Ice Viper (2009)
While I was generally underwhelmed by the Rise of Cobra film’s basic trooper, I found myself enjoying the figures that were the specialist troops. From the movie Eel to the Elite Viper and this Ice Viper, the less generic guys held more interest. Maybe I’m biased because I’ve always found something likeable about the environment specific Cobras, but the Ice Viper had at least one feature I hadn’t seen before in GI Joe.
I’m talking about his fantastic pants. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you’ll know that I have a certain fascination with the odd and unusual when it comes to the clothing of the lower extremities. The pants on this figure are an epic example of trying to emulate a real world look. I have no idea I’d these kind of trousers really exist, but the toy sure makes me think they do. They’re also surprisingly more poseable than one would expect. Granted, the Ice Viper can’t move like the other double jointed modern figures, but at least it’s something. Te same can’t be said above the knees,as the bulky outer jacket restricts movement. Regardless, it does look cool, and results in one of the most bundled-up and weather ready arctic troops ever. Even his rifle is ready for the cold weather.
There is an element of homage in this figure, as its spring loaded gimmick launcher resembled the classic Cobra WOLF ski-pedo. That vehicle was piloted by a Cobra by that went by the same code name. The inclusion is a neat little wink, and although it’s not as cool as a pair of sai would have been, it’ll do.
And the mold was put to good use for both the Volcano-Viper and Hazard-Viper.
Someday when I get a WOLF of my own this will be my ME driver. Until I make a ME custom of the vintage Ice Viper.
This guy was one of the few R.O.C figures which was spared my customising wrath. I have him on display next to the “Polar” Snake eyes.
The cobra wolf was one of the vehicles i always wanted as a kid. Back then i had the “Laser in the light” Goldenbooks VHS tape. The commercials on it were for Sergeant Slauther [V2], S.L.A.M/ Pogo, Cobra wolf and Cobra sea ray.
When these R.o.C. figures were coming out onto the pegs, it seemed like it was just all the major players every store I checked out, with the occasional one Ice Viper or other “non screen” movie figure.
Was this Ice Viper packed in lower numbers?
Nice pants.
It’s amazing that this guy could run around shooting Joes in cold weather, let alone move. I do like the visor. It’s a great throwback to the classic ’82/’83 clear visors, except this one is wider and more angular. I wish Hasbro would have revisited these atop a removable helmet more often in recent times.
I’ve got a pair of salopettes just like that. They need to be so wide at the bottom to go over ski boots…
Great figure, cool camo!
For Rise of Cobra There were collection 1 (main characters) and collection 2 cases, IIRC. I suspect collection 1 cases were more common, that’s why Neo-Vipers are more common than Viper Commandos.
I happened to find this guy in a comic shop the day after your review. Nice timing, huh?
@Deadborder
Was that at Comickingdom in Elizabeth street, Sydney?
If so,sorry if you had your eyes on the skyhawk, i snagged it
It was Kingdom. But no need to apologise about the Sky Hawk. I’m not collecting vehicles these days.
The guy at the counter slipped me a discount too. I swear, I have no idea how that place stays in buisness
@Deadborder
I have no idea either. Its always a mess and its a wonder anyone can find anything. I was there a couple of weeks ago and picked up the modern Shark [the one what comes with Liftticket with Clutch’s head] a couple of R.O.C items a whole tub of spytroops and some of those late 90’s repaints [Duke and Astro viper]
Having just got the 50th Wolf the first thing I did was dig out my Ice Viper launchers to see if you can swap them for the ski missiles on the Wolf. You can but the fit isn’t as snug as the originals.