Archive: Quick Kick - Martial Arts Expert (City Strike)

Quick Kick was released in the summer of 2010 as part of an exclusive wave of figures--available through Toys R Us--in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

When you think of adversaries in the G.I. Joe mythos the rivalry between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow ranks among the most intense. As well documented as their conflict is now, Snake Eyes' inability to speak made conveying that rivalry to kids watching the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero animated series a challenge. To remedy this, writers first pitted Spirit and later Quick Kick against Storm Shadow. Through in-battle dialog, Storm Shadow's character was developed and his honorable nature and inner strife were revealed, something that couldn't have be done easily with a silent Snake Eyes.

Archive: Rock Viper - Infantry (Arctic Threat)

The Rock Viper was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the sixth wave--which arrived at retail before wave five--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth.  As part of the Arctic Threat mission theme, the G.I. Joe team breaks into a Cobra manufacturing plant--in Greenland--hiding a powerful new Cobra technology.

The ski mask on Hasbro's modern rendition of the Rock Viper is a cruelly ironic addition in that it covers the often disputed mustache found on the character's original figure, released in 1990. The mustache is the topic of many discussions because it begs the question: is the 1990 Rock-Viper a unique character or do all Rock-Vipers have a mustache? With the ski mask, we may never know.

Archive: Spirit Iron-Knife - Tracker (Jungle Assault)

Spirit was released in the summer of 2010 as part of an exclusive wave of figures--available through Toys R Us--in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth.  As part of the Jungle Assault mission theme, a team led by Duke discovers a heavily fortified Cobra fortress, the Terror Drome, in a remote jungle.

Some of the figures comprising the Jungle Assault mission theme are loosely stylized after characters from the 1987 science fiction / action film Predator. Spirit is the G.I. Joe team's equivalent to Billy Sole, a Native American tracker played by actor Sonny Landham.

Archive: Cobra Trooper - The Enemy (City Strike)

The Cobra Trooper was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave--which arrived at retail after wave six--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

Before Vipers, B.A.T.S. and Crimson Guards there were Cobra Troopers. Often clumsily portrayed in the animated series and not the most menacing of Cobra's paramilitary forces, Cobra Troopers were plentiful and always in the thick of battle; even if the results weren't typically in their favor. Their ability to pilot a Trouble Bubble, drive a Stinger or skipper a Water Moccasin makes Cobra Troopers versatile soldiers, thus a favorite figure among collectors to "army build."

Archive: Conrad "Duke" Hauser - Team Commander (Desert Battle)

Duke was released in the fourth quarter of 2010 as part of the third wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Desert Battle mission theme, the G.I. Joe team battles Cobra's newest weapon, the H.I.S.S. Tank, through the heavy sandstorms and arid wastelands of the desert.

If the earlier released Jungle Assault Duke figure was Hasbro's way paying homage to the motion-picture industry, this version of Duke--with his form-fitting, lightweight armor and sci-fi-styled weaponry--is Hasbro's nod to popular modern-military video game franchises like Call of Duty and Gears of War. The similitude should come as no surprise because Hasbro intentionally used various pop culture references for design inspiration, in the Pursuit of Cobra line, hoping to broaden the G.I. Joe franchise's reach.

Archive: Cobra Viper - Infantry (Desert Battle)

The Cobra Viper was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the sixth wave--which arrived at retail before wave five--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Desert Battle mission theme, the G.I. Joe team battles Cobra's newest weapon, the H.I.S.S. Tank, through the heavy sandstorms and arid wastelands of the desert.

Vipers lend Cobra more credibility as a technologically menacing terror organization than the traditional blue-shirted Cobra Troopers. As soldiers, Vipers sit at the bottom of the Cobra pecking order, working to develop an expertise in hopes of moving up the ranks. As action figures, Vipers are the base infantrymen that inspired an army of uniquely specialized troopers donning the Viper designation, such as the Alley-Viper, Night-Viper and Techno-Viper.

Archive: Zarana - Sister to Zartan

Zarana was released in the summer of 2011 as a convention exclusive at San Diego Comic-Con. Two versions of Zarana were produced: a primary deco version matching the classic style of the original 1986 figure and a variant version with dark paint applications and t-shirt sporting the logo of Dreadnok rock band Cold Slither. Both figures were available at the Hasbro Toy Shop booth (limited to three for the primary version and one for the variant, per attendee badge) at Comic-Con and later online at HasbroToyShop.com, in limited quantities.

Like the original 1986 card art, the artwork for this modern update to Zarana features a digital explosion art pattern behind the character portrait. This digital pattern was introduced with series five figures in 1986 and carried forward until 1992, however, card art for figures from this era in the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary line did not have this digital pattern and instead used the traditional explosion pattern.

Archive: Cobra Shock Trooper - Elite Combat Troper (City Strike)

The Cobra Shock Trooper was released in the fourth quarter of 2010 as part of the third wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

Both the accessories and character I.D. card biography suggest the Shock Trooper is, in reality, a SWAT trooper. Shock troopers are military assault troops that specialize in operational mobility and often lead attacks on enemy defenses, while SWAT troopers are paramilitary troops that perform tactical, high-risk operations. SWAT troopers are typically armed with equipment capable of breaching barricades and subduing enemies, such as sledgehammers, shields and electroshock weapons; all gear included with the Shock Trooper.

Archive: Snake Eyes - Ninja Commando (Desert Battle)

Snake Eyes was released in the fourth quarter of 2010 as part of the third wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Desert Battle mission theme, the G.I. Joe team battles Cobra's newest weapon, the H.I.S.S. Tank, through the heavy sandstorms and arid wastelands of the desert.

With over 50 versions of Snake Eyes throughout the years--four in the Pursuit of Cobra line alone--this version embodies what one would expect in an ultimate update: it closely resembles its vintage counterparts with a subtle touch of modern interpretation, the figure's body is well proportioned and has a wide range of articulation, and it includes a generous amount of gear--including many weapons from both the first (1982) and second (1985) versions of Snake Eyes--as well as an alternate head.

Archive: Jungle-Viper - Cobra Jungle Trooper (Jungle Assault)

The Jungle-Viper was released in the fall of 2010 as part of the second wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth.. As part of the Jungle Assault mission theme, a G.I. Joe team led by Duke discovers a heavily fortified Cobra fortress, the Terror Drome, in a remote jungle.

Without the ghillie suit, you could easily mistake the Jungle-Viper as a modern update to the Night-Viper. The black and green camouflage and flip-down, night vision visor have an obvious influence borrowed from the 1989 Cobra night fighter. Jungle-Vipers are more theater-specific troopers, however, and are different from Night-Vipers in that they aren't combat troopers, but snipers who lurk invisibly in the shadows, taking out the enemy with a precision shot from their high-powered rifles.

Archive: Iron Grenadier - Elite Trooper (City Strike)

The Iron Grenadier was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the sixth wave--which arrived at retail before wave five--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

Iron Grenadiers share the same body, flak vest, and shoulder and shin armor as City Strike Destro, with a different paint scheme. Considering Iron Grenadiers are Destro's elite troopers, the choice to use City Strike Destro as the basis for this figure makes sense. The armor gives a consistent feel to this heavy weapons regiment and if you're an Iron Grenadier, it bodes well to the quality of your armor if Destro is willing to wear it himself.

Archive: Destro - Weapons Supplier (City Strike)

Destro was released in the first-quarter of 2011 as part of the fourth wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

Stripped of his armor, City Strike Destro shares the same base body as Arctic Threat Destro, who was released as part of the second wave of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The ability to re-deco a figure, almost unrecognizably, is a testament to the success of Hasbro's strategy of layering figures with jackets, flak vests and armor instead of creating entirely new sculpts. The strategy gives figures more depth and dimension, and allows Hasbro's design team to explore characters, which, otherwise would not have been considered.

Archive: Croc Master - Cobra Reptile Trainer (Jungle Assault)

Croc Master was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the sixth wave--which arrived at retail before wave five--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Jungle Assault mission theme, a G.I. Joe team led by Duke discovers a heavily fortified Cobra fortress, the Terror Drome, in a remote jungle.

Gator Master might be a more fitting name for Cobra's reptile trainer since the crocodilian included with the figure is an alligator. Alligators are native to the Southeastern United States and can be distinguished from crocodiles by their wider, U-shaped snouts. Like the alligator, the small red, black and yellow snake included with Croc Master also calls North America home. The Eastern coral snake has a potent, poisonous bite, despite its small size. In fact, the scarlet kingsnake mimics the coral snakes color bands as a defense mechanism, thought the pattern is differs slightly. If you ever encounter one of these snake and can't identify whether its a coral snake or kingsnake, remember: red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lacks.

Archive: Blowtorch - Flamethrower (Jungle Assault)

Blowtorch was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave--which arrived at retail after wave six--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Jungle Assault mission theme, a G.I. Joe team led by Duke discovers a heavily fortified Cobra fortress, the Terror Drome, in a remote jungle.

A subtle variation in paint color shades differentiates this version of Blowtorch from its 25th Anniversary counterpart. In fact, both the Pursuit of Cobra and 25th Anniversary figures are based heavily on the 1984 release of Blowtorch. With most other figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line executed as modern interpretations, Blowtorch leaves a lot to be desired. Although the fire axe and detailed fire extinguisher are nice additions, in the end, Blowtorch is a bit underwhelming.

Archive: Jungle B.A.T. - Cobra Android Trooper (Jungle Assault)

The Jungle B.A.T. was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave--which arrived at retail after wave six--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Jungle Assault mission theme, a G.I. Joe team led by Duke discovers a heavily fortified Cobra fortress, the Terror Drome, in a remote jungle.

Hasbro packed Pursuit of Cobra waves 5 and 6 with a heavy ratio of army builder type figures. What’s more, the Hasbro team loaded these figures with scores of extra accessories. The additional accessories turn what would otherwise be a mundane army of clones--equipped with the same weapons--into an army with personality. Figures like the Jungle B.A.T. can be displayed in a variety of ways; be that wielding a machete to cut through the dense jungle brush, defending their position in the Terror Drome with an assault rifle or lying in a pile of rubble, destroyed by a precise shot to the chest. It should be noted that some pre-production photos depict the Jungle B.A.T. as including a swappable, undamaged chest piece. This accessory was not included with the figure.

Archive: Crazy Legs - Assault Trooper (Jungle Assault)

Crazy Legs was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the sixth wave--which arrived at retail before wave five--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Jungle Assault mission theme, a G.I. Joe team led by Duke discovers a heavily fortified Cobra fortress, the Terror Drome, in a remote jungle.

Crazy Legs debuted in the A Real American Hero action figure line in 1987. At that time, the character's name was spelled Crazylegs. Variations in character names such as spelling changes or inclusion of rank are usually an indication of Hasbro's failure to renew their trademark claim to the name. In the case of Crazy Legs, the name change didn't alter any of the character's biographical information as the character I.D. card follows the integrity of the original filecard almost word for word.

Archive: Cobra Commander - Cobra Leader (City Strike)

Cobra Commander was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave--which arrived at retail after wave six--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

When Hasbro unveiled its plans for the Pursuit of Cobra line, it envisioned the line as an off-screen extension to The Rise of Cobra movie. Initial prototypes of Cobra Commander were developed as part of the Jungle Assault theme and revealed with the often controversial film-style mask. When Hasbro abandoned the Pursuit of Cobra line's tie-in to The Rise of Cobra, Cobra Commander was put on hold. Then, as the Pursuit of Cobra line grew in popularity and subsequent waves of figures were developed, Hasbro salvaged the Jungle Assault Cobra Commander body and replaced the film-style mask with the classic and more recognizable animated/comic-style battle mask, re-branding the figure as City Strike Cobra Commander.

Archive: General Clayton "Hawk" Abernathy - Commander (City Strike)

General Clayton "Hawk" Abernathy was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave--which arrived at retail after wave six--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the City Strike mission theme, the G.I. Joe team stealthily infiltrates a Cobra warehouse, in an urban center, housing some of Destro's newest weaponry.

General Hawk's weapons and accessories are a hodgepodge of previously used gear. In fact, most of the figure's body parts are recycled, as well. Despite this, the design takes the classic bomber-jacket, helmet with field goggles look and modernizes it without compromising Hawk's leader-on-the-battlefield persona.

Archive: Steel Brigade - Special Forces (Desert Battle)

Steel Brigade was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the fifth wave--which arrived at retail after wave six--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Desert Battle mission theme, the G.I. Joe team battles Cobra's newest weapon, the H.I.S.S. Tank, through the heavy sandstorms and arid wastelands of the desert.

When you think of army building figures, Cobra Troopers, Vipers, and B.A.T.S. tend to come to mind. You usually don't think of G.I. Joe team figures as army builders because the G.I. Joe team features well-developed characters with unique personalities and deep back stories. There aren't many nameless, faceless G.I. Joes. Steel Brigade, however, is the quintessential army builder and part of the G.I. Joe team. In order to recreate the various specialist types introduced by the 1987 release of Steel Brigade, Hasbro included a mixture of accessories capable of a number of unique figure configurations.

Archive: Snake Eyes - Ninja Commando (Arctic Threat)

Snake Eyes was released in the Spring of 2011 as part of the sixth wave--which arrived at retail before wave five--of figures in the Pursuit of Cobra line. The Pursuit of Cobra line features environment-themed missions in which the G.I. Joe team pursues Cobra operatives to the ends of the earth. As part of the Arctic Threat mission theme, the G.I. Joe team breaks into a Cobra manufacturing plant--in Greenland--hiding a powerful new Cobra technology.

Based entirely off the sculpt of the 2009 G.I. Joe Resolute comic pack version of Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes is testament to an old dog being capable of performing new tricks. With an ornately, tampo-printed design on the shoulder, forearm and chest armor, a generous offering of swappable masks, helmets and heads, and a variety of historically-accurate ninja weapons, the re-used sculpt is nearly unrecognizable.