G.I. Joe Classified Series Vypra review

It’s always nice when Hasbro rolls out new characters into the Classified Series line. Vypra is a new-ish Cobra agent (she was a Jinx repaint created in 98) and one that will presumably stay loyal to Cobra Commander longer than 10 minutes. She joins Copperhead as the lone named members of Python Patrol although I’m still thinking she’s not a great ninja if she needs to be part of Python Patrol.

Let’s see if this new entry in Python Patrol was worth adding to the subset that I swore I wasn’t starting.

Package:  There wasn’t much to Vypra’s packaging. I feel like there’s an Easter Egg with that lizard, but I couldn’t place it. Any ideas? It is a cool picture of her as Vypra looks like she’s about to carry out some insidious PP mission. You know the normal layout with the accessories strip across the top right and a great comic book style portrait that’s repeated on the sides.

I still wish the QR code would actually lead somewhere instead of that vague drop point on Shop.Hasbro.com. Vypra is No. 88 in the line. The rear of the package lays out her accessories and outfit details as well as her skill stats.

Vypra isn’t Cobra Commander’s deadliest agent, but she can get the job done. She is consistent with her rankings earning a 2 in all categories: mercenary, bladed weapons, martial arts and ninjitsu.

Her bio on Hasbro Pulse states:

Vypra allegedly offered her services to Cobra Commander as a mercenary and intelligence courier by audaciously sneaking into his private business meeting at Extensive Enterprises. Intrigued by her boldness he brought her aboard.

Likeness:  Vypra is mostly a smart reuse of the Akiko from the Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins wave with the head sculpt from the blue ninja set. I like that option since Akiko had a very good sculpt that a decent amount of collectors might not have picked up due to that abomination of a “Snake Eyes” movie.

The gi has a ton of detail from the rounded, standing collar and the sense that she’s wearing layers with the way the outfit is laid out.

I also like the flow of the sash and the bagginess of her textured pants. This is just a very cool outfit that deserved another life as a dedicated, named Cobra agent.

And the female ninja’s head sculpt was very well done conveying some serious intensity and formidability.

There’s one more area of reuse. She also has Zarana’s arms with the “shelled” armored shoulder pads, spiked elbow pads and leather gloves. I don’t think another line uses existing parts nearly as well as the Classified Series line. Reuse doesn’t have to be a dirty word so long as it makes sense and the parts aren’t just used regardless if they’re a poor fit.

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Paint:  Vypra has a far more interesting color scheme than just a basic black as she’s got the Python Patrol colors at play as well. She’s a character where the CS team can get creative with how they implement the maroon and yellow.

They made a good call working in more of the maroon throughout instead of just making it an accent color.

That’s the job of the yellow, which is cleanly applied. Shocker, it could have used another round or two of paint apps to stand out sharper against the black.

Vypra’s right shoulder pad gets the Python Patrol logo to maintain that Cobra branding.

Scale: Vypra is one of the shorter figures in the line clocking in noticeably shorter than Cover Girl and Shooter.

Articulation: As a ninja, Vypra needs superior articulation and the Akiko mold allows for her to hit some tremendous poses. The arms require a little bit of adjusting to get that perfect pose, but they don’t limit movement. It’s better to have tighter joints than loose ones.

Vypra’s torso allows for good rocking back and forth and side tilts.

And her barbell neck joint helps convey more character as well.

Vypra has:

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

Accessories: Vypra gets a good accessory load out even if most of it is reused from Storm Shadow. Again, not a problem since it all makes sense.

First up are the snake swords from Storm Shadow. They actually work pretty well with the snake-themed ninja. The hilts are cast in a maroon plastic that matches her outfit.

She’s also got the quiver with side sheathes for the swords. The only tricky thing is she’s got the Arashikage logo on the back.

I kinda like the idea of another ninja clan teaching Vypra.

Also, she’s got the compound bow, also cast in maroon with a removable arrow with gold fletching.

Her sole new accessory is awesome. It’s this wicked, sinister looking half skeleton head mask. It slips over her head and stays snugly in place. The detail on it is great with deep sunken eyes that almost look like they’re tech-ed out with radar and scopes.

The pale grey paint and half jaw without the lower teeth truly makes for a creepy visual. As much as I like the ninja head sculpt, I doubt this mask is coming off.

Worth It?  Vypra is the standard $24.99. She’s been cheaper with some reports of her actually hitting as low as $12.49, but she’s actually geared up enough to warrant the full price.

Rating: 10 out of 10

After getting annoyed trying to make up some flaws, I realized Vypra is just too much fun and well executed to nitpick. This is a great figure well worth getting even if you’re not building Python Patrol.

Where to Get It?  Vypra is still available at Targets in stores or on the website.

As a Target affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.