G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Viper — Python Patrol review

I swore I wasn’t getting any repaint faction in the G.I. Joe Classified Series line. No thank you Tiger Force, Eco Warriors, Slaughter’s Marauders, etc. Python Patrol? Ehhh, maybe. As usual I blame Larry Hama for coming up with a cool storyline to incorporate Hasbro’s latest figure designs in the comic book.

Then I made the “mistake” of watching Operation Dragonfire featuring the return of Cobra Commander to the forefront of Cobra along with the introduction of Python Patrol.

Now I suddenly was more open to the idea of getting Python Patrol CS figures, but did I want to spend $23 on repaints? Then Target came through with the crazy clearance sale that made turning down the Python Patrol Viper just silly. The logic of a figure collector…

So apparently now I’m on the hook for Python Patrol. At least they can just be a specialist faction within Cobra that absolutely won’t have any named characters in my display. Probably. Unless Copperhead just looks too cool and he’s being sold at “giveaway” prices…

Let’s see if this Viper is the start of a major Python Patrol army or a small squad for the Joes to demolish.

Package:  In keeping with the overall repaint theme of Python Patrol, there’s little difference from the original Viper packaging besides the addition of the PP logo, PP colors on the Viper artwork and the most recent character collage on the back instead of the Cobra Island artwork.

Even with the Python stealth enhancements, the Vipers are just a step above the Cobra troopers in terms of their skill sets. They rank at two-stars in foot soldiers and light weapons and one star in hand to hand combat and night fighting.

Per the bio, which you can read on gijoe.hasbro.com states:

Highly trained and heavily armed, Cobra Vipers are elite Cobra soldiers. These battle-hardened recruits are selected from the best Cobra troopers and become Vipers only after months of intense training.

Likeness: The Classified Vipers have a tremendous design that was a dramatic upgrade from the 3.75 Real American Hero figure.

There’s no difference from the original CS figure so everything that was great there is intact with the PP figure.

He’s got the grenades on the left chest area, the thick black flak vest, the ridged kneepads and the wide faceplate are unchanged. I love the ridged inner portion of his pants and how they blend seamlessly with the kneepads and boots.

I still miss the rolled-up sleeves visuals and wish the faceplate section was wider and not so obscured so more of the faceplate was visible. But there was no reason or need for Hasbro to make any changes from the original figure.

Paint:  While Hasbro changed up the paint scheme slightly from the RAH figure with the CS Viper, they’re truer to the original colors of the RAH Python Patrol. The figure sports the light grey cross hatch “pythonization” effect, which is only covered on the sleeves. It would have been nice to see that cross hatch on the torso as well.

The yellow harness shoulder pads, belt and side pads are very striking against the grey. The shoulder pad paint is thicker and not as neat as say the sharp Cobra logo.

Hasbro added some yellow highlights around the helmet’s outline. This creates some opportunities for some paint issues with the red and blacks seeping through. Given the very precise linework for a perfect paintjob, it’s done pretty well. PP Viper’s belt could have used another application of yellow paint as it’s not as strong as it could have been although there’s no major flaws with it.

Scale:  The Vipers are regular grunts, but they’re wider and broader than a regular figure like Duke or Flint.

Articulation: The Viper features outstanding articulation allowing him to move with surprising ease considering his bulk.

 

The Vipers look so good in posing and can strike a number of aiming poses. They almost look too cool for basic Cobra cannon fodder.

Cobra Viper has:

• head
• neck
• shoulders (butterfly)
• elbow (double-jointed)
• wrist
• wrist hinge
• mid-torso
• torso
• waist
• hips (ball-jointed)
• drop down hips
• knees (double-jointed)
• ankles

Accessories: I mentioned earlier how Hasbro made more elements of the outfit three-dimensional so the goggles that were sculpted onto the helmet with the RAH version are now removable.

As far as weapons, he’s got a blaster with a grip and long stock that channels the RAH gun complete with a removable magazine. He also has a smaller pistol that fits in his holster.

Viper’s backpack has some nice detailing with a rope, a sculpted Cobra logo and additional grenades. Again, the yellow grenades just needed another couple more hits with the yellow to avoid the black peeking out.

This time, the Viper loses his scarf the only omission from the previous release. I don’t mind that as it makes the PP Viper stand out further.

Worth It?  Interestingly the early Python Patrol figures have been getting clearanced out quicker than normal. They initially dropped to $16, then $11. I was able to get mine at the lowest tier of $7, which is a hard to pass up price point for a quality Classified Series figure.

Rating: 10 out of 10

I wasn’t sure I needed Python Patrol figures, but as a standalone Cobra squad I could start for under $10, this was well worth grabbing a repaint exclusive of an excellent army builder mold.

Where to Get It? Python Patrol figures are exclusive to Target. He’s still available on the website even if your area stores don’t have them.