Snake Eyes (2007)

Snake Eyes’ second figure design is one that seems to be high on collectors’ wish lists for remakes each time a new iteration of GI Joe toys appear. I can’t blame folks for wanting it, as the 1985 toy has been one of the most iconic looks for the brand’s most popular character. New portrayals, be they in comic book, movie or toy forms, still find  inspiration in its look. From the visor, to the sword, to the wolf sidekick, the original ninja commando still resonates with the fans and the toy makers.

Though it was presented on packaging as a modern take on the 1985 figure, this is really an amalgam of the first two Snake Eyes figure designs, mixed with a bit of the uniform embellishments prevalent in the early 25th Anniversary figures. Sure, the card art is reminiscent of the 1985 packaging, but some of the details are changed. The same goes for the figure. Like the 1982 inspired remake, he’s not wearing unique uniform pants, but the same sort of standard military trouser and boot combo common to the re-imagined versions of members of the Joe team’s “original 13”. There’s also no wrist-mounted arrow launcher, and the sword’s become a bit generic. What we have here is basically the 25th’s 1982 Snake Eyes done up with a new mask and harness. It’s not a bad figure, just different from what you’d expect based on the card art. Of course, a modern version closer to the 1985 original would be made one year later.

Oh and lest I forget, Timber’s here too, and he looks pretty mean. Grrr.

In some respects, Snakes in this case reminds me of the 2005 Valor vs. Venom version, another mix that’s more commando than ninja. Hey, wait a minute–is that the same Timber mold?