Ratchet and Clank. He often appears alongside Slag, singing off-key pirate melodies and engaging in comical banter7. While his initial encounter with Ratchet was antagonistic, their relationship evolved in Quest for Booty, with Pete even acting as a guide for a time5.
With the introduction of alternate dimensions and dimensional counterparts in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, there’s potential for Rusty Pete to make a comeback in future installments10. Imagine encountering a dimensional counterpart of Rusty Pete, perhaps a more refined and cunning version of the pirate, or witnessing a reunion between him and Captain Slag in a new and unexpected setting. The possibilities are endless, and fans eagerly await Rusty Pete’s potential return to the franchise12.
To commemorate this memorable character, DC Direct released an action figure as part of their Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time line. This marked a significant step for the franchise, showcasing its growing popularity and recognition beyond the PlayStation platform13. The release of these figures by a renowned company like DC Direct expanded the reach of the Ratchet & Clank universe, introducing it to a wider audience of collectors and enthusiasts.
DC Direct Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Rusty Pete Action Figure
DC Direct, a division of WarnerMedia, has a long history of producing high-quality collectibles based on DC Comics characters14. Established in 1998, the company was initially known as DC Direct before being rebranded as DC Collectibles in 201215. In 2020, they reverted to their original name, DC Direct14. Despite ceasing operations in 2020, DC Direct’s legacy in the collectible market remains strong16. McFarlane Toys has taken over the production of DC Direct’s previous lines, ensuring that fans can still find new and exciting collectibles based on their favorite DC characters14. This includes continuing the production of the impressive line of Ratchet & Clank action figures that DC Direct initiated.
In 2011, DC Direct expanded their offerings to include action figures from the popular Ratchet & Clank video game franchise18. Among these figures was a 7.5-inch tall Rusty Pete, capturing the essence of the quirky pirate with impressive detail1.
The Rusty Pete action figure boasts multiple points of articulation, allowing for a variety of poses19. It comes in 4-color clamshell packaging, showcasing the figure and its character-appropriate accessories19. These accessories include a wrench and a blaster, reflecting Rusty Pete’s tools of the trade in the video game19.
Other DC Direct Ratchet & Clank Figures
In addition to Rusty Pete, DC Direct released a variety of other Ratchet & Clank action figures as part of their Series 2 collection1. These figures, each with their own unique accessories and points of articulation, allowed collectors to build a comprehensive representation of the Ratchet & Clank universe. Some of the notable figures in this series include:
- Holo-Armor Ratchet: This figure depicts Ratchet in his Holo-Armor, a powerful suit that grants him enhanced abilities in A Crack in Time. The figure stands at 4.5 inches tall and includes Clank as a smaller companion figure.
- Azimuth: Azimuth, a Lombax from the past, is featured in this 5.6-inch tall figure. He comes with Orvus, a small, ethereal being who guides Ratchet and Clank on their journey.
- Smuggler: This 7-inch tall figure represents a generic smuggler character from the Ratchet & Clank universe, adding to the diversity of the collection.
These figures, along with Rusty Pete, showcase the dedication and attention to detail that DC Direct brought to their Ratchet & Clank line.
Where to Buy
While the DC Direct Rusty Pete action figure was released in 2011, it can still be found through various online retailers. Here are a few places where you might be able to snag this collectible:
- Amazon: Amazon often has listings for older action figures, and you might find Rusty Pete available from third-party sellers19.
- ToyWiz: ToyWiz is another online retailer specializing in toys and collectibles, and they currently have the Rusty Pete action figure listed on their website18.
- eBay: eBay is always a good option for finding rare or discontinued collectibles, and you might be able to find a Rusty Pete action figure in good condition from a seller on eBay21.
Conclusion
Rusty Pete, despite his supporting role, has become a beloved character in the Ratchet & Clank universe12. His quirky personality, memorable moments, and unique design have made him a fan favorite. He embodies the humor and lightheartedness that permeate the Ratchet & Clank series, while also offering glimpses of surprising depth and complexity. The DC Direct action figure provides a tangible way for collectors to celebrate this iconic pirate, capturing his distinctive appearance and personality with remarkable detail.
While DC Direct’s involvement in the Ratchet & Clank franchise may be over, the legacy of their figures, including the Rusty Pete action figure, continues to resonate with collectors. These figures serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Ratchet & Clank universe and its ability to transcend gaming platforms and capture the imaginations of fans worldwide. The fact that McFarlane Toys has taken over the production of DC Direct’s previous lines ensures that the spirit of these collectibles will live on, offering fans continued access to high-quality figures based on their favorite characters.
Works cited
1. Ratchet & Clank Series 2 Action Figure: Rusty Pete – Westfield Comics, accessed January 29, 2025, https://westfieldcomics.com/comic-books/Ratchet-Clank-Series-2-Action-Figure-Rusty-Pete/33372659
2. Ratchet & Clank – Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank
3. DC Direct Rush Solicits New Production Run of Ratchet & Clank Ser. 1 AFs, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/746?articleID=93509
4. Rusty Pete – Characters – Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction – PS3, accessed January 29, 2025, https://ratchet-galaxy.com/en/games/ps3/ratchet-and-clank-future-tools-of-destruction/encyclopedia/characters/rusty-pete
5. Rusty Pete (Character) – Giant Bomb, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.giantbomb.com/rusty-pete/3005-5329/
6. Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart – ALL Rusty Pete Cutscenes (Pierre Le Fer) – HD RayTracing Full Movie – YouTube, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvGrbihyETM
7. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (Video Game 2007) – Wally Wingert as Rusty Pete – IMDb, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1018825/characters/nm0935042
8. Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty – Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank_Future:_Quest_for_Booty
9. Rusty Pete | Wiki | Ratchet and Clank Amino, accessed January 29, 2025, https://aminoapps.com/c/ratchet-and-clank/page/item/rusty-pete/pXwp_6kDspIqBGdKeLPmrrGKKNRjYadDxma
10. Every Character In Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart That Returns From Older Games – TheGamer, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.thegamer.com/ratchet-clank-rift-apart-returning-characters-older-games/
11. Here’s Why Ratchet & Clank’s Next Game Will Happen – YouTube, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrPjQEKQ0zY
12. Anyone else think rusty Pete was not included much in rift apart? Compared to the other characters and their counterparts Pete had the least screentime : r/RatchetAndClank – Reddit, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/RatchetAndClank/comments/nz2y91/anyone_else_think_rusty_pete_was_not_included/
13. DC Direct Announces Ratchet And Clank Figures – The Toyark, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.toyark.com/2009/10/26/dc-direct-announces-ratchet-and-clank-figures-1912
14. DC Direct – Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Direct
15. en.wikipedia.org, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Direct#:~:text=The%20company%20was%20called%20DC,company%2Dwide%20re%2Dorganization.
16. DC Direct Shuttered Amid WarnerMedia Restructuring – The Toy Book, accessed January 29, 2025, https://toybook.com/dc-direct-warnermedia-layoffs/
17. McFarlane Toys Takes Over DC Direct Projects, Including Batman Black and White – CBR, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.cbr.com/mcfarlane-toys-dc-direct-batman-black-and-white/
18. Ratchet and Clank Future Series 2 Rusty Pete Action Figure – ToyWiz.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://toywiz.com/ratchet-and-clank-future-series-2-rusty-pete-action-figure/
19. DC Unlimited Ratchet and Clank: Series 2: Rusty Pete Action Figure – Amazon.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/DC-Unlimited-Ratchet-Clank-Action/dp/B003MPJHYK
20. DC Direct Ratchet and Clank Figure Review! – YouTube, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA_6hchP6ns
21. New Ratchet & Clank Future DC Direct Ratchet W/Transforming Clank Figure Sealed | eBay, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.ebay.com/itm/176690889318
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