Less, is more

This is the quintessential Viper, that ubiquitous GI Joe villain who’s undergone dozens of incarnations in the vintage "A Real American Hero" line (1982-1994), and beyond (think Astro, Night, Frag, Laser, Motor, Hydro, Rock, Scissors, Paper etc).  

Simplicity is the key with Cobra Infantry Viper, where his successors assembled hundreds of microscopic attachments per unit - hoses, grenades, hand-held radios, infrared lenses, all the tiniest paraphernalia a kid could lose or swallow - Cobra Infantry is classic, basic Joe.  Black back-pack and a light grey somewhat non-descript boom stick.  Complete.  No detachable helmet – the plain, silver visor is sufficiently threatening – no elaborate pieces to lose or break, just a compact, economic figure with sinister intentions.  The sleeves are rolled up and ready to rumble.  It’s a no-nonsense kit and deservedly, one of the most prolific army builders of the range.  Even more pleasing for the secondary-market dependent collector, he's modestly priced accordingly (as-at date of this post, <$20 complete, loose, collector grade, imo).

And despite his abundance, he was the most conspicuously absent character from my childhood collection.  Apparently so blinded by the light of "Mission Brazil" special forces, and quasi Ninja-Commandos flinging exploding nunchucks, I neglected the classic Viper until my second foray into childhood.  Better late than never...

The kind of infantryman every sinister army chasing world domination wants to employ, Viper Cobra Infantry fuses human characteristics with cyborg-like ruthlessness; cold, clinical purveyor of pain and suffering, a Joe staple whose likeness will transcend time and re-imaginings.  A Real American villain for A Real American Hero to punish.

Viper - Cobra Infantry | 1986 | Hasbro | GI Joe A Real American Hero