The call has gone out from General Hawk of the G.I. Joe team. Intelligence units have obtained evidence that Cobra is working on a new top-secret weapon that could have dire consequences for the entire world if they are able to complete their work. Cobra forces are spreading out to all corners of the globe to obtain the remaining pieces of technology in order to finish building this deadly weapon, and G.I. Joe must confront them and stop them at all costs. When all else fails… G.I. Joe doesn’t.
This is the general premise of the new storyline for Hasbro’s G.I.Joe toy line going into 2010 which is being called “Pursuit of Cobra.” As was often seen in the classic “Real American Hero” animated series, the Joes must race to places like the Arctic, deserts, jungles and other exotic locals to stop Cobra.
This new theme will contain elements from the existing “Rise of Cobra” movie line that has been on shelves for most of 2009 and the previous G.I. Joe vs. Cobra lines produced before the movie. We will continue to see some themes used in the movie, but for the most part, figures will no longer incorporate the actors’ likenesses (for instance, Duke will no longer look like Channing Tatum).
Though the new “Pursuit of Cobra” toys won’t really be released in full force until later this year, Hasbro has released some teaser figures for us under the “Rise of Cobra” banner. Today, we look at two of those new figures, “Snake-Eyes (City Strike)” and “Carl ‘Doc’ Greer (Arctic Threat)”.
It probably should be noted here that Snake-Eyes may actually be more of a holdover from the short-lived “Resolute” line than a tease for “Pursuit of Cobra.” The figure’s appearance is very similar to the character’s appearance in the “Resolute” animated movie, but scale-wise he is a little shorter than most of those figures and his color scheme doesn’t quite match up with that in the cartoon. We should also point out there is no mention of “Pursuit of Cobra” on the card back like there is with “Doc.” Either way, he should fit in well with your collection whether you prefer the movie stuff or non-movie stuff.
Both figures come with a wide-range of accessories and are sculpted in the same style Hasbro has been using since the launch of their 25th Anniversary line a few years ago.
Snake-Eyes looks to have about 18 points of articulation including swivel hinge elbows, shoulders and ankles, A-ball neck, swivel wrists, ball abs, ball hips and double-hinged knees. In a figure this size, the articulation doesn’t get much better than this.
For accessories, Snake Eyes comes with a Sword, sheath, knife, small backpack, crampon feet attachments, harness and backpack with grappling hooks, assault rifle, small machine gun, pistol, and figure stand.
If you check out the images below, you will see the figure is virtually flawless in detail. The rubber holster and shoulder harness that come on the figure do not appear to be removable (though if you really wanted to you could). The figure’s sword comes with a sheath that attaches to his belt or the big backpack on (worn to scale walls).
Overall, the joints remained tight after some time playing with the figure and the weapons hold well. If I had to come up with any downside here, it would be to say that as great as this Snake Eyes figure is, we have had plenty of good Snake Eyes made in recent years, and I am just not sure if another is needed. If you are someone who just can’t get enough of Snake Eyes though, then this figure is for you.
Like Snake Eyes, Doc has a fair amount of articulation. However, some movements (like posing in a seated position) are hampered by the figure’s jacket. The figure also has an external collar piece is removable if you pop the head off, but the figure does not look right since the neck is so long . My only real complaint with this figure is the choice of colors. Though eye-catching, my first impression when I saw this one was to nickname it “Rainbow Bright Doc.” I can’t help but wonder if a more standard white color would not have looked better.
The figure comes with a figure stand, stretcher, blanket, flare gun, snow shoes and some type of hypo-spray gun. He also comes with a water jug and rescue kit which both are retooled accessories that came with the Firefly/Storm Shadow comic pack 2-pack that was released back in 2008.
This is the first time Doc has been released in modern sculpt since the 2008 mail-in figure which was part of the 25th Anniversary line. Though it’s not a terrible figure by any means, the bright gaudy colors just detract too much from the overall look of the figure for me to say this is a must own.
Look for both of these figures out on shelves now. Snake Eyes is a general release and should be available at any retailer that sells G.I.Joe. Doc is exclusive to Toys R’ Us stores.
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