Alley Viper

All right, the first question that comes to mind, is that are there any real Cobra Trooper figures that are underrated? They all command big premiums on Ebay, collectors flock after them to boost their armies, and anyone whose anyone knows all they need to know about them! Right? Well...sort of.

1989 was a HUGE year for Cobra troops. The Viper ranks SWELLED with Frag Vipers, HEAT Vipers, Night Vipers, and of course, this bad boy, Alley Viper. Come 1989, Cobra became the all inclusive menace it hadn't been since the influx of new troopers in 1985 and '86. Out of the '89 group, there were a couple that really drew my attention, even as a kid. The first and most important one was Night Viper who I have already covered. The other was this one. The one and only Alley Viper.

In 1988, just one year before, I got my cool Joe fix in a BIG way! Hit & Run and Shockwave hit the shelves in the same year and are two of my all time favorites. As soon as they're done participating in Power Struggle you'll no doubt see them covered here soon enough. And now, here in 1989, we had the perfect foils! Night Viper fit the enemy figure for Hit & Run, another fully camo soldier, expert in jungle/night warfare, and now Alley Viper could go toe-to-toe with the Joe S.W.A.T. Specialist, Shockwave. It only made sense to introduce an Alley Viper, as Cobra's main goal was the subversion of urban America, something not possible without some form of urban assault trooper. Alley Viper fits the bill in a big way.

Plain and simple, this guy is a MONSTER. In the late 80's Hasbro really started bulking up their figures, and Alley Viper took it to an extreme. He's got a broad, barrel chest and large arms, packing tons of gear and body armor all well suited for close combat in an urban setting. His composite body armor is detailed very nicely with several pouches for ammo and other necessities, plus he's got an easy access knife on his chest as well as his right forearm. There's also a handy grenade for bigger problems. Head to toe, this trooper is covered with armor and padding. From the metal visor/helmet, to the body armor, gauntlets and elbow pads, down to the knee pads and steel toed boots, he is ready for anything! Should he become unarmed for any reason, he could waltz into a firefight and kick the snot out of anyone he saw fit to. Intimidation! Plus, the various Cobra symbols etched into the mold itself (one on helmet and visor, one on armband, and one on shield and backpack) add a beautiful touch of detail.

Then there are the weapons! This boy is STACKED! He has a large backpack with grappling gun, and many assorted bad things. Also, the kick ass visor looks just plain menacing, and the gun! Wow, the gun! It looks to be a nasty semi-automatic with the capability to shoot knockout gas or something even more lethal! Complimenting the whole package is a wonderfully detailed riot shield, as if this guy wasn't dangerous enough! Now, he's virtually bullet-proof!

But what about the colors? I hear you asking. ORANGE?!? I say again ORANGE?!? Well, it works for me. I like it. I'm not sure WHY he's orange, but he is, and I think it compliments him well. The nice swatches of blue urban camo are a neat touch as well, even though they are about as useful for camouflage as a hot pink trenchcoat. All in all, this guy makes a great foil for Shockwave, Airborne (if you're so inclined to use him as I do...) or pretty much any other Joe out there.

Back to Profiles

Wanna Go Home?