Archive: Hazard-Viper - Toxin Specialist

The Hazard-Viper was released in the summer of 2011 as part of the first wave of figures in the G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary line. The 30th Anniversary line celebrates 30 years since the release of the modern, 3-3/4-inch G.I. Joe action figure. As part of the celebration, Hasbro not only included figures of classic characters from the 1982 A Real American Hero comic and television series, but also those from the G.I. Joe: Renegades animated series.

The Hazard-Viper is a great example of how existing tooling and a little creativity can go a long way. If the Hazard-Viper looks familiar, it's because you may recognize it from its previous incarnation as the Volcano-Viper. The Volcano-Viper was included as the driver of the Lava Pod, an alpha-class-sized vehicle from The Rise of Cobra movie line, which was available at discount retailer Ross. The Hazard-Viper also includes the chemical canisters and transport case originally included with the Rex "The Doctor" Lewis figure from The Rise of Cobra movie line. If you didn't pick up on either of those, you'll most likely recognize the recolored, water-squirting blaster and backpack originally included with Arctic Threat Destro. Despite not having any new tooling, the Hazard-Viper's hodgepodge of accessories, colorful paint applications and a clever back-story demonstrate how a little creativity can result in a well-executed new character.

Release Date: 2011
Retail Price: $6.99
Accessories: helmet, hazmat suit, respirator canister (2), respirator hose (2), backpack with button-activated water feature, hose, chemical blaster, transport case, chemical canister (3), chemical pistol, pistol (2), display stand with Cobra logo (HAZARD-VIPER)

Hi-Res Photos

Did You Know? The mysterious chemical substance contained in the canisters included with the Hazard-Viper is Compound-Z. At G.I. JoeCon 2011, the Hasbro design team explained that Compound-Z is the substance used in the creation process of Zombie-Vipers, Cobra's legion of undead soldiers. Although the two respirator canisters included with the Hazard-Viper should protect it against chemical contamination from Compound-Z, a third respirator and hose, which fit behind the figure's neck and were included the the aforementioned Volcano-Viper, would have offered an additional level of safety.

Hazard-Viper

Toxin Specialist
Name: N/A
Birthplace: N/A
Primary Weapon: Liquid Toxic Sludge Attach Weapon
Combat Gear: Helmet, Chemical Transport Case, Compound-Z Canisters, Pistols, Toxic-Sludge Pressure Backpack

Hazard-Vipers work with unpleasant and nasty substances. They may plant them as part of an attack, or clean them up after an operation. As part of their job, they deal with secretive lab experiments, like the mysterious canisters they carry that contain a dangerous new chemical substance, Compound-Z.