Ready for another review from the G.I. Joe: Classified Series? Then let's take a look at the Techno-Viper, one of Cobra's battlefield technicians. The first few G.I. Joe figures I had were from 1986 but I recall having most of the 1987 series as well, so it's possible I started getting into G.I. Joe in late 1986 or early 1987 and started getting whoever was around. By 1987 we were definitely seeing more unusual colors in the line and the Techno-Viper managed to look really cool and serious while still having a bright purple outfit. It works, doesn't it? For being one of the earlier Viper types in the vintage line, the Techno-Viper didn't really get much attention in the 2000s line: We didn't get a "modern" Techno-Viper until the 2011 30th Anniversary line. That was a great figure but this one ups the size and detail due to simply being larger. He's also got one or two new tricks, though I also have a couple few nits as well. ready to check out the Techno-Viper? Then let's get things rolling 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, ball jointed neck base, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: Backpack, hose, laser rifle, pistol, 3 tools, and holographic projection.
Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars
The Positives:
* The Techno-Viper takes everything great about the vintage Techno-Viper (and the 2011 figure) and improves upon it. The purple is still nice and bold but it's more subdued than the vintage toy yet more vivid than the 30th Anniversary figure. All of the armored bits and pieces of gear that are resting over the Techno-Viper's basic purple jumpsuit are also impressive, especially tuff like the hoses that are (non-removable) separate pieces and the shoulder pads. The shoulder pads fit around the biceps, but they can also move with the articulation and are permanently attached to the chest armor. There's not a lot of paint, but everything that is painted looks neat and clean.
* The helmet is really nice with visible yellow lenses and a respirator over the mouth. Everything seems nicely armored and well detailed. The 2011 figure made the top of the helmet portion flare out too much, so it's nice to see it more fitted here.
* The TVs have to be ready at a moment's notice to fix any Cobra equipment, tear stuff down, build fortifications or bridges, and see to the maintenance of bases and facilities. These guys do anything and everything and often do it amidst an array of red and blue lasers. It makes sense, then, that they're carrying some advanced equipment on their forearms. These small tablets look like they're armored up to be ready for anything and can quickly perform a diagnostic on a stranded vehicle.
* A regular screen just isn't good enough for the Techno-Vipers! Instead, they can holographically project an image to help them do their jobs. The holographic piece can fit onto either wrist computer. It's kind of like what we've seen in
Cosmic Legions!
* Here's a shot from the back to check out the cool hoses and how they rap around the figure and to check out the shoulder pads. They're quite clever in their design.
* The Techno-Viper has some gear and padding on him but he still manages to be pretty well articulated. The style of articulation is no different than most any other Classified Series figure but his padded chest does make holding some weapons two handed more difficult. I didn't have much problem with his laser rifle, though. These guys are pretty much all sturdy and fun to mess around with, so if you're familiar with the line and like the figures, you shouldn't be disappointed.
* The Techno-Viper's backpack is a recreation of the vintage accessory but now with some paint applications. The 2011 Techno-Viper had red tanks but this one has purple. What do you think those are? Some sort of gas or compressed air? I always thought the original figure came with some sort of welding gun, so maybe they were acetylene canisters, but this seems to be a laser rifle. There is still storage for the tools and a handle to carry this like a toolbox.
* This definitely looks much sleeker and more like a weapon than the vintage rifle did. It's also black instead of silver. For years I assumed that the vintage weapon was a welding gun for making quick battlefield repairs, but this clearly has some sort of scope on top and a pistol grip with a trigger. There's also a hole in the barrel to place a firing effect.
* The included silver hose can attach to the backpack in one of two places (on to either tank) and can attach to any of the three included tools or onto the bottom of the laser rifle. I don't know why he only comes with one hose rather than two, but it is a neat feature that you can play around with.
* All three of the included tools can snap into the rack on the Tecno-Viper's backpack, so he can carry everything he needs with him.
* The Techno-Vipers carry the same pistols that the
B.A.T.s use. It's a nice looking weapon that looks like it packs a solid punch.
* The belt and holster combo are also reused from the B.A.T.s. The pistol fits securely in the holster.
* I've always liked that the Techno-Vipers come with some tools. You've got two type of wrenches and a hammer. They look like they can probably utilize the tanks on the back of the backpack, probably for some pneumatic purposes.
The Negatives:
* It's too bad that they're all a bit rubbery. Not horribly rubbery, but more rubbery than I would have expected. The weapons are fine, but the tools can easily bend out of shape.
My only complaint with the Techno-Viper is that the tools are a bit on the rubbery side. Other than that, there's not a lot of complaints I have about this guy. Well, I wish he had the cool green parking cone with a Cobra logo that the 2011 Techno-Viper did. I love the colors on this guy and I also really like his weapons. And that hologram projection? That's just too cool. This is another very Epic Classified Series figure. Is he the star of this series? I don't know. Quick Kick is pretty good too. Quick Kick might get a bit of an edge here, but this guy is wearing all purple and has a hologram. Tough to beat.
This is the first Techno-Viper I've reviewed. For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:
AlexxShorts/Toys&tomfoolery made me love these. Bought a couple, rubber aside it's one of the best sculpts.
ReplyDeleteI miss Toys & Tomfoolery. I remember Alexx from back in the days of JoeBattleLines and Sigma 6 Central. He always had really funny stuff!
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