In a previous post, I remarked on Hasbro’s recent track record of successfully using existing parts to create new and interesting figures. Well, as my dad says, “Somebody’s gotta graduate at the bottom of the class.” For me, that somebody is the Air Trooper.I haven’t seen such a nondescript code name since the Cobra Pilot. I guess Cobra forgot to
Read moreThe Viper, one of the most popular Cobra troopers, has had a storied history throughout the various incarnations of the 3 3/4 inch Joe line. It seems like almost every version released since the original in 1986 has started out with some sort of issue, whether it’s articulation or colors. When the 1997 Toys R Us exclusive line appeared, the
Read moreCobra has always had a history of making messes. What more would you expect from a terrorist organization? Bake sales? From the first Toxo-Vipers in 1988 to an entire force of environmentally unfriendly operatives in the 90’s, they’ve been at the forefront of bio warfare. The most recent line is no different, as we now have the Hazard Viper spreading
Read moreReleased in 2008 as part of the internet exclusive Cobra Desert Assault Squad Extreme Conditions Pack (what a mouthful!) this figure is a mash-up of Joe and Cobra parts. Those two sets, which also included an arctic assault pack, were not wildly popular. I guess it could be attributed to the special environments. If these had been done as generic
Read moreI bought my first GI Joe vehicle back in 1983, the Falcon glider with Grunt. It was basically a foam glider that was counterweighted by attaching the figure to the harness. Naturally it was fragile and quickly broke, but it did fly well, and it was a fun toy while it lasted. Fast forward to 1991 and Hasbro’s release of
Read moreThe Ice Viper, driver of the Cobra WOLF is an interesting figure for the time, considering the accessories included: a helmet and two sais, extra acessories that set him apart from the usually weaponless drivers. I never really understood why he came with tradtionally martial arts weapons. Maybe he uses them as ice picks. The WOLF was a fast attack
Read moreHey, looks like old rag head is running for President or hosting his own late night talk show. This suited Cobra Commander was released as a San Diego Comicon exclusive in 2008. Like other recent SDCC exclusives, there were two versions available. The black version was produced in higher numbers than the blue jacketed “Springfield Country Club” version. Both are
Read moreOh Lemon Yellow Neo-Viper, how I love your Day-Glo goodness. It’s like you stepped right out of 1993. What can I possibly say that this picture doesn’t? Doesn’t it take you back to your first lemonade stand back in the day? Or maybe it reminds you of the hard hat you wore on your old construction job. You know, I’m
Read moreThe 2009 GI Joe movie figures fell into two categories: those based directly on the movie, and those who were part of a group of characters who follow the movie aesthetic, but look like they may have been just off-screen. The latter group, of which the Red Fang ninja is part, were made up of re-used parts from movie and
Read more1987–the year presented more whacked out Cobra characters per capita than any previous year. While the 3 3/4″ Joe line started out mostly as a military line, the weird Cobra characters started coming in 1983 and got progressively weirder through the next few years. Cases in point: Destro, Zartan, Tomax/Xamot and Serpentor. I can handle an arms dealer with a
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