The Fighting 1:18th! » Hasbro Reviews

Pursuit of Cobra: Shock Trooper

Ron Blehm — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:49:53 +0000

COBRA EEL with Wave Crusher – Target Exclusive

Paul Ernst — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:43:13 +0000

Another one of the “fan favorite” figures from the “A Real American Hero” line of G.I. Joe action figures is the COBRA EEL.

For the Rise of Cobra movie line of figures, Hasbro came out with a “re-imagining” of the classic Cobra Diver, however many fans felt like the new figure did not fully capture the greatness of the original sculpt, or the newer 25th Anniversary figure that was released in 2008.

With the Target Exclusive line of “deluxe figures”, Hasbro is adding a small vehicle to previously released figures, and giving them a new paint job. They arrived on shelves recently with a price point of $9.99.

Does this new, old EEL sink or swim?

The COBRA EEL is generally one of the top 5 most sought after figures in most Cobra fans collections. From the “A Real American Hero” days to the present, the COBRA EEL has been iconic and popular.

When originally released, the COBRA EEL was the only real seaborne threat to the G.I. Joe team. Hasbro later added additional aquatic forces to the Cobra team, but the COBRA EEL remains a fan favorite to this day.

(Excerpt from file card)

COBRA EEL troopers are demolition experts who work for M.A.R.S. Industries. They specialize in aquatic environments, testing weapons systems that are in development. COBRA EELS are skilled in marine engineering and underwater combat techniques.

PREFERRED WEAPONS:

Aquatic vehicle with A42-D torpedo and twin laser cannons

PIT Commando – “Covert Military Force”

Paul Ernst — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:35:35 +0000

The PIT Commando is another highly anticipated addition to the Rise of Cobra figure lineup. Ever since this figure was announced, and pictures started showing up online, people have been clamoring to get their hands on this figure.

Why?

For starters, this figure comes with enough guns and equipment for a small militia. The figure design is also based off the fan-favorite Dusty from the 25th Anniversary line, making it a seemingly win-win situation when it comes to purchasing the PIT Commando.

Does the figure pull it off? Or does this Commando fail it’s mission?

The idea behind the G.I. Joe’s secret base, codenamed: “The PIT”, goes back to the 1980′s with the Marvel comic series. Numerous cartoons and other comic series have referenced the “PIT” as the main headquarters for G.I. Joe in the United States of America. The “PIT” is a multi-level underground structure, capable of housing many of the G.I. Joe team’s vehicles, weapons and other necessities of battle.

With Rise of Cobra, Hasbro is taking the Joe team international, locating the “PIT” somewhere in the Sahara desert. The basic premise for the “PIT” stays mostly the same, with the G.I. Joe teams secret headquarters being located underground.

Guarding the base, is an elite staff of “PIT Commandos” who are well trained and well versed in numerous military specialties. These commandos are every bit a part of the new G.I. Joe as the rest of the named characters.

(Excerpt from file card)

G.I. JOE PIT COMMANDOS ARE RIGOROUSLY TRAINED FOR ANY SITUATION THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. DECISIVE ACTION AND OUTSTANDING EXPERTISE. THESE ELITE SOLDIERS ARE SPECIALISTS AT COMBAT, RECONNAISSANCE AND COVERT MISSIONS.

G.I. JOE

PIT COMMANDO

GRADE: SPECIALIST (E-4)

PREFERRED WEAPONS: 820 SELECTIVE-FIRE, LONG-RANGE FULLY AUTOMATIC ASSAULT RIFLE

Crimson Neo-Viper – “Cobra Royal Guard”

Paul Ernst — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:57:38 +0000

The Crimson Guard. They have been iconic Cobra troopers for years, representative of the insidiousness of Cobra, and the lengths they will go to achieve victory (Hiring ACCOUNTANTS!).

For the Rise of Cobra movie, Hasbro has introduced a ‘revamp’ of the classic Crimson Guard; the Crimson Neo-Viper.

Is this a fitting tribute to the classic “Siegies”, or a quick way to cash in on a repaint?

The Crimson Neo-Viper is labeled as “Cobra’s Royal Guard”, which is a bit of a departure from previous generations of Crimson Guards. The original Crimson Guards were elite troopers who were placed all over the country in top businesses, to help fight for Cobra from the inside. They were regarded as the “best of the best”.

The Crimson Guards were fan favorites since they were introduced in 1985, appearing in numerous different incarnations, but always keeping the core principles intact.

The creation of the Crimson Neo-Viper takes a major departure from previous G.I. Joe lore, as the Crimson Neo-Viper is a super powered bodyguard for the COBRA leadership.

What exact role the new Crimson Neo-Viper will play will not be known until the movie is released on August 07th, 2009.

(Excerpt from file card)

CRIMSON NEO-VIPERS are masters of power and lethality within the COBRA ranks. They guard the leaders of COBRA and willingly submit to agonizing procedures to obtain exceptional abilities and incredible endurance.

PREFERRED WEAPON:

M.A.R.S. Industries D57-B extreme environment electromagnetic rifle

Elite-Viper – “Elite Regiment Officer”

Paul Ernst — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:27:44 +0000

Of all the Rise of Cobra figures releases thus far, one caught my eye above all others. That figure is the Elite-Viper. Based on an entirely new character design, the figure exuded coolness and attitude. Unlike many of the movie tie-in figures, the Elite-Viper looked like he meant business.

The Elite-Viper is one of the first true “Army Builder” figures released for Rise of Cobra, and apart from the Neo-Vipers, the Elite-Viper looks to be popular with G.I. Joe fans new and old. The figure can currently be found at Targets and Wal-Marts, with other retailers getting the figure soon no doubt.

So how does this figure rate? Does it live up to the storied “Viper” legacy?

The Elite-Viper is an entirely new creation in the G.I. Joe universe, and it was created especially for the Rise of Cobra movie. Generally, with G.I. Joe and Cobra in general, the term “Viper” can refer to any specialized soldier Cobra uses on the battlefield.

The “Viper” character goes back to 1986, and has existed in some form or another ever since then. For Rise of Cobra, they have created a couple of new “Viper” characters, one of them being the Elite-Viper, who will act as Destro’s bodyguard and as a commander of lesser Vipers.

(Excerpt from file card)

ELITE-VIPERS are the personal guards of DESTRO and strict enforcers of their commander’s orders. These top-notch mercenaries have extensive military training and are skilled in the use of the advanced weaponry developed by M.A.R.S. Industries.

PREFERRED WEAPON:

M.A.R.S. Industries D57-B extreme environment electromagnetic rifle