GI Joe Rise of Cobra: Volcano-Viper

The Rise of Cobra series of Joe toys may have produced a lot of stinkers, but at least we got the Volcano Viper figure. Canceled from the main release, the Volcano-Viper accompanied the Lava Pod, a small drill like tank vehicle. The figure was released to Ross discount stores in the US in limited quantities. His lone accessory was black rifle.

Thankfully Hasbro would revisit this mold during the 30th Anniversary series as the Cobra Hazard Viper. This is still one of my all time favorite Cobra figures, hands down. I love the baggy pants, the utility belt, the gas mask apparatus...this figure just oozes coolness, regardless of the deco. I'm glad Hasbro reused this figure so more people could appreciate it in all it's glory.

   

GI Joe Rise of Cobra: Night Adder

Did you get caught up in the GI Joe Rise of Cobra movie merchandise blitz? I did. Yeah, I regret most of those purchases too. When it came time to get rid of them, I couldn't give them away in some cases. It was like the 2007 live action Transformers movie all over again. You would have thought I learned my lesson from the Transformers toys, but nope I bought a lot of Rise of Cobra stuff. While not all of the toys were bad, there were a few that really stood out and Night Adder was one of those.

Released in 2009, this is Cobra's new security guard. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a unique, single character or if its another faceless troop builder type character. Either way it's a very slick looking figure. And one more thing, he comes with a pitbull. Watch out Junkyard, there is a new dog in town!

I love the look of this figure. He looks tough. Certainly not a guy I'd want to cross. From his metal helmet (or is it a mask?), to his vest, the tattoos, the shotgun to his dog. This is one Cobra guy that means business. Give him some boxing gloves and I swear you could have a modern Big Boa.

I can't think of too many shirtless Joe figures, but check this guy out. He's ripped! He's got a 6 pack, decent sized biceps, even a muscular back. And let's not gloss over his tattoos. I particularly like the spider that appears to be crawling up his chest and the large 'Springfield' tat across his back is great.

This is one of the best looking Rise of Cobra figures in the entire line. An original figure at that too. He also came with a pistol and a knife, but like many of my former figures those accessories were lost when my display rack went tumbling off my wall. 

I don't have many loose Joe figures in my collection, but I like this guy so much I may have to replace him in the near future. I think he'll go great with the Steel Crusher vehicle I still own.