I think this was a great figure. It was actually the first Cobra Commander I had although I later got the hooded version so I then started pretending it was Fred. The comic was always my canon.
I feel the same way. This is Fred 7, not The Cobra Commander. But as a kid it didn't matter to me. We made up our own story lines and never followed the comic or the cartoon. Great video.
Actually, Cobra Commander wore that armor for the brief period of time before Fred VII. And I played with that figure like with regular Cobra Commander but in different attire.
As a kid I didn't really follow the comic, except for an odd issue here or there, but this was the version of Cobra Commander I have the most memories of because it's the first version I actually got to play with. (though the first one I owned was the black colored hooded version from the 90's.) Also, I know the modern figures aren't your thing, but when you do review them, you do so well. (especially as to how they relate to their vintage counterparts).
My first villain back in 1988 from a local toy shop. Lost the hose rapidly and the backpack snapped from rough child handling, but he was frequently leading the charge against my Action Force/Joes.
Great start to Cobra Convergence III, I think this figure is interesting, but I never bothered to pick him up as a kid. I was happy with my mail-away Hooded Cobra Commander.
This one of the few original Figures I have complete from my childhood. It was also the first time I had Cobra Commander figure. I remember being shocked when Fred shot the original in the back in issue 61.
I got this figure in 88 and he had the 88 series 7 figures on the back what a time of excitement. In New Zealand at the time CC BA was the only CC for us as GI JOE only got big in NZ in 87 and the first CCs were unavailable apart from the CC Hooded mailaway. Love the artwork of CC BA on the packaging too 🤖
Never read many of the comics but This is what C.C. wore in the first season of the DIC series after returning to almost human form. For season 2, He went back to his somewhat original uniform.
I loved this figure as a kid, and used to think the backpack was a jetpack, then was very shocked to read the origin in the comics and realize it was not truly Cobra Commander but still for some reason one of my favorite vintage figures to date.
Didn't know anything about the story from the comic books. This version of the commander was the one I used when Cobra Commander went into any combat situation. My version of CC was different at least in my mind from the cartoon or the comic. He was not a coward and truly believed in what the Cobra Empire was trying to do. Force the world into peace by following one rule...his rule. A brilliant battle tactician with some sense of honor. Recognizing and rewarding success and loyalty while punishing failure and disloyalty to the Cobra Empire. He was able to be harsh and cruel at one point and the next noble and forgiving. Best example of today would be taking bits and pieces of traits from characters like Darth Vader(ESB of course), and even though they didn't exist at the time I was playing with my Joes you can also take some aspects of Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones) and Simon Gruber (Die Hard with a Vengenace) because they fit perfectly with the way I depicted Cobra Commander in my mind back then.
He was always Fred VII to me. Later files cards even called him this. Also, there was a second modern version of the figure in 2008. He came in a two pack with Gung Ho. His helmet hose and belt/holster were pink. His head was also a Fred series head.
I remember getting this figure new when I was a kid. It's not my favorite version of Cobra Commander, but it's one I plan to go add to my collection along with the first 2 Cobra Commanders.
Top tier all the way for me. I did not know anything about the comics as a kid, so to me this was cobra commander all the way. i saw no logical problems with this version..it made sense to me that cobra commander would have a battle armor in case he had to mix it up with the joes. don't get me wrong i loved every version of CC i had...shield plated helmet cobra commander when riding in a vehicle. The mask version when he was plotting behind the scenes or rallying the troops. Finally, that battle tech when shipwreck says one too many one liners and u had to teach him a lesson ;-)
I love it when you reference the comic stories those were the true story of gi joe to me. My friends watched the cartoon but I didn’t I was the only one to get the comics religiously. The show was way too cartoony for me I like the more “realistic” approach of the comic books. Man I wish I still had all mine. Great review hcc.
For me this was Cobra Commander when he was out in the field with his troops and anytime he was involved in combat.. My version of Cobra Commander was a man who saw himself as trying to save humanity from itself. The only way to do that is to force the rest of the world to submit to one rule...his rule. To become one with the Cobra Empire.
I've never seen much GI Joe media so this account of Cobra history was very helpful. I didn't like this version of CC, but I remember a catalogue where he's shown locked in the cell of the mobile command centre. I might pick him up to recreate the photo.
Personally, I love the Fred-7 Cobra Commander but only because I thought it was a really great story line. I admired Fred-7 for his ambition and ability and willingness to take advantage of an opportunity.
This was my first and only Cobra Commander, er Fred Seven...until I recently purchased a modern mirror faced one. Damn... it took me 40 years to get an actual Commander... 😔
Same here. 1987 (Fred VII) was my first. I wanted the original 1982 (face plate one) but, used a Cobra viper as "my" Cobra Commander. Never had 1984's Hooded C.C. until this year. My first step up from Fred VII was the 1992 Sonic Talker. I busted that back off and behold, I owned one finally. Now, I own ever one (from 1982-1994) mint and complete.
@@frostysmoke37 Ok, you got me. The "Mucky Mouse" symbol is the only one I lack in my collection. I was referring to the ones that are basic to obtain. Someday though I hope to get that one in my collection. I've noticed they're slightly costly.
@@iamnostalgic9567 They arent too expensive. I believe I paid less than 100 for mine and hes pretty mint. I wish i could remember how much i paid for him, and all of my collection for that matter.
@@frostysmoke37 Nice!!! I'll have to pick one up then. I picked up a version two Snake Eyes for $50. This thing was mint too. We got a guy in my town who owns a collectibles shop and prices his Joes for way less than ebay. I was able to get a great many there. I payed $40 for a mint Star Brigade. Just missing his weapon. Not bad though.
Watching the review again and a really happy one to re-visit at this time. I got my original 1987 figure out and gave him a new O-Ring and commanding the battle on my desk from the front of a Thunder Machine!
Yay for Cobra Convergence! It was what brought me to this page three years ago! I snatched this figure up as soon as I saw it. Yeah, in the comics he was Fred VII, but this treated him as the original CC.
Awesome video! I would have to agree , being an avid comic book collector and reader , Fred 7 was an imposter Cobra Commander, and I rejiuced on his return, especially with the black uniform with the gold brocade. I was not a fan of Serpentor, however I felt he was necessary in the story. Cobra La however , was not. I had to go back through my comics to find the Fred 7 issue and the Civil War was awesome, and I think many of us including the writers we're glad to be rid of Serpentor and the imposter. I can't bring myself to put my battle armor CC in a display. However I may build a Cobra civil war display in the future with all involved. I was also surprised that Hasbro never made Dr Venom or Scarface , which I think we were always confused over. Did they make a Dr.Venom? Nope. But they were significant in the early story. Great review as always. Mine is missing the hose too...
Dr. Venom was made into an action figure in 2010 for The G.I. Joe Collectors Club. He was released under the name, DR. ARCHIBALD "VENOM" MONEV. While I do not have one in my G.I. Joe collection, I have seen pictures of him and he looks pretty good. As a collector, I think that it is great that many characters from the comic books and the cartoons that never got action figures finally got their due these last few years.
Since this was the first Cobra Commander I was able to buy as a kid, this is my favorite Cobra Commander by far! I know it's not for everyone. Thank you for the great trip down memory lane 😎
Fantastic review HCC and I really enjoyed all the JoeCon coverage. A strong start to Cobra Convergence and you educated me with all that info on Cobra Commanders battle armour as I had no idea about it's back story. All the best mate.
This was the only Cobra Commander figure I owned as a kid. I thoroughly enjoyed the comic book stories (especially the Cobra Civil War), but whenever I played with the figure he WAS Cobra Commander. It made sense to me for him to have battle armor and lead the forces of cobra against G.I.Joe. Great Review and Looking forward to more Cobra Convergence
My eyes lit up when I saw this version of Cobra Commander in your thumbnail art. I remember loving this figure when I was a kid. I still prefer the original chrome faceplate version of the CC, as you couldn't even see his eyes or skin, but all the versions had their own interesting take on the character.
Great review as always. I also did as you recommended and checked out Jon Carling's website, wow! Very cool, weird art that is all his own! I might want to get this guy to illustrate that children's book I'm meaning to do, his artwork looks perfect for it.
I remember being excited for a new version of a classic figure (because of the 2nd versions of both Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow). Sadly, Battle Armor CC was not the greatest. The Fred 7 storyline made better use of the Battle Armor, but I think it was that pivotal moment while about the Cobra spacecraft when he had to get over his hesitancy to be a leader that really gave that figure his stature. Great review. And if any woven fabric stops a .357 round I don't want to be the guy who checks the occupant for injury.
I liked em, unlike in the cartoon were he was always screaming retreat! retreat! I imagined him right up there in the front lines fighting with his tropes like the bad ass he was.
I loved this Cobra commander when I was a kid. Hell if I knew back then that it wasn't the real commander I probably wouldn't of liked him as much as I did. I didn't knew he was Fred till a few months ago when I read the comics. I was blown away by that. I didn't read the comics when I was a kid. I just watched the cartoon and played with the toy's
I am probably thinking instead of going through the trouble of getting a true accessory hose I’ll just get those basic ones and cut them to length and use a toothpick to affix to the face. That’s what’s so fun about Joes, you get creative when it comes to assigning substitute or existing accessories and make a story along the way.
a little tip I should point out bulletproof underwear is a extremely necessary component of any COBRA uniform always make sure to wear your bulletproof underwear. It is more versatile than you think and eliminates the need for brown pants. It's how COBRA commander always kept his uniform nice and blue likewise Many other famous cobra characters Their uniforms their respective colors under all manner of circumstances.
They also released a version in 2000 to 2001, in that A Real American Hero run. He came in a two pack with that wave's version of the Laser Viper. If I recall he had a darker blue color, same accessories though. I mainly remember the guy because of the Laser Viper and the Viper's card.
Really enjoyed this.as far as making the helmet with the separate hose I don't see why they didn't just make it the way they actually did but the simply just glue it in at the factory as a final assembly step before putting it in the package.
When I had this version back in the day, I ditched the life support pack and added Dr. Mindbenders black felt cape with the silver Cobra logo on it. To me adding the cape made him a little bit more commander-ish. The top of the cape was folded down which gave it a collar. I might just have to get him again. This time with a metallic silver painted air chariot.
Great review. This is my favorite version of Cobra Commander as I remembered being fascinates with his battle suit. It just looked so advanced at the time. I’ve had him since he first came out. However the blue parts of his uniform has now turned green. Is this normal?
True in the comics cobra commander wore the armor briefly and its was fred all along... In the toy commercial and Dic animation S01 for me it will always be cobra commander and plus it goes well with my transformers crossover gi joe as his space flight and my favorite version in his modern era.... but still man always good reviews of background history
I always loved the idea of the siegies being 5th Column. One of the aspects about the siegies that bothered me about Fred VII is where he worked. With a background in robotics and weapon design, he would have been more useful at DARPA, NASA, or even the NSA; but no, he works, with his degree(s) in engineering, as an ASE certified mechanic. Very cool review. I am hoping with the new movie, Snake Eyes, the line rebrands and relaunches, into its third iteration.
I absolutely agree with your analysis at the conclusion. As Fred VII, this figure is excellent. I just wish the comic series would have gone into more details on what happened in the buried freighter. Definitely a wasted opportunity for a compelling story arc there.
He used to do comic reviews/summaries. Start at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xT5D6xPe-QM.html and check it out. It does eventually stop, though. That's actually how I found the channel in the first place.
HOLD IT! There are two versions of the battle armor Cobra Commander for the 25th anniversary GI Joe line. The one you have on the right has a black tube for his helmet. Fred the seven has a red tube on his helmet and when you remove the helmet you get a Fred seven head.
Great review, I learned a lot about this figure! I didn't have the vintage figure but I did the the modern update. I liked this version of CC! Again, great review! Can't wait to see the rest of the reviews!
The Pogoballistic Battleball?! With it's inventor having big balls, making ballsy moves? What should he do otherwise? The Ballboom Blitzkrieg? I die laughing - the Pogoballistic Battleball!!! Btw, AC/DC have the biggest balls.
What about Balls Mahoney bro? From NUTley NJ....finishing move the NUTcracker Sweet.....when forced to slum in TNA therefore legally unable to use his copyrighted name...no prob Bob.....KAHONEYS..... *BALLS, BALLS, BALLS, BALLS*
john nahodil I have those same figures also.the dark blue with the red and gold ,to me harkens back to the original hooded commander while the v3 harkens back to v1 color wise. At least that's how I always viewed them. No matter what it was a superb review.
This version is NOT Fred, there where 2 releases of modern armored Cobra Commander. The one the video is Cobra Commander, you can tell by the black face mask, the Fred version came with Fred's head/face without a mask, the same head that came with the Crimson Guard. You can tell them apart if they have the helmet on by the color of hoses on the helmet, Cobra Commander had the hose in black and Fred had the hose in dark red. Hasbro actually made them both, so...you did reviewed Cobra Commander.
I liked the operation Dragonfire story from the DIC mini-series. But I HATED the DIC series for their mediocre animation, mediocre voice acting and rhe fact that they seemed to put comedy over action! Meaning they also didn't have the fist fights that Sunbow did. But the fact that they brought in a few of the original voice actors for the 90's series made it tolerable.
Indeed DIC seemed to have lost their creative minds by the time the 1990's began. Other than Captain Planet, many of their cartoons in the 1990's had really poor animation, and writing when compared to their earlier efforts. In the final two seasons of The Real Ghostbusters for example the animation was done by a Korean based studio instead of a Japanese one. The animation in these two seasons is a major step down compared to the episodes that aired from 1986-1989. I stopped watching the DIC G.I. Joe mid way through its run due to the inferior writing along with the fact that many of the characters whose action figures I owned were no longer part of the show. As for Cobra Commander version 3, a friend of mine had this action figure when I was young and I really liked the look of him. Having missed out on the earlier Cobra Commander action figures, I really wanted to add him to my collection but I never did. I do plan on getting one soon. The comic book storyline that introduces this new look is one of my favorites, I never would have guessed that one of Cobra's elite Crimson Guardsmen would betray CC and take control of Cobra by himself.
I based my characters according to files, not the comics. so I had acc fight in the front lines. the design would have been better with a less revealing face plate. I never saw CC hooded in battle, the face plate helmet is combat gear. I actually expected an attitude change in the script for aCC to reflect this. it s easy to feel brave in an armor. in Marvel fan comments, it was easy to see that most of us took CC s death rather bad. it s as dumb as killing the joker for batman, sure, there are other bad guys, but, it would not be the joker. most of us salivated over the 3 faction battle on Cobra island, but it never happened... Cobra vs Cobra fight, Destro leaves with the Baroness, the Joes get their leave ticket... what???!!! if you want a good battle comic, pick up issue #1. the fun of owning this fig was tainted by the bad scripts, sadly. with such designs as the pogo complementing, it had to impact negatively. I loved this fig s concept, but the media did nt make it easy. good show HCC!
