by KansasBrawler I have to say, with the wide variety of store exclusives in the Rise of Cobra line, it’s really hard for me to pin down a favorite one. While I still can’t quite do that, I can say that I think Target probably got the best ones. The mini-vehicle and figure sets were incredibly cool and they really
Read moreOne of the more imposing Cobra figures released during the relaunched small Joe era, the revamped Iron Grenadier was an instant favorite with me. I didn’t have any attachment to the 80s version, as it was available first during the time I had dropped out of toy collecting. Maybe that’s the reason I accepted this figure so readily. Whatever the
Read more
by KansasBrawler In my opinion, the Cobra Armored Assault set was probably the best one out of the first wave of Kre-O product. It came with a great classic Joe character, a cool Cobra vehicle and a pair of Cobra blueshirts. While I’ve used the blueshirts on with a couple of other sets, I have yet to talk about the
Read moreThe 2002 Alley Viper was available in two fun flavors. At the time of their release, I picked up just a few. Although army building had gained popularity in the early 2000s, I didn’t feel obligated to track down dozens of copies of the same. I did however place a focus on making up squads of Cobra troops. For a
Read moreThe Valor vs. Venom years saw some of the most prolific release in volume of GI Joe figures. I bought every single one of them, even the special discount store offerings. Why? I suppose I was making up for lost time as a collector. Having been buying Joes again first-hand for just a few years as an adult at the
Read moreby KansasBrawler Hands down, the figure I was most looking forward to out of the Defense of Cobra Island set was the Alley Viper. I have fond memories of that orange and blue urban assault trooper and Hasbro really ran with the ball there. However, and this surprises me most of all, that version of the Alley Viper didn’t make
Read moreWith all the focus on the Crimson Guard as an elite force of Cobra soldiers, it’s a bit surprising that the group didn’t get another official officer figure until this Toys R Us exclusive. Part of the Senior Ranking Officer sets, it’s a flashier repaint of the 25th Anniversary CG mold. The same year saw the release of a silver
Read moreby KansasBrawler I don’t know why, but I’ve always been fascinated with the Night Viper. I remember seeing it on the card back when I was a kid and hoping I’d find it someday. Alas, that never happened. So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned that the Night Viper was going to be in the last
Read moreCity Strike Destro, more popularly known as Money Bags Destro, was an absolute bear to find. It marks the only modern figure for which I’ve paid a premium price. It hurt a bit (mainly because I’m a bit thrifty when it comes toy purchases) but I’m glad I picked up the figure. He’s a great little detailed version in the
Read moreby KansasBrawler Going into Joe Con this year, Repulsor was a pretty big surprise to some (like me) and a disappointment to others. I was extremely intrigued by the concept of a new named Cobra (and one that had an animal to boot) and though I was at first a little let down by the fact that Repulsor was a
Read more