COBRA TROOPER — Infantry
Another version of Cobra’s infantry trooper, this time with red sigil and red mask. The blue uniform is also a deeper hue than previous versions. I had erroneously thought this trooper would come with molded hair beneath his helmet; unfortunately, this is not the case. A totally boring figure.
Figure: *
1) PYTHON CRIMSON GUARD — Python Patrol Elite Trooper
This figure is just a repaint of the Wave 5 Crimson Guard, though it makes little sense to continue to call him “Crimson” when he is predominantly yellow and grey.
So while we await the release of more Python Patrol members (Python Copperhead is on the way), this figure on its own, while still an excellent mold, is somewhat ho-hum. But Wave 12 was never meant to blow us away with anything new and was only meant to be repaints and repacks like Waves 4 and 8.
Figure: ***
Excitement Factor: *1/2
This set rocks on all levels in spite of the plethora of repacks/repaints/re-decos. It’s a lot of value for the cost, plus you get Short-Fuze and the MOBAT. Before I display the loose pics, here’s a quick review:
Cobra Commander: Not much new here except darker shade of blue, silver trim/highlights, and no stripe down the leg. **
Destro: Iron Grenadier mold without the cape, silver and grey highlights instead of gold, and chrome head. **1/2
Cobra Vehicle Gunner: Straight-up repaint of the Cobra Trooper in dark grey with red highlights. ***
Cobra HISS Driver: Silver chestplate with black trim. Still an excellent figure. ***
Sgt. Stalker: Darker green and lighter skin tone, and comes with a JUMP pack and Air Trooper weapon. ***
Short-Fuze: Repainted Doc head on top of Steeler body (Snake Eyes torso and legs, Cobra Trooper Arms, Double Clutch/Steeler boots); mortar stand is loosey-goosey. Slight disappointment in this. **1/2
Ralph ‘Steeler’ Pulaski: Lame code name since it can’t just be Steeler, but a straight-up repaint of the figure that came with the Armadillo, this time in tan hues. Helmet too loose on his head doesn’t stay on. **
Flight Pod: Trouble Bubble in blue. Great update of a classic. ***
HISS Tank: Red color to accompany your basic black and previous blue exclusive. Excellent! ***1/2
MOBAT: Green tank with rubber treads and extendable cannon. Never had this as a kid so it’s a definite plus! ***1/2
As part of the case I ordered online, I received an extra Underwater Trooper, so here I present loose photos of the Cobra Diver.
He is basically a repaint of Lt. Torpedo (w6) with red dominating the color scheme. He has the same accessories as Torpedo with the exception of his sidearm, his rifle — which comes from the Arctic Assault Scrap-Iron (Extreme Conditions Pack #2), and the inclusion of a heavy water element cannister which can be combined with the M.A.S.S. Device.
This figure is a great troop builder even if it is a little underwhelming. Still, in comparison with the other figures in this wave, it tops the Cobra Trooper with red face-mask/sigil. Hopefully, in the near future, I’ll be able to get loose photos of the rest of the figures in this wave.
Wait a minute, what happened to Wave 11? Well I ordered my case of Wave 11 from the good folks at Big Bad Toy Store (BBTS), but I ordered the Internet Exclusive that comes with two Cobra Eels packed inside. So while I await that creamy goodness which may be due later this month, I received Wave 12. This wave of figures, much like Waves 4 and 8, is comprised of repacks of figures from multipacks, or repaints/redecos of pre-existing molds. So without further ado, Wave 12!
And as a bonus, I did manage to get Zartan from Wave 11 as just a taste of what’s to come.
So, within a month of Wave 9’s release comes Wave 10 of this excellent line. Hasbro keeps offering interesting character selections; here they keep things fresh by including a mix of some fan favorites along with some new characters. What follows will be a review of the figures that came in this wave, with the exception of Tiger Force Duke. **UPDATE** See Tiger Force Duke review at the end of this post.
1) Mutt & Junkyard — K-9 Officer & Attack Dog
One of my favorites from the original line comes back to life with this great likeness. The detail is great, even down to the scar on his face. The only issue I have with this version is that his face mask looks a little too bulky and doesn’t cover his mouth and nose convincingly. It’s a small gripe to this overall excellent figure. ***1/2
These guys are coming fast and furious. Waves 11 & 12 are even coming into online retailers in the next two weeks, and comic pack Wave 6 is coming next week. My poor wallet! Figure reviews coming soon.
EXTREME CONDITIONS PACK (1 of 2): COBRA DESERT ASSAULT SQUAD
This review covers the first of two online exclusive multipacks both of which have hostile environment themes. The figures are mostly an amalgamation of parts from previously released figures, and many of the combinations are very creative. In my review of these figures, I will break down as much as possible where the re-used parts come from before giving my thoughts on the pros and cons of the figure as a whole.
1) Cobra Trooper — Flamethrower Specialist
A great looking figure with an imaginative use of accessories. The only flaw is that the flamethrower’s cord makes it difficult to be placed in the figure’s hand, which is molded too wide to begin with so he really can’t get a firm grip on the weapon’s handle. He also looks slightly weird without the Viper’s goggles, but they wouldn’t makes sense here. And finally, he also has difficulty holding onto his rifle; I wonder if Hasbro could have used the Cobra Officer hands instead. ***
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