G.I. Joe Classified Series Serpentor review

There’s no other franchise that could make a character like Serpentor work – let alone work as well as he did in both the comics and cartoon. The composite of history’s greatest leaders (with a dash of Storm Shadow for some modern flair in comics continuity) Serpentor did exactly what one would expect in usurping control of Cobra from Cobra Commander.

As a Cobra Commander guy, I was firmly against the “this I command” blowhard from the cartoon, but the comics version was far more nuanced and intriguing a character. There’s the Larry Hama effect again.

With most of the Cobra High Command knocked out in the Classified Series line, Hasbro decided now it was the time for Cobra’s Emperor to join the ranks. And with this soaring debut, Serpentor just might emerge as no just the top CS figure of the year, but as the overall winner in the category.

Packaging: Serpentor gets the deluxe SDCC style presentation. The box art from Dave Rapoza is fantastic. It’s obvious Rapoza is a fan of the franchise incorporating key moments from the comics and cartoon in the rear artwork. I’m not a big fan of this enclosed packaging style but if Rapoza handled all of them, I would immediately change my tune.

Still, it’d be nice to see a bio card included as well. As one of the two leaders of Cobra, it makes sense that his skill stats are all elite. He scores a four in strength, bladed weapons, leader and tactics.

The gatefold box opens to show Serpentor in the center with artwork of his air chariot. On either side are his weapons and cowl pieces. Along the inner rear is the air chariot broken down and ready to be assembled. This is why I think Hasbro can get more vehicles like this out at retail.

Likeness: Serpentor looks spectacular.

As an original sculpt – a rarity in a line that’s done more with less thanks to clever part reuse – Serpentor has that regal look befitting an emperor. The snake scale pattern throughout his armor is very intricate and well executed. Ditto for his cloak, which also replicates a snake-like motif with a detailed texture pattern.

Serpentor’s head sculpt also conveys the look of someone who’s not accustomed to repeating himself.

I also love the plating on his legs and the wrap around snake coil around his boots. And the snake belt buckle is pretty sweet as well. Seriously, this is an imposing and impressive figure.

Scale: Serpentor is massive. He’s wide, thick and tall to truly make him an imposing and intimidating force. That means everyone from Sgt. Slaughter, Roadblock and especially Duke are going to be looking up while fighting this Frankenstein creation of Dr. Mindbender’s.

Paint: The paintwork is gorgeous. Serpentor is a premium figure, and the paintjob reflects that big time. His scale armor has a darker gold while the armor plating has a brighter gold with almost a reflective sheen to it. This is a great effect.

The green accents have a vibrant hue of green. There are some slight areas with a little overspray with the green, but it’s in areas that you wouldn’t notice unless looking for flaws.

Serpentor’s head sculpt and cowl also features incredible paintwork with some shading to his skin tone along with great precise detailed work to the cowl teeth. The lip of the cowl has some flesh paint overspray. The snakes’ eyes have a good deep set black along with impressive red for their mouths.

Articulation: Serpentor typically fought from a distance whether on his air chariot of issuing commands from a reasonably safe distance with the prompting of his lieutenants. Serpentor wasn’t afraid to mix it up though whether in fisticuffs with Sgt. Slaughter or leading the charge into battle.

Even with this original mold, his articulation is outstanding. He was so much fun to pose whether throttling Cobra Commander and battling back and forth with Sgt. Slaughter. I would love just a bit more back and forth movement in his upper torso, but that’s really the only limited joint for Cobra’s emperor.

Serpentor 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: Serpentor has a solid array of accessories beyond his air chariot.

For Serpy himself, he’s got a separate cowl/helmet rig. This one is set up for ceremonial appearances as it’s one piece that doesn’t allow him to turn his head. I appreciate the CS team thinking of different display options although I’m likely always going to display the one with the ability to get more head movement.

He also has two different length right arm claw attachments.

One has the blades retracted just about all the way in while the other features them fully extended. That looks more dangerous so naturally that’s the one I display Serpentor using. Again, I appreciate the thoughtfulness in terms of allowing for multiple display options.

Fitting for his whole snake motif, he actually comes with a snake. This is a pretty sizable snake with some good detail including a tan underbelly. The mouth is painted red and the teeth also get their own paint app. This will also work for Cobra Commander in snake form…if you subscribe to the Cobra La cartoon continuity.

Just in case he needs to impale anyone, he comes with a snake spear. The detailing matches up with the snakes flanking his shoulders.

The original RAH figure didn’t come with it, but I love the inclusion of a golden snake staff. This feels like a fitting inclusion for him as he leads his troops.

Finally, he gets an update to the dagger he came with in the RAH line. It’s got a great curved blade with a solid wide hilt complete with a red jewel in it.

Now let’s get to his air chariot.

This thing is massive with all kinds of incredible detailing like the four vent grills in the front and the ornate snake shield to ensure Joe gunfire doesn’t take out the emperor.

Along either side of the platform are two large 50 caliber machine guns complete with ammo belts. These are removable so if you actually wanted to give Roadblock his actual weapon, here’s another option.

Sadly, all of the stickers were already applied, but they do provide that cool vintage look. His steering column and the gauges by his feet have readouts, which is a nice touch.

The turbine at the base does actually spin. How cool is that?

Finally, the mouth of the snake head opens to reveal a smaller gun that can be lowered a bit as well.

This really does truly account for the higher price tag without feeling like Hasbro is taking advantage of the Classified Series’ popularity. They put in some major work here.

Serpentor is a massive Classified Series figure so despite the air chariot’s impressive size, it still seems just a tad smaller compared to him.

Worth It? Serpentor was not cheap clocking in at $79.99 before taxes. Of course, considering he comes with the chariot and a sweet packaging presentation it doesn’t feel like a ridiculous cash grab at all.

Rating: 10 out of 10

The few flaws are too small to hold any of them against this set. This is a case where Hasbro fully delivered on a key character essential to Joe lore.

Where to Get It? As a Pulse exclusive, Serpentor is hard to pin down now as he’s sold out twice. Hopefully, Hasbro issues another release for everyone who wants him can grab him.

Resellers do have the set available at a marked-up price on Amazon.

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