Review – G.I. Joe Cobra Commander
“Cobra Commander is hatred and evil personified. Corrupt. A man without scruples. Probably the most dangerous man alive.”
— from the back of the card
We’ve already taken a look at the Resolute Cobra Commander (in this review back in February), so it’s probably a little backwards to now look at the earlier, classic Cobra Commander from the modern G.I. Joe action figure series. Sorry, guys, but it’s the Commander’s turn in the hot seat, and we don’t wanna deny the Commander anything.
Unlike most of the figures released under the modern G.I. Joe action figure banner, the Commander feels thin and light and even a little cheap. It’s mostly due to the character’s design — he doesn’t have much beyond his tight-fitting uniform — but the Commander’s thin, lanky design stands out from the other figures in the series that I own. To be honest, the Commander’s design is probably a little too thin; he just looks weird to me and his legs look especially bizarre. Where other G.I. Joe figures usually have belts, pouches, and gear that disguises the crotch, the Commander’s hanging out there (no, not in that way) and it doesn’t look good. (Take a look at the photo below to see what I mean; hey, is the Commander bow legged?)
The Commander has the same level of articulation as other G.I. Joe figures, though his pants interfere with his poseability; the pants bell out just a little but run up against the boots, which prevents the foot hinge from working properly. It’s frustrating, because I can see the hinge but no matter how much I push and pull, the Commander just cannot use that hinge.
Accessories
Even though the Commander doesn’t carry as much gear as many other G.I. Joe action figures, what he does come with is appropriate and kinda neat. Besides the stand, Cobra Commander also carries:
- Pistol — This weird, sci-fi-looking pistol would be out of place with most military action figures, but since this is G.I. Joe there’s room for odd-looking weaponry (especially since this is an exact match for the original Commander’s pistol, check this page at www.yojoe.com for a look at the 1982 Cobra Commander). And though the Commander doesn’t have a thigh holster, he does have a back holster where he can hide his pistol. It’s not very practical, but it sure is neat.
Cobra Commander. Click to expand the image in a new window. - M.A.S.S. Element — This canister, loaded with red crystals, doesn’t fit in the Commander’s hands and is a goofy extra that’s not necessary at all. This page at gijoe.wikia.com will tell you more than you want to know about the source of this accessory.
- Removable Helmet — The best part of the helmet is that when you remove it you can see the anti-tampering plate (as first shown in Marvel’s G.I. Joe #24, which was collected several years ago in G.I. Joe Vol. 3). Take a look at the photo above for a look at the anti-tampering device in the back of the silver faceplate. Neat!
Closing Thoughts
Your Cobra forces won’t be complete without the Commander, but you only need one. And even though this is the original, classic Cobra Commander, I’m gonna have to say that this shouldn’t be your first choice. His weird, thin shape doesn’t quite work for me and now that the Resolute Cobra Commander is on the market, this guy comes in behind the Resolute and the hooded versions.
Philip Reed has more than one Cobra Commander action figure. Do they plot together when Philip sleeps?
Much thanks for the review. In my own Resolute CC review, I said ResCC wasn’t the definitive CC (for reasons you’re familiar with yourself now), and I thought this guy would be it.
Problem: In order to get this guy, I’d have had to buy the entire wave. As you can imagine, I was reluctant to drop the bones to do so. Thanks to your review, I’ll know not to do so. Maybe if they come out with a new version as they did with 25th Baroness.
Meanwhile, at least I have the Resolute Commander (who looks good, if nothing else) to lead my troops, or the Suited Commander.
@updatedude — You can’t get singles in your area? I’m seeing this CC in every single Wal-Mart and Target in the Austin area.
I live in a region (South East Asia) where for some reason, imperialist capitalist Americano toy soldiers don’t sell too well. Gee, I wonder why?
So I have to get my Joes from a specialty shop, but even they complain that they can’t get much stock. And they won’t sell unless it’s in complete waves. It’s the reason why I don’t have a Matt Trakker, someone must have beat me to buying his wave.
I live in a region (South East Asia) where for some reason, imperialist capitalist Americano toy soldiers don’t sell too well (in retail outlets). Gee, I wonder why?
So I have to get my Joes from specialty shops, but even they complain that they can’t get much stock. And they won’t sell unless it’s in complete waves. It’s the reason why I don’t have a Matt Trakker, someone must have beat me to buying his wave.
@updatedude – So I need to put together a care package for you and then pray you ship me a care package of toys from SE Asia? 🙂
Sorry you aren’t happy with this guy. I finally got him and the hooded version from ebay last week (only $3 each). Although I like the hooded better I like this guy just fine. I do admit that the crotch looks a little weird (almost like he dropped a load [is that term still valid today?]) Anyway, thanks for the review.
Does the helmet stay on? I have the original version from the 5-pack and the helmet falls off constantly.
@De – It stays on if I push down hard and don’t move him too fast (or turn him upside down).