Toybox REVIEW: G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Commander (Retro)

Release Date: September 2024

RRP: $24.99/£24.99

As the G.I. Joe Classified Series continues to go from strength to strength, much like many of Hasbro's other collector lines it looks to the past as well as the future with a range of retro-carded figures meant to evoke nostalgia in longtime collectors. In some cases it's simply the packaging that reflects those vintage releases, but in the Joes' case the figures themselves are also based on how these characters originally appeared. The line has been releasing these at a steady rate for a few years now but it just goes to show how extensive G.I. Joe's cast is that there are still plenty of key characters yet to come. However for now, fans have been treated to the particularly special release of the G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Commander (Retro) - bringing back Cobra's iconic leader in his classic and arguably most familiar form.

"This fanatical leader rules with an iron fist. He demands total loyalty and allegiance. His main battle plan, for world control, relies on revolution and chaos."

As its name suggests this version of Cobra Commander comes in retro-style carded packaging that is effectively an oversized recreation of the original toy. There are some logo changes here and there to reflect the times, but ultimately it's exactly the same as Hasbro do with many others of their collector lines. Unfortunately it also means it's the kind of packaging you can't open without cutting open the plastic bubble housing the figure, so isn’t quite as effective for storage as the standard Classified Series boxes. That said this classic G.I. Joe packaging is just as eye-catching as ever, with that iconic artwork of Cobra's ruthless leader on the front alongside the G.I. Joe logo and then a cut-out bio section on the back alongside artwork of the characters released in this wave of figures. Once freed from his plastic prison, Cobra Commander and his accessories are neatly stored on a moulded plastic tray.

It isn't just the packaging that's retro with this release either, with this Cobra Commander styled on the original 1982 figure with a colour scheme that matches his appearance in the 1983 cartoon G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. The mould itself was previously used for the Cobra Commander figure included with the HasLab Cobra Rattler, with that version sporting the original toy colours as well as the misprinted separated Cobra logo the "Mickey Mouse logo" variant of that figure had. This one however features an intact logo, and the cartoon deco changes include the bright blue collar and longer black gloves. Overall it’s a fantastic representation of Cobra Commander in his classic uniform, and though more simplified than previous Classified Series versions it just goes to show how timeless the classic design. The pièce de résistance here though is the chrome facemask – a completely new addition unique to this figure. As small as a change it may seem it's incredible how much more of a premium item it makes this figure feel – upping the screen accuracy of the toy as well as that reflective silver really popping against the blues of the uniform. It wasn't the easiest thing to photograph without a clear reflection showing up in it, but if anything that just shows that the chrome is doing its job. The knife holster on the left thigh isn't glued down so can come loose and slip down whilst posing the leg, but for the most part it sits there pretty comfortably. There really aren't any complaints to make here – a near-perfect representation of classic Cobra Commander that was long overdue in the line.

When it comes to articulation the G.I. Joe Classified Series really is one step ahead of Hasbro's other collector lines, and even though these may be "retro styled" figures these certainly haven't lost any of that modern engineering. Altogether Cobra Commander features, 

- Ball jointed head, neck and waist 

- Swivel hinge shoulders, wrists and ankles 

- Butterfly joint shoulders 

- Double hinge elbows and knees 

- Single hinge ab crunch 

- Drop-down ball jointed hips 

- Bicep, thigh and boot swivels 

You're looking at near S.H. Figuarts-level articulation with these Classified Series figures at a fraction of the price. Sure it's a little more obvious and the joints themselves are stiffer (though not to the point that they ever feel like the figure is about to break), but overall Cobra Commander is another astounding effort from the line and Hasbro in general. Previous versions of the character were already able to get that iconic villainous posing down perfectly, but with a much cleaner sculpt this version is also far more suited to action poses as well. Just an all-round fantastic figure without any significant joint restrictions and a layout that allows for some brilliant posing.

Cobra Commander comes with a fairly basic assortment of accessories, including an additional pair of closed fists to compliment his default weapon-holding hands, pointing right hand, open/clenching left hand, pistol, knife and finally a gun holster which pegs onto the figure's back. It's worth noting that the closed fists are a unique addition to the retro-carded figure, with the standard Classified Series release (as well as the Snake Supreme version) only coming with the other four hands. The pistol is moulded in black plastic with a touch of red paint, and nicely matches the original design of Cobra Commander's weapon. This pistol wasn't included with the standard Classified Series figure, but was included with the Snake Supreme version (albeit moulded in gold plastic). Finally there's the knife, which again is of basic design but can also slot into the holster on the figure's left leg. Much like the figure itself the accessories are a lot less ornate compared to previous Classified Series versions of the character, but work wonderfully in their simplicity and unique enough to make this particular version stand out.

As with the rest of the retro-carded figures, Cobra Commander also comes packaged with a black display base mirroring that of the original 3.75" figures. The base is a basic black rectangle piece with a raised Cobra logo moulded onto the centre, as well as two pegs on either side that the feet of the figure can slot onto. Despite being a pretty basic display base, the accuracy to the classic figures' is quite charming and really helps sell these releases as larger and more modern versions of those original toys.

The original release was fantastic enough in itself, but with the G.I. Joe Classified Series Series Cobra Commander (Retro) Hasbro have somehow managed to perfect perfection. While undoubtedly a simpler take on the character compared to previous releases in the line, for many this will be the definitive Cobra Commander – accurately capturing his most iconic look with the same level of detail and articulation the Classified Series has made its name with. Time and time again it proves to be the very best of Hasbro's collector lines, and this release really is no exception. And then to top it all off, that chrome helmet ties it all up into a truly perfect package. A must-have release for even the most casual of G.I. Joe fans.