As a stand alone figure, the 1986 Motor Viper isn't terrible. Sure, the mold is full of odd tubes and hoses. And, his helmet is a bit weird. But, the blue colors with silver and black accents really work. And, when you take the figure as a companion to the 1986 Viper, it becomes even better. The two figures share an aesthetic that allows them to be used in conjunction with each other. So, you have a symmetry among the contemporary Cobras that was the hallmark of vintage Hasbro.
There's some solid content using the figure out there. So, check out all these Motor Vipers from around the web.
1986 Motor Viper by SteelBrigade
1986 Motor Viper by thedustinmccoy
1986 Motor Viper by atticagazette
1986 Motor Viper by gen_liederkranz
1986 Motor Viper by g.i.joe_manila_ph
1986 Motor Viper by scarrviper
1986 Motor Viper by dreadnokdread
1986 Motor Viper by zakupocalpse
1986 Motor Viper by 80e90allora
1986 Motor Viper by thedustinmccoy
1986 Motor Viper by dreadnokdread
1986 Motor Viper by gijoe_c4_panama
I love Motor Vipers. The different shades of blue with the black and silver accents make for a very cool figure. I have a ton in my collection serving as the drivers for many of my Cobra vehicles.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bummer clicking on the links provided above that point to joedios only to try and navigate through the site to see all the image links are dead. Another great GI Joe site that seems destined to disappear like so many other Web 1.0 Joe sites.
For as ridiculous as the STUN looks, it kinda makes sense as a ceremonial vehicle for Cobra Commander -- like, if he rode in a Cobra military parade, this is what he'd ride in.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I have the same feeling of the STUN as a Ceremonial Vehicle as well, like it's a modern day take of a Ceremonial Chariot. Even more so because of the Flags.
DeleteLike you said, seeing Cobra Commander or any high ranking Cobra operative in the Middle Chair of the STUN is a nice visual for a Cobra Military Parade. Of course, it has weapons, not only for show on a Parade, but also for some defensive or offensive attack, regardless if it's during an attack on a Parade, 1 of the support vehicles for guarding a Cobra Base, or for missions.
I personally have a loose not complete Python Patrol version. It's missing the Engine Covers, stickers, and broken off flags, stuff that I actually don't mind missing. Though I suppose I wouldn't mind getting some replacement flags, but to be honest, I worry that if I wanted to put the STUN away, that the flags would just brake off.
Yeah, Motor Vipers are awesome. Perhaps the most underrated Viper. I love the sculpt and the helmet especially. Perfect to many pretty much any vehicle or weapon station. Give 'em a gun and they work well with Vipers as back up infantry.
ReplyDeleteTypo, that should have said "Perfect to MAN".
DeleteI probably said this before but with Motor-Viper we get into the era of odd-looking Cobra figures that could be anything. Nothing about this guy says wheeled vehicle driver per se. Some hoses and pads and the usual strapped on weapons, the soon to be a Cobra cliche face dome visor whatever.
ReplyDeleteHe's grown on me over the years. I wouldn't mind the fac custom makers doing them. Would I ever get any? Doubtful at the stage I'm in. I haven't gotten anything GI JOE since XMas and that was a bad 3 POA Baroness at Ollies because she was cheap and there was 20% sale. Even then I was later like "Why did I get this?"
And dare I say that Airwave used the body better. Better colors. But it was also to distinctly Cobra to be reused for a GI JOE character.