Alexx Shorts: DG Cobra Trooper (7/8/12)

Well, this is it: I've finally decided to start reposting my old "Alexx Shorts" G.I. Joe reviews.  They're the reviews that lead to what eventually became this blog!  I'll be posting them in straight copy-and-paste format, separating them with bold dotted lines so you know where they begin and end, and then I'll post some final thoughts on what I think of the figure currently.

For those unfamiliar: I used to take random pictures here and there, but by the time the Rise of Cobra toys came out, I was getting annoying with how much people had been bashing the figures which were clearly better than the previous 25th Anniversary offerings.  I set out to show people how awesome they were, and things went from there, forming into "Alexx Shorts", named so because I thought I was going to keep to a short format with a few pictures.  I did not do that.


The best possible result of the idea of a "cheap repaint."

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What an interesting repaint! When I first saw it, I figured it was just your standard black repaint - 'cause black is cool - but apparently it's a homage to the Sideshow Cobra Sniper. 'Course this guy is just called "Trooper", but Hasbro likes to put "trooper" after a lot of stuff. Heck, there are even some Vipers that have gotten the name! 

There isn't a whole lot to talk about here. It's a repainted 30th Cobra Trooper - that alone will probably sell the figure!  The figure is mostly black, save for the kneepads (removable, as you probably already know about this mold) and the gray on the harness; along with the silver highlights. There's also a nice, big silver target----- I mean,Cobra symbol, right on his chest!  Though, I guess it's probably harder to see than a big 'ol RED symbol. Doesn't matter, 'cause it looks cool. Kinda like the Power Glove. It's stupid as hell and doesn't improve anything, but it's so bad.

Anyway, just like the rest of the Dollar General figures, he has a blank stand:

...that I helpfully filled in.

Next, as a homage to a sniper, the figure comes with an AK-47! Sooo...well, it's not like it matters. He wasn't called a sniper, after all. A fine, serviceable gun that he holds well. And also proves a point:

Here he is compared to a trooper.

And here he is compared to an an officer. Match that with the original officer (also coming with an AK) and you have a black officer! He's wearing the officer harness and even has the officer "V" on his helmet. 

Of course...why point that out? I guess I'm trying to point out that this guy has a million uses! He could be a sniper, a special trooper, a special officer, or you can swap parts and do this:

That's a very simple swap to get the strange Argentinian/Brazilian figure called Cobra Invasor, which was just a Snake Eyes figure with a silver Cobra symbol. I doubt many would wana make that, since a Snake Eyes head is so recognizable, but it's interesting all the same (since it's so easy to make). 

Personally though, I like the sniper angle.

He blends in with the Night Force guys really well...though that once again reminds me of how much I hate the 25th Cobra Troopers. They fight against every pose you put them in!

There isn't much reason to skip this one unless you've just had your fill of army builders. I mean, it kinda sucks that they don't have a pistol or knife to fill in the empty holster and sheath, but it's not like you don't have a million of those items lying around anyway. He's useful for parts (because how can you not find a ton of ways to use a simple black Cobra body with a silver symbol?) and he's just plain cool as-is. I'd certainly grab one, at the very least.

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Pretty sure everyone bought one of these, right?  Or more?  I believe they repainted him in comic book colors later on, but - blech - I've never been a fan of the comic yellow-harness-and-blue-suit.  I didn't realize Cobra were University of Michigan fans.

Anyway, this one is still worth hunting down.  Even just one of them.  It's a basic repaint that works for all occasions, and the 30th Cobra Trooper body is still alive and kicking in TRU two packs.  Still a decent figure!