G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Cobra Commander review

Cobra Commander got a solid figure early on in the Classified Series line. It was fine for the modern-skewing CS line, but Hasbro pivoted to a Real American Hero aesthetic after hearing collector feedback. He got a slightly more classic version with the HasLab HISS Tank. Now for all the masses, we have a Retro Cobra Commander.

Quick spoiler. This figure is about as close as we can get (for now) to a definitive classic color Retro Cobra Commander

Packaging: Hasbro has retained the vintage card appearance down from a certain standpoint with some minor adjustments. Cobra Commander’s head is looking more in our direction as opposed to the side glance where he looked more engaged in battle. So far none of the Retro card artwork looks as good as the original and that didn’t change here. At least the sweet Cobra — The Enemy is helpfully plastered on the right side.

The cardstock is much stronger and easy bent proof. Over on the back is the file card in five languages, which really seems excessive. His bio is a carryover from the original Real American Hero card limited to three sentences: This fanatical leader rules with an iron fist. He demands total loyalty and allegiance. His main battle plan, for world control, relies on revolution and chaos.

Cobra Commander ranks 1 in light weapons and 4 in leader, psyops and coercion.

Likeness: Cobra Commander’s original CS figure was pretty cool. It had a regal look to him and was fine for a modern take on Cobra’s leader.

But there’s something about this classic look. Maybe just because it was the look featured for years in the comic book and cartoon? Probably.

And this figure is definitely far more influenced by the cartoon aesthetics than the RAH figure. That’s mainly a paint job deal, but there is a difference in the helmet. There’s a subtle point in the center and the bottom of the helmet in the front section ends around CC’s cheek.

I’ve always loved the look of his double-breasted suit and the askew arrangement of the buttons complementing the buttoned-up turtleneck. The diamond clasps certainly seem intended to conjure up some subtle snake imagery.

His gloves extend up almost to his elbows although they don’t have the slight flare out like the cartoon design. Retro Cobra Commander’s double belt setup is intact with the mysterious device on the right side and triangle buckle and pouches on the lower belt. The loop on the top belt is sculpted and not just painted.

That’s also the case with CC’s stirrup pants in a nice touch. Naturally his left leg sheath is now a separate piece with some solid detailing on the buckles and holes. This is the cartoon Cobra Commander in exquisite figure form.

What really helps distinguishing this figure is the chrome face mask. It’s a sharp bonus and looks so much better than the simple silver painted face mask.

Paint: Retro Cobra Commander color setup is a note for note replica of his cartoon appearance. The white stripe across the center of his helmet is included. Instead of a black turtleneck like the RAH figure, his turtleneck is a light aqua blue. His top belt is white instead of black.

Most of these details are nice and clean save the turtleneck, which has some fuzziness around the edges. The red triangle also has some sloppy applications that I wouldn’t likely notice if I wasn’t searching for flaws. The Cobra logo is sharp though I wonder if Hasbro couldn’t make it a lighter shade of red to pop further from the blue jacket.

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Scale: Ideally, Cobra Commander should be about Baroness’ height and looking up at most of his Cobra operatives. Hasbro kept everyone at a relative same height, which is mainly only a problem for Destro and Zartan. He’s about the same height as his various troopers.

Articulation: Cobra Commander might get inspired and lead a charge here and there, but he’s mostly a direct from the back kind of leader. Regardless, the Classified Series articulation setup allows him to hit all of the essential fighting, taunting, gloating and retreating poses you could possibly imagine.

Retro Cobra Commander 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: Retro Cobra Commander has a good number of accessories though none are the one we probably all wanted — the hooded head sculpt. That’s the only thing holding this figure back from being the definitive Cobra Commander figure.

What we do get are pretty worthwhile. He’s got the old school backpack/attachment to plug in his “hairdryer” blaster.

The blaster looks very cool thanks to the excellent detail on the sculpt. I envision it emitting low range pulse blasts.

Retro Cobra Commander also has an index pointing right hand, outstretched left hand and a set of swappable fists. Additionally, he’s got a small knife for the sheath on his left leg and a stand.

Worth It?  The Classified Series is the one line from Hasbro where it feels like they pack as much into each figure to justify the $25 price tag. The chrome helmet is a nice enhancement over earlier CC figures and gives the Retro Cobra Commander a distinguished, cooler look.

Rating: 10 out of 10

It’s gonna be tough for Hasbro to top this figure as it delivers exactly what I wanted with Cobra Commander. Everything from the blue shades, the accessories and the chrome helmet are terrific. Even if you’re not all-in with the line you should get this one.

Where to Get It?  Previously, the Retro line was exclusive to Wal-Mart and Hasbro Pulse. To help more collectors access them, Hasbro has made the line available at other retail partners including Target and GameStop. If you prefer the online route, Amazon and Entertainment Earth also have him available.

As an Amazon Associate and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.