In 2003, Wal Mart approached Hasbro for an exclusive run of G.I. Joe Figures. Originally, the 6 figure series was going to be based on Sky Patrol and include vintage style G.I. Joe molds. The figures were planned as three Joes and three Cobras: Snake Eyes, Duke, Low Light, Stormshadow, Hiss Driver (possibly as Rip It) and this Alley Viper. However, the parachutes could not pass a safety test and Wal Mart scrapped these figures. They were replaced with an 6 figure set of new sculpt molds where a desert Joe was paired with an urban Cammo Cobra.
Large quantities of the Wal Mart Sky Patrol figures were produced, though. They were readily available from Asian Joe sellers in the mid 2000's. This Alley Viper was among the more popular figures and tended to fetch higher prices than even the Hiss Driver. (He's also a great match for the 1997 Rage and at least one collector built an army of these figures to man that vehicle in his displays.) Of the figures in the set, though, this Alley Viper was probably the least distinctive except for Snake Eyes. Hasbro produced many flavors of this mold in blues and reds. So, collectors have similar enough figures to not feel as cheated. But, it's still an unproduced figure that has gotten very hard to find these days.
It seems like this figure's color scheme is a mix of both 2002 versions
ReplyDeleteReminds me of what my brother said when he saw the 1004 Alley-Viper "When did Spider-Man join Cobra?"
ReplyDeleteIt's not bad, none of the Alley-Viper 1997 repaints were, though the Spy Troops two pack got a bit cheap (unpainted gloves).
I've got the HISS Driver from this group. Shame these never made it to the stores.
ReplyDeleteCould be a Cobra anti-armor squad builder for Scrap-Iron. I wouldn't mind picking up four or so.
ReplyDeleteI do like this sort of Traditional Cobra Colour Scheme of Blue And Red this figure has going on with it, as it sort of matches the standard Cobra Troopers and Vipers looks and colours. Also like the touch of blue camo on the pants as well. I do think the Shield could of been Red, just so that they are carrying the Red Cobra Symbol, instead of another colour for the Cobra Symbol. Maybe the Mask/Face Shield being Red as well would of looked neat too.
ReplyDeleteWill say that I'm surprised that even if the Sky Patrol parachutes theme didn't work out in the end, that this and the other figures in these "Sky Patrol" Colours could of still found a way somewhere, regardless if it was as Convention or other retailer exclusive some how. Matter of fact, for Conventions, they could market it by stating something like "Un-Released/Cancelled Joe and Cobra re-deco figures, Now Yours To Own. For a Limited Time!!! Collect Them All, NOW!!!!", regardless if individual releases, V.S. 2 packs, or 6 pack release. Online Exclusive or Magazine Exclusive(Like Toyfare Magazine or Lee's Toy Review) could of been an option as well, though at that time frame, Online and Magazine Exclusives didn't always work out.
On a side note, in regards to the Alley Vipers Masks/Face Shield, I would have to say I like the design that 1st came out in Version 2 the best because I like the kind of "Fanged" look the mask gave out, giving a fierce look to the trooper. Looking over the Alley Vipers from the 1993-around the Mid-2000's at YoJoe.com, it seems that Hasbro agreed as well, since many of the Alley Vipers that came out during those times were the Version 2 mold in different colours(The only other Alley Viper mold at that time frame was their new sculpted mold that came out during Valour V.S. Venom). Course, that could also have been because the Version 2 mold was the only older Alley Viper mold that they had or could find at the time as well.