G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra: Cobra Viper (Wave 6)

Presenting the soon to be mass released G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra Viper. The POC Cobra Viper is part of Wave 6 of the G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra Series. I cannot right out say that this is nothing more than a repackaged 25th Anniversary or Hall of Heroes Cobra Viper because - while I feel it is - there are minor cosmetic differences between the three. These cosmetic differences are not very apparent and chances are, if you just glance over the figure in the store, you will not be able to spot them. So if you're the type of collector who wants to build a Cobra Viper army and sit smugly knowing that not all of them are alike and that there are minute differences that only "true" collectors will notice, then this is the figure for you. 

The POC Cobra Viper's Blister card reads "Cobra Vipers are the highly motivated, superbly trained and formidably equipped backbone of the Cobra Legions. Their combination Assault Rifle/Grenade Launcher can function as a short burst assault weapon, sustained fire cover support weapon, or long-range marksman rifle with a night vision telescopic sight and range finder."

The POC Cobra Viper comes of course with its trademark chrome faceplate (can you make me out in the reflection?:D) - which makes you wonder why he needs the goggles, but what the hell. Unlike the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Cobra Viper, these Goggles cannot be removed and are part of the mold. Now because of the different consistency of the Chrome helmet, I personally do not want to pop the POC Cobra Viper's head off just so that I can take his ballistic jacket off. I have this feeling that it will crack the helmet - but the Ballistic jacket does come off - at your own risk. Sadly those huge grenades don't come off. 

If what the POC Cobra Viper's blister card says is true, then this is one great all-purpose rifle. It is listed in his equipment as a V.P.R Standard Issue Pulse Rifle

I'm not usually a fan of those over-sized spring-loaded missile launchers that started coming out with the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra series, so I initially balked at the sight of a new missile launcher accompanying the POC Cobra Viper. But I actually liked this one because it's realistic. I can actually imagine this mounted on a roof-top somewhere waiting to blow something out of the sky or waiting for its first enemy tank to come down the road. The missile launcher's "cap" does not have to be opened before firing. The spring loaded missile is stronger than the launcher's "cap". Pressing a small discrete at the back activates the launcher. The POC Cobra Viper can actually hold the launcher on his shoulder  and still stand (Without the missile stand) but it looks stupid and no one in his right mind would do that.

In summary, despite the fact that there isn't much happening for the POC Cobra Viper, he's still a nice, solid figure to have as an army builder - hell you can't all have Iron Grenadiers in your army can you? He isn't listed on Amazon - even as a pre-order but you can get the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Cobra Viper for around US$4.45. Add another dollar for the Hall of Heroes Cobra Viper. This particular POC Cobra Viper was purchased in a set which brings this particular figure up to PHP 700.