It's time for another G.I. Joe: Classified Series review and this time we get another Cobra trooper: The S.A.W.-Viper (Semi-Automatic Weapon). A 1990 original, the S.A.W.-Viper is infamous for both the massive weapon included with the figure (it was at least as long as the figure is tall) and because of its connection to the S.A.W.-Viper named Robert Skelton, a S.A.W.-Viper from the Marvel Comics series who executed Doc, Thunder, Crankcase, and Heavy Metal (and later became the character Overkill). The S.A.W.-Viper is overall quite nicely updated here, though Hasbro has retained the mistake of the vintage line in asserting that S.A.W. stands for "Semi-Automatic Weapon" instead of "Squad Automatic Weapon." Unless referring to the fact that this guy comes with an autoloader, or automatic, pistol, this was surely a goof as he clearly is using a light machine gun of some sort (or maybe a medium or general purpose machine gun), which would be classified as a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). Semantics aside, this guy is pretty cool though I do have a few issues. Ready to check him out? Then join me after the break...
Height: 6 3/8ths inches
Articulation: Swivel/ hinge ankles, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, balljointed drop down hips, balljointed waist, mid-torso hinge, butterfly pecs, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, balljointed neck base, and a barbell jointed head.
Accessories: Helmet, collar, 2 shoulder pads, 2 forearm guards, pistol, backpack, ammo belt, ammo box, machine gun, handle, and chainsaw attachment.
Non-Scalper Price: $25 dollars
The Positives:
* The original S.A.W.-Viper was a pretty unique looking figure, especially because of his magenta and purple color scheme. That's all been brought back here, though the detail on his outfit and armor is much more impressive with visible armored plates and pouches. This guy isn't built for speed; he's built to withstand some hits and keep moving forward. He kind of reminds me of one of the Juggernauts from Call of Duty. His vest is a separate piece fitted over his torso. It's not removable, but the armored shoulder pads and forearm guards are. The colors look great together, making this guy really stand out nicely.
The Negatives:
* In my review of Leatherneck, I mentioned that the plastic quality of the weapons in this series feels much stronger and more durable than ever before. It's not rubbery at all. That being said, the weapons seem a bit less detailed. On most of them it's no issue, but this large machine gun looks a bit bland, doesn't it? I'd expect more detail on something this size. I think the vintage weapon had more interesting textures and sculpting.
You know what? Since the chainsaw attachment not fitting perfectly was an easy fix, I'm not going to hold that against the S.A.W.-Viper much at all. Heck, this guy might be my favorite figure from this series so far. Yeah, I've only reviewed Leatherneck so far (and I haven't found Dial-Tone yet), but I love the colors, the design, and the accessories. If you want you could always give him an extra M249 from an Action Force set (that's what the modern 1/18th figures have given him, starting with the DTC release) but I like the S.A.W.-Viper's cutting edge weapon. Maybe it's something Destro designed specifically for the S.A.W.-Viper crew. He's an Epic figure and comes with a ton of stuff, which is always a good thing.
This is the only S.A.W.-Viper I've reviewed. For more G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews check out the following:
Blue Ninjas
Buzzer
Carl "Doc" Greer
Chip "Raptor" Talon & General Ledger
Chuckles
Clutch with VAMP (Multi-Purpose Attack Vehicle)
Buzzer
Carl "Doc" Greer
Chip "Raptor" Talon & General Ledger
Chuckles
Clutch with VAMP (Multi-Purpose Attack Vehicle)
Cobra Viper
Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers
Cobra Viper (Python Patrol)
Copperhead
Courtney "Cover Girl" Krieger
Craig "Rock 'N Roll" McConnel
Crimson Guard
Crimson Strike Team
Crimson Viper
Croc Master & Fiona
David "Big Ben" Bennett (Night Force)
David "Crazylegs" Thomas (Night Force)
David L. "Bazooka" Katzenbogen
David L. "Bazooka" Katzenbogen (Tiger Force)
Desert Commando Snake Eyes
Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers
Cobra Viper (Python Patrol)
Copperhead
Courtney "Cover Girl" Krieger
Craig "Rock 'N Roll" McConnel
Crimson Guard
Crimson Strike Team
Crimson Viper
Croc Master & Fiona
David "Big Ben" Bennett (Night Force)
David "Crazylegs" Thomas (Night Force)
David L. "Bazooka" Katzenbogen
David L. "Bazooka" Katzenbogen (Tiger Force)
Desert Commando Snake Eyes
Profit Director Destro
Python Crimson Guard
Python Patrol Officer
Quick Kick
Range Viper
Recondo (Tiger Force)
Python Crimson Guard
Python Patrol Officer
Quick Kick
Range Viper
Recondo (Tiger Force)
Storm Shadow
Storm Shadow (v2/ G.I. Joe)
Stuart "Outback" Selkirk
Stuart "Outback" Selkirk (Tiger Force)
Techno-Viper
Tele-Viper & Cobra Flight Pod (Trubble Bubble)
Tomax Paoli
Tripwire, Aspara, & M.A.C.L.E.O.D.
Tunnel Rat
Tunnel Rat (Night Force)
Vincent R. "Falcon" Falcone
Vincent R. "Falcon" Falcone & Quarrel (Night Force)
Vypra
Storm Shadow (v2/ G.I. Joe)
Stuart "Outback" Selkirk
Stuart "Outback" Selkirk (Tiger Force)
Techno-Viper
Tele-Viper & Cobra Flight Pod (Trubble Bubble)
Tomax Paoli
Tripwire, Aspara, & M.A.C.L.E.O.D.
Tunnel Rat
Tunnel Rat (Night Force)
Vincent R. "Falcon" Falcone
Vincent R. "Falcon" Falcone & Quarrel (Night Force)
Vypra
At least they had the good taste not to include Doc's glasses, as shown on the HasbroPulse website. Great looking figure, though the plate colour and chainsword put him more in the Slaaneshi cultists category than Cobra. Dear me, he even has a kill for each of the Ruinous Powers...
ReplyDeleteDoc's glasses sold separately, body bags not included.
DeleteSlaanesh cultists, huh? I had to look that up and I can see it. Cobra's willing to hire about anyone with a pulse, it seems.
I passed on this guy, though I do like the colors.
ReplyDeleteYour Joes will thank you for that! I actually really like him, though. Looking around, I think I may have embiggened the hole myself by attaching the large SAW to the peg on the backpack, which it wasn't originally intended for. My glue trick seems to have worked, though, and all is still well. No sign of Dial-Tone still.
Delete