I wrote a while back (really long ago) about how I used to go play with a friend that also had some Joes and how we didn’t have any Cobra vehicles (I picked up some in the meantime) so we always played that the Vipers were stealing our Joe vehicles. This time though, I finally got one of my favorite vehicles in a Cobra vibe. A custom Warthog.
Ain’t she a beauty?
I found this custom on an online marketplace in France and snatched it up. The vehicle is a bit banged up, but that’s part of the charm. It has most original parts, but also has some new additions.
A bit banged up.
The Warthog has always had a special place in my heart and collection. Not only is it a great vehicle. It really does look like a menacing tank. But it’s also a troop carrier with place for some figures in the back and 3 upfront.
Cobra!
It’s also the last toy I remember getting from my grandmother. We were on a day trip to a little town just across the border in The Netherlands and there was a small toy store about halfway through the shopping street. They had a big window display with lots of toys, but the real magic was just to the right of the door when you entered. They had a whole wall of G.I. Joe. Now, before you get too excited, the wall was about 2m high and 2m long, so still relatively small, but to me it was the most G.I.Joe I could ever see together. We often went to that town, like 6 times a year and each time I was able to bring back at least one figure. This time though, my grandmother was feeling very generous and I got to go home with the Warthog. I still remember sitting next to her in the car ride home with the box in my lap. It truly is one 9f my happiest Joe memories. My grandmother died shortly after that and this probably caused an even bigger love for the Warthog.
Just look at that lovely face!
This custom version has a light at the front seat and more – though less impressive – rockets mounted on the back. This truly represents the feeling we had as kids when we were playing that Cobra stole this vehicle from the Joes. It reminds me of the simpler times. Ain’t that what collecting is about? Catching those old feelings of joy and happiness from your youth and cherishing it? For me, that plays a big part.
Okay, that does sound a bit like a clickbait title, but it’s not a lie. I actually brought in 7, yes, SEVEN new Classified scale figures last week.
The first figure is one that has been released quite a while ago, but back then, it wasn’t all that clear how easy or difficult it was going to be for us here in Europe to get a hold of the Classified figures. So, I made a few inquiries with a colleague of mine in the US and she ordered the figure from Hasbro Pulse. Unfortunately, with the travel restrictions because of COVID-19, it took quite some time before someone from the US branch was allowed to travel back to our HQ here in Belgium. This week, a corporate training session made it possible for some US colleagues to come over and so I finally got Snake-Eyes (the 02 figure).
Snake Eyes
By now, everybody and their uncle have seen this figure and probably have it in their collection, so I won’t be dwelling to long on it (there are 6 more figures coming below too). It’s a great rendition of the figure, lots of black, some shiny details and a splash of silver. And as always, nice artwork.
A little closer
Artwork – Check out Timber!
Now, on to the next figure. Again an “oldie” in Classified terms, but also a figure I didn’t think I could easily get and that I ordered through my colleague in the US. It’s the Regal Cobra Commander.
Cobra Commander, looking very Regal.
Compared to the other 06 Cobra Commander, this Regal version has more golden details and the blue is a few shades brighter. The sword and handgun are golden now as well. All in all, the figure looks more … eum… Regal.
Close-up artwork
The commander really does look the part here with his faceplate helmet and golden touches. I still would like a hooded version of Cobra Commander. I know Hasbro is reluctant to release that look, but I honestly don’t think that people would react wrong to it. We’ve known the hooded Commander look for nearly 40 years and there is a huge difference between CC’s hood and an all-white pointy hat some nutters like to wear. That being said, the chrome dome look is definitely very cool looking as well and I really like the brighter blue.
The art on the side.
And now, it’s time for something completely different and still quite familiar.
Can you guess what’s inside this box?
A while back – not so long as the Snake Eyes and Cobra Commander figure from above – I was able to order the next set of figures from In Demand Toys and – as always – these super people delivered them – not like some well known other geek-oriented webshop that cancels orders without reason. Although the movie isn’t bad, it’s far from the G.I. Joe we know and love. Still, I enjoyed it and the figures we got because of it do look very nice.
Number 16 to 20!
These five figures, Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Akiko, The Baroness and Scarlett, are true to the actors portraying them and their revamped design does resemble the figures we all know and love. Aside from Akiko who should clearly have been Jinx.
Snake Eyes (Henry Golding)
We start this series of with Snake Eyes, the main protagonist of the movie. His figure is 50 shades of black, which harks back to the original 1982 figure. He comes with 2 knives, a scabbard and his katana Morning Light.
Unmasked
The head sculpts really do resemble the actors. I remember looking at the promo video Hasbro made with Henry Golding and how excited he was about seeing his face on the figure. Now, keep in mind, the man is an actor, but still, I really do believe his excitement was genuine and looking at the sculpt, it really is great. Stubble and all.
Storm Shadow (Andrew Koji)
Next up is Storm Shadow. His outfit really does look very nice. At first, I thought the off-white would put me off, but the color doesn’t bother me as much I expected. He has 2 swords and a holder for them.
Tommy
And now, let’s turn our attention to the ladies. The movie figure set contains 5 figures of which 3 are women. G.I. Joe has always been a very inclusive line. Race and gender have all been represented during the 40 years of comic books and action figures. I do believe this is something that doesn’t get highlighted enough.
Akiko (Haruka Abe)
First off, we have Akiko, the Arashikage’s head of security. It’s a new figure and so there’s nothing to reference to, but again the look of the figure is really good. The black and white outfit may look simple, but it’s nice.
Jinx, no wait, Akiko.
Next up, we get The Baroness. Again, they did stay rather true to the look of the original figure, just updated to match the actress’s look and a more modern outfit. She comes with 2 Cobra knives, a pair of glasses – these will probably get lost quite easily – and a suppressed rifle.
The Baroness (Ursula Corbero)
I’ve watched all episode of La casa de papel (Money Heist) and wondered how she would portray The Baroness being from Southern Europe and The Baroness is traditionally Eastern European. I have to say she did good. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m jus not a fan of the choker around her neck. It looks a bit weird.
Choking Baroness
And then finally, we get the movie version of Scarlett. She too, gets an updated look and it really does fit the character. A little extra armor, a spot of color. It really is a good look. The only negative thing I can say about the figure is the lack of accessories. She only comes with her crossbow. Yes, it’s the most iconic weapon she wields, but still, I’d like to get some more.
Our favorite red-head.
That’s all for now. Don’t be disappointed, you just got to share in my joy to receive 7 figures in one week! I’ll be back soon. Until then, Happy Collecting and YoJoe!
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