Cobra de Aço Bootleg (Black Major)
by Jeremy
His name is barely spoken among fandom except in reverent whispers. He is the infamous Black Major. I first discovered his work years ago on Mike T’s Forgotten Figures blog. After finding his store online, I could hardly believe my eyes….for sale was a bootleg of one of Joe collecting’s most popular pieces-the Brazilian Cobra de Aço (The Steel Cobra)!
For a measly 15 dollars plus shipping, I too, could own a piece of Joe history! For a bootleg, Cobra de Aço is extremely high quality. Joints are tight, paint is bright and no mistakes. The Cobra logo dare I say looks better than the original figure. One drawback is that the arms are straight-armed, but since mine is on display, it isn’t much of an issue. The chrome Snake-Eyes head looks fantastic. I actually like this version over the Con version done a few years ago. Steel Cobra even comes with his own individual battle sand!
As far as the legality of producing such an item….I don’t know. Hasbro doesn’t seem like they are going to go back to the o-ring style any time soon and hey, they missed some great opportunities to make awesome repaints such as the tan Cobra 83 trooper and other Cobra Troopers/Officers done in various colors made by the aforementioned Black Major. In conclusion, if you ever get chance to own the Black Major’s Cobra de Aço, I highly recommend you do so.
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I just wish these had been swivel arms like his Mortals and Invasors. I’d have bought a bunch if they were.
Great work!
I forget, aren’t these bootlegs a bit shorter in height than the regular figures.
Brazil certainly seems to get some weird and valuable stuff. For those not in the know, the most rare and valuable vintage star wars figure isnt Yakface, Its Vlix from the Droids line; who was only ever available in Brazil.
As the chances of me ever owning this guy were so low, I made a custom of him using R.O.C parts.
@Acer, Indeed, my figure seems to be a 1/4 inch shorter.
@troublemagnet
Thanks for clarifying. BTW, your bundle’s on its way.
The Black Major is watching…
That Heat Viper repaint is friggin’ excellent. And I have no idea what that Viper-helemted guy’s story is but I like it.
Someday I need to get a figure or two made by The Black Major.
@NFCJD. Thanks very much.I put a lighter shade of grey on him, but left the original purple paint. I’ve got a toy dealer friend who sells me Joe body parts cheap.The Viper with the tele-viper chest,just has some old Zartan arms and Lanard legs.I’ve made a lot of Cobra troopers/officers this way from assorted pieces.
Nice review. Although he’s basically a chromed Snake Eyes head on a Flash body, I’ve been hearing about this FrankenJoe for years now and he’s become highly prized among most collectors. There’s no way I could likely afford the original, so I’ll be on the lookout for this replica version instead. Black Major does great work and is a true asset for collectors of the early figures.
Doesn’t the original Cobra de Aço have straight arms?
I guess the way to tell them apart is the original’s logo is a little smaller and higher on the chest, right?
Here’s Gary’s (from WOJM) Cobra de Aço:
http://arqspin.com/s/qksksafu4mcc
Am I the only one who finds no satisfaction or pride in owning fakes? …’reverent whispers’ my ass…
I’ve got one of these. It fell apart. Craftsmanship my arse….btw, the Black Major (who makes these) came across as a bit of an arrogant jerk when I asked him about something once….put me right off. Anyhow, first he’s saying he stopped making these bootlegs and now, guess what?! He’s apparently continuing….make your mind up…..duh….