[TAO's Note: Although we're not done with Clark's GI Joe reviews for the week, it's time for another contributor to step up to the table with a Cobra Commander (Battle Armor), also known as Fred VII, and review the heck out of it. See how highly thought of this figure is in Updatedude's mind by reading on!]
Name: Commander Cobra (Battle Armor) (Fred VII)
Line: GI Joe 25th Anniversary
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Scale: 3.75 in. (figure is 3.75 in. tall)
Accessories: Bio card, stand, machine gun and backpack.
A brief bio is required to put this character into perspective. Fred VII (silly name) is part of the Fred series of Crimson Guards. Guys whose job is to infiltrate the Powers That Be. Everyone from a given "series" are surgically altered to look alike and even take on the same name, so that if one Crimson Guard dies or needs an alibi, another can take his place.
Fred VII here is of course, part of the Fred series. To make a long story short, one day, Cobra Commander stumbled into Fred's personal workshop. Stuff happened and Fred "killed" CC. He then took on the Commander's identity and actually controlled COBRA for a time.
"Funny thing about masks... ANYBODY could be under them."
Whether you like the look and concept of Armored Cobra Commander or not, this is still a great looking figure that's a fantastic update on the original. It's futuristic and not all that realistic, but it still looks cool. It probably won't fit in if you're into gritty realism, but otherwise, a neat addition to any COBRA army.
Sculpt Score: 9 / 10
Fred VII here spots a darker paintjob than the actual Armored Cobra Commader. As such, he looks slightly grittier and overall cooler. I sometimes complain about Hasbro's paintjob, but I really have no complaints here. It's a straight up and clean job they've done here. Bravo.
Paint Score: 8 / 10
Standard 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe articulation. You've seen one, you've seen them all. Fortunately, the standard 25th Anni model is a very good one, and Fred VII here doesn't have any costume restriction issues to get in the way.
Articulation Score: 8/ 10
I personally really like the sci-fi look of this guy. Oh sure, the original character wasn't that cool. I mean, in the cartoon, Armored CC dated a woman who was uglier than a gorilla. That sort of info takes away from the mystique a little. Regardless, because this IS the Fred VII version, there's just so much play factor with this guy. He's like a Transformer, you're practically getting two toys in one. Armored CC or Fred VII disguised as Armored CC?
Fun Score: 7 / 10
Joes are good value overall. They tend to have a good selection of accessories to offset the buyer's reservation on dropping the bones for these guys. Armored Cobra Commander's accessories are adequate, if not spectacular, but because of the character involved, you're practically getting two toys in one. So that helps offset the value even further.
Value Score: 8 / 10
80 / 100 - This is a Great Toy
As a toy, Fred VII is average for a Joe. Mind you, the average of Joes are pretty high. But on a practical level, there's neither much for or against getting this guy over some other Joe figure. However, taking his unique aesthetics and interesting character into consideration, he's got quite a bit of novelty appeal going for him. Overall, a recommended toy, but don't lose any sleep over it if you can't find him.
-Updatedude
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