Background
Over the last few weeks, Sideshow Collectibles began shipping their newest addition to the 12” tall G.I. Joe line. The Cobra Trooper – a staple from the 1980’s G.I. Joe cartoon – has made his way to your G.I. Joe vs. Cobra collection. Cobra Commander needs a bodyguard, right?
[Cobra Troopers] are usually the first Cobra forces encountered in combat by the G.I. Joe team on their missions. These troops, or "blueshirts" as the Joe team refers to them, are forces to be reckoned with. Each trooper is trained in many different forms of hand-to-hand combat, extensive weapons and demolitions handling, as well as disguise and stealth. This physical and psychological training molds these individuals into sadistic and hardened troopers.
The Facts
Cobra Trooper
Series: G.I. Joe 12” Figures
Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles
Material: Fully articulated hard plastic figure
Dimensions: 12” tall
Points of Articulation: Over 30 points (Prometheus body)
Outfit: Helmet; Black facemask; Blue shirt with red COBRA insignias; Blue pants; Black boots; Detailed belt; Smersh rig with buttpack; Black knee pads
Accessories: AK 74 with folding stock; AK 74 magazines; AK 74 bayonet with sheath; Gun sight; Grenade launcher with round; Handgun with magazine and leg holster; Canteen with fabric cover; 3 sets of interchangeable gloved hands; 12” display base with G.I. Joe logo
Edition Size: 2,000 pieces
Packaging
Sideshow combines the sleek look of their Star Wars packaging with elements of the classic 1980’s 3 ¾” G.I. Joe line to create the packaging for their 12” tall G.I. Joe line. The box is sealed using a magnetic door, hiding two plastic window frames (accessories and figure). There are photos of the figure, information about the character, and – of course – the cutout bio card.
Our Opinion
I think I’m ready to say that Sideshow’s best-produced line is no longer Star Wars, it’s been leapfrogged by their G.I. Joe license. They’ve put great effort into creating an amazingly detailed set of figures. The outfits and accessories are not only meticulously crafted, but there are just so many pieces.
And looking at the Cobra Trooper, Sideshow hasn’t missed a step. The figure comes with a great assault rifle with plenty of extra clips that you can store in the various pouches on his utility belt. Whew! You can choose to go with the AK 74, handgun or knife in the Cobra Trooper’s hands (or just go with the fist hands).
The outfit is a bright blue, just like on the old toys and in the 80’s cartoons. The Cobra emblems really stand out. If you look closely, you can see that there is a sculpted facemask as well as a black stretchy fabric that slips over the figure’s head. Also, the utility pack setup is fairly complex for a 1:6 scale figure.
Sideshow has nearly perfected their Prometheus body. As you can see in the photos, you can pose the figure in many different positions. There are no loose joints and no problems with the Cobra Trooper falling over.
Overall, The Cobra Trooper is a great example as to why we love Sideshow’s G.I. Joe line: detailed clothes, a bunch of accessories and a great character.
You can pick one up at the following:
Sideshow Collectibles: $99.99 (Wait List)
Cobra Trooper Grades:
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 8/10
Paint: 8/10
Accessories/Outfit: 10/10
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.4/10
