Thursday, November 16, 2023

Action Figure Review: Crimson Viper from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro



   My November G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon continues and today I'm looking at a figure I like but that's less exciting than many others since it's just a repaint: The Crimson Viper. Over the years Hasbro has released many crimson painted Cobra troops to supplement the Crimson Guard and I've got reviews of a few of them coming soon, including the Crimson Strike Team set. The Crimson Viper was originally released as a 1/18th scaled figure in the 2002 G.I. Joe Convention exclusive Crimson Strike Team set and has been a popular Viper variant ever since. Now that we've got our Classified Series Crimson Strike sets in hand, we can add as many Crimson Vipers as we want(the 2002 convention set came with 12 Vipers!). Ready to take a look at this new repaint? Then join me after the break...




The Facts:

Height: 6 1/4ths inches

Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, boot swivels, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, ball jointed drop down hips, ball jointed waist, mid-torso hinge, butterfly pecs, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, hinged neck, and a ball jointed head.

Accessories: Rifle, magazine, pistol, holster, goggles, scarf, and backpack.

Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars






The Positives:


* This red and black repaint of the standard Classified Series Viper looks great with nice, sharp paint lines on the black uniform highlights and the little silver Cobra logo on his right chest. The vest is a separate piece to add some bulk, but it's not removable. It's assembled over the body. 


* The Viper's flak jacket and forearm pads are actually separate pieces, though they're not easily removable. If you heat the hands, you can get those forearm pads off, though. While the tablet or computer in the front pocket of the Viper's vest isn't painted here, the extra magazine on his right side it. He's also got the grenades hanging down on the left side of his tactical vest. 



* The Crimson Viper has the same silver visor as the standard Viper and the same helmet, though the helmet is now red. The helmet kind of resembles Cobra Commander's headgear with the shaped helmet and the face shield, but it clearly looks more designed for combat than Cobra Commanders' helmet. It's sleek and sporty. 









* A dark blue bandanna or scarf is included here. It really stands out from the rest of the figure due to that bold blue. Perhaps it designates an officer or squad leader for the Crimson Vipers?



* The Viper still has fantastic articulation. Plentiful joints, a great range of motion, excellent durability, and he can easily hold his primary weapon in two-handed firing poses. I love this figure and find myself always picking up the Vipers to mess around with them. The vest might inhibit the movement of the lateral pectoral joints a bit but it's not anything too limiting.


* The Crimson Viper's backpack has the longer peg that the backpacks for the 3-pack Vipers have, so it stays on better, and it gets a new paintjob. Besides whatever the Crimson Viper has stored inside there, he's also toting around four grenades easily accessible on the back and a length of rappelling cord. The grenades are a very light gray, almost white, while everything else is black, grey, and crimson.







* The Crimson Viper has the same weapons as the previous standard Vipers, starting with the standard Viper pistol. It's a simple grey weapon with no paint highlights, but it's a cool sculpt. We saw these a lot early on in the line and I liked their very modern/ maybe slightly futuristic look.









* It still stows away perfectly in the holster on the Crimson Viper's right hip. 



* This is the default rife for the Viper in this line and I still think it's one of my favorite guns in the series. Looking at the design, especially aspects like the magazine and the barrel, it really balance the look of an actual firearm with a slightly futuristic aesthetic well. I love these and the Viper just hold it so well thanks to the vertical grip on the front.





* The magazine is removable and the barrel is hollow. Very nice!
* The goggles on the original Classified Series Viper were really frustrating but future Vipers have had better goggles. The strap seems longer and it's easier to fit the back of the strap on the lower back of the helmet to keep things secure and in place. Not perfect, still, but a big improvement. 

The Negatives:

* They're still pretty finicky, though and can easily all off. Personally, I'd like a peg or something on the back to attach them to the helmets or an elastic strap like the Star Wars Rebel Trooper in Hoth Gear from The Black Series.






* The silver of the visor has overlapped onto the chin guard and it just looks kind of odd. 

   While it might be time for Hasbro to take a long break on the Viper (or at least tweak the sculpt a bit; I'd be down for a new helmet), this is still a very nice figure and a welcome addition to bolster the Crimson Guard ranks and to pair with the Crimson Strike Team. The Crimson Viper is a Great figure with a lot of good qualities. The only downsides are just the lack of anything new and some of the details on the helmet. Otherwise, this is a solid figure who still coms with some fantastic accessories. 


If you're looking for more Cobra Vipers check out my review of the G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Island Cobra Viper, the Cobra Viper (Python Patrol), and and the Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers 3-pack.

For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:
Flint  



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5 comments:

  1. GIJigsawNovember 17, 2023 at 8:53 AM

    This guy looks fantastic. Great army builder.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbecue17November 19, 2023 at 1:27 AM

      Yup, definitely a nice backup to the Crimson Strike Team.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousNovember 24, 2023 at 9:50 PM

    I've got a collection of about 200 Joe the 3inch ones from the 80's and all there accessories including canoes,arty and other pieces and extra weapons I found in a old house I was remodeling looking to sell but don't know where or how much if anyone could help
    Sammie Ward 9038755981

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbecue17November 27, 2023 at 4:55 PM

      Hi Sammie! My recommendation would be to find a reputable vintage toy store in your area. If you're interested in having someone identify figures and accessories I'd be glad to help for a modest fee (probably a figure a couple figures I'm interested in. If you'd like some help for a large lot, reach out to me at barbecue17 at actionfigurebarbecue.com.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousNovember 24, 2023 at 9:51 PM

    G.i joe figures

    ReplyDelete

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