G.I. Joe 5-Packs (2009) — G.I. Joe #2 & Cobra #3

Just this month the the G.I. Joe and Cobra 5-Packs for 2009 have been released. This marks the 3rd Cobra set and the 2nd G.I. Joe set.

The Cobra set includes Storm Shadow (5-Pack v3), Baroness (5-Pack v2), Cobra Commander (5-Pack v3), Zartan (5-Pack v1) and a Cobra Viper (5-Pack v1). There is some subtle retooling on these figures to improve their overall look and articulation.

1) Storm Shadow (v3) has new sleeveless arms where the wrist articulation is actually at the wrist instead of halfway up the arm wrap. He also comes with some new accessories: a pair of nunchucks and a grappling hook.

2) Baroness (v2) is an all new sculpt with her new head sculpt and the detail of her heeled boots quite exceptional.

3) Cobra Commander (v3) uses the Pyramid of Darkness mold but adds the Comic Pack cape.

4) Zartan is the same mold as Wave 11, but some nice paint apps on the shoulder armor, a clear plastic chest plate painted magenta (as in the cartoon whenever he gets upset), and a paint scheme on the boots that reverses the black and the greys makes this version a must have.

5) Cobra Viper uses the same mold as the Wave 7 version, but with new hands to avoid the “bent wrists” syndrome and a chromed helmet (taken from Cobra Commander (DVDw5)). His rifle is also a metallic grey.

The G.I. Joe set includes Snake Eyes (5-Pack v3) and Timber, Lady Jaye (5-Pack v1), G.I. Joe Hawk (5-Pack v1), Flint (5-Pack v1) and Shipwreck w/Polly (5-Pack v1).

1) Snake Eyes (v3) uses the same mold as the Arise, Serpentor Arise! figure, but with black instead of purple hues. Timber is an all new mold.

2) Lady Jaye sports a new body with the head coming from the Revenge of Cobra DVD set; she also has a new javelin that is easier to hold. The details of the collar and the dagger on her chest are pretty cool.

3) G.I. Joe Hawk is the same figure from Wave 9 but with a lighter brown jacket. Nothing too exciting, but still an excellent figure. He even looks like Dennis Quaid. Hmmm…

4) Flint uses the Wave 8 Tiger Force mold, but in the classic colors. His webgear is all new so that it buckles at the side instead of the front, and his head sculpt is new as well. He also has a new shotgun.

5) Shipwreck has a new head, new right hand (so he can hold things now) and new pants. He also has a harpoon gun instead of the classic pistol. Polly is an all new sculpt.

… Wherever There’s Trouble… (pt.2) — Arctic Assault Squad Review

EXTREME CONDITIONS PACK (2 of 2): COBRA ARCTIC ASSAULT SQUAD

This review covers the figures found in the second set of the online exclusive multipacks. In my opinion, this is the better set of the two mainly because it contains the debut of Scrap-Iron, albeit in winter-blue tones; also, I find the Snow Serpents and Vipers more visually interesting than the Crimson Guards and Cobra Troopers of the Desert Assault Squad. Finally, they come with a ton of cool accessories which elevates these figures from just being re-packaged and repainted toys (I’m looking at you Star Wars and Transformers!).

1) Cobra Viper — Heavy Weapons Trooper

• Head: Cobra Viper (w7)
• Upper Body: Roadblock (w8)
• Lower Body: Copperhead (cp w4)
• Weapons: Snow Serpent (w9) / Roadblock (w8) / Copperhead (cp w4)

An interesting re-use of parts combining the upper half of a G.I. Joe member with the lower half and head of Cobra figures, the Heavy Weapons Trooper makes for a visually stunning toy. The color scheme here really works in favor of the Cobra trooper. This guy also comes with a bunch of weapons to choose from, though I prefer to keep him mobile without the machine gun. The only perceptible flaw is that he inherits the wide hands of Roadblock, has difficulty holding weapons, and has shirt sleeves that are painted on rather than molded. ***

He’ll Fight For Freedom… (pt.2) — Desert Assault Squad Review

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

• Head: Cobra Viper (w7)
• Body: Barbecue (w9)
• Flamethrower/Gas Tank: Dreadnok Torch (cp w2)
• Rifle: Cobra Officer (w2)

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. ***