The Motor Viper was the vehicle driving companion figure to the 1986 Viper. As a kid, I wanted as many Motor Vipers as I could get so they could drive all the Cobra vehicles. For a bit, I was able to do this. But, I liquidated many of my spares and now have just one that's loose. That's too bad as this figure looks great with a variety of other accessories. I've found Techno Viper, BAT and Toxo Viper gear looks really good on the figure. Heck, even as a kid, I gave this guy the Battle Gear version of the Viper's rifle. I still think he's one of the best common Cobra drivers. And, he remains cheap and available enough to outfit all your Cobra vehicles with a Motor Viper crew.
I really like Motor Viper. His helmet is awesome, and his hoses and dual pistols make him seem like he could be a pilot or para trooper if need be. Or even a hostile environment trooper. He's almost as cool as the regular Viper and I dare say more versatile. I can't think of many roles he couldn't fill.
ReplyDeleteI don't dislike the figure, but he started a trend of Cobra vehicle operators that had random sci-fi/comic booky elements and as the line went forward, could be anything. (I guess HISS driver really started it, but after him 1984-1985 Cobra drivers were grounded.) I mean, the funky boots, the hoses, the Zartanny shoulder armor, the wrist guards. I suppose Motor-Viper wear body armor to make up for being exposed. And thus the visor helmet makes sense. He'll need squeegee handy to clean the bugs off, though.
ReplyDeleteThough, Joe vehicle operators got much the same way. I mean, say Updraft was a copter pilot but could've just well been packed with the General or the Mean Dog or whatever.
I collected a squad of these guys for the same reason. They look decent as HISS drivers, STUN drivers, ASP operators, etc. Not many people like Motor Viper (the sorta weird helmet doesn't help) so they are cheap and plentiful, even today, especially when compared to their 86 brothers, the Viper and Strato Viper. We zagged when others zigged -- and we're all the better for it.
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