Sub Viper (2001)
The pilot of the Wave Crusher, a repainted SHARC released as part of the Real American Hero Collection, the Sub Viper is itself a redeco. Though his vehicle is something of a lackluster repaint of a craft that’s been done to death, the Sub Viper himself is welcome reuse of a cool 90s mold.
The Sludge Viper figure on which it is based is largely forgotten, thanks to its origin as part of the Cobra forces within the Eco Warriors sub-group. Not only was that figure painted brightly, but it also featured patches of color change paint. Those spots of color on many figures has over time changed permanently, resulting in a paint job that just looks dirty. That’s too bad, as the design and mold itself are quite nice. I of course don’t mind the color scheme, regardless of the paint splotches, but your mileage may vary.
Blue is always an appropriate Cobra color and the Sub Viper sports a simple but effective paint scheme. The full helmet and detailed chest panel also lend themselves well to the concept of a deep-water operative and sea pilot. It’s sort of a reverse color scheme of the earlier Cobra naval pilot, the Lamprey. In fact, I think this figure might function well as a Lamprey commander.
There actually is a boxed Wave Crusher at this comic shop near me, but I haven’t pulled the trigger because of a $40 price tag. Still, it’d be nice to add the vehicle and this figure.
I would have loved to have had this guy in my collection, but I’m with you, Rob…the Wave Crusher was kind of uninspiring. I had the Sky Patrol SHARC and thought it was fun to play with but still didn’t think it was that impressive of a vehicle. Not even the awesomeness of a really good-looking version of the Sludge Viper was enough to sell me on it. Plus, Rob, I love the idea of him also kind of being a Lamprey commander. I’d never really noticed how close their color schemes were. That’s a good catch, Rob.
I think the figure is great but I never bought the Cobra Wave Crusher. For me, the Wave Crusher is Depth Charge’s jet-ski (even though the name has more of a Cobra vibe). My Sub-Viper is the pilot of the Mantis submarine – a great little vehicle, even if it was lifted from a different toy-line,
He could also be a Mandalorian submarine pilot with that faceplate.
Sub Viper is a great figure. Solid colors and lots of detail in the sculpt. I really like this guy.
Like Sludge Viper, they didn’t paint the shoulder armor. I like Sub Viper more than his ride. Cobra didn’t need the Sharc. The Sharc is lame because there’s no seat, it was made for Deep Six, a big bulky figure. Others flop around inside the cockpit.
If you ask me, this guy is a million times better than the sludge viper.
I liked the Toxo Viper, but the Sludge Viper felt almost unnecessary. Perhaps it was more because they both had the same accessories? Where the Toxo Viper had a cool role as the hostile environment trooper, if the Sludge Viper had maybe come with something bigger in the way of a true sludge cannon (like Clean Sweeps rather large machine)?
But in form, the Sludge Viper is a very nice figure. Very bulky, a rather heavy weapons feeling figure to me.
I would like a bunch of these Sub Vipers, though. Basic colors but it comes from a nice figure, and with form really fits with a somewhat self contained suit.
I never “meet” this guy!
”It’s amazing how Hasbro can combine Cobra action figures w/G.I.Joe vehicles, and come up with something total awesome for everyone.”
I recall seeing a lot of these at my local TRU in 2003. I regret never grabbing a few, since they had so many.