Review & pics by: Fred Meyer
 

VAMP Mk II Flint Cobra Eel Night Landing Craft Weapons Crate

For the Danger at the Docks set, the Joes have sent in the VAMP Mk II driven by Warrant Officer Flint. What diabolic threat could warrant this much firepower and tactical capability? How about the deadliest of Cobra’s aquatic forces—the Cobra Eel!

Cobra Eel:

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra EelG.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel


One of these days I’m going to get caught up on the ton of figures I missed during my self-imposed hiatus of five years ago. It was during that time, during the latter half of the 25th Anniversary line, that the Cobra Eel saw release as a Generation 3 update to the 1985 original figure. For the SDCC Danger at the Docks set, Hasbro went back to the 25th Anniversary Eel to provide most of this figure’s parts combination:

  • Torso: 25th Anniversary Eel
  • Forearms: 25th Anniversary Eel
  • Upper arms: Retaliation Snake Eyes
  • Lower Legs: Retaliation Snake Eyes
  • Hands: Retaliation Snake Eyes
  • Belt: Retaliation Snake Eyes

It’s an interesting mix of parts and it serves to distinguish this particular Eel from previous releases. The 25th Eel torso works well to provide a basis for the figure’s simulated wetsuit. The Snake Eyes legs bring rocker ankles into the mix but also deprive the figure of the sculpted sheath and holster of the original design. Hasbro compensated for this by provided the belt from the Retaliation Snake Eyes but the sculpted holster was designed for a pistol and the included knives come close to sliding all of the way through the bottom opening. The new hands to provide the much needed wrist articulation which definitely helps the figure achieve more dynamic weapons poses. I’m not certain why some of the parts swaps were made as the original 25th Eel is actually a pretty solid figure IMHO but overall the body design isn’t bad.

I have to think that whomever put much of the 50th line together is a fan of Marvel’s Merc with a Mouth Deadpool. The reason for this is that both the SDCC Eel and the 50th Night Viper are released in a red and black color scheme that seems very evocative of Wade Wilson. It’s not bad—and it actually looks pretty slick on the Eel but I find the whole thing pretty amusing.

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

In terms of gear, the Eel comes with two dive knives, a spear gun, two different sets of flippers, and an MP5 as well as the original 25th Eel’s helmet and two-piece breather/propulsion back. The flippers are worth mentioning as one pair is entirely new—with a hinged joint that divides the shoe from the flipper itself. As a land-locked Illinois resident I know precious little about SCUBA gear but this is a pretty cool addition to the figure. Plus, the other set of flippers, originally released with the 25th Anniversary Torpedo figure don’t fit as well on the rocker ankles. So, if the Eel decides to bring a buddy along on the operation, he’s got some spare gear.

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

As with Flint, the paint apps are the downside of the figure—but this seems to be unique to the figure’s head. My Eel has a severe case of “crazy eye” as well as an eye brow that seems very intent on take over the rest of his face. Also, it might be just my own perception but the hoses on the dive helmet are shorter than on the 25th release. As such, I’ve had one heck of a time getting them to stay attached to the backpack if the figure’s head is turned even slightly to one side or the other. It’s one of the reasons that most of my pictures feature the Eel with the helmet removed. In honesty, I just got tired of dealing with the hoses popping out at anything more than a casual glance and decided to pull them entirely. Some folks might say I’m nitpicking but this is my experience with the figure—your mileage will vary.

The Cobra Eel is a nice inclusion to the set although one that I didn’t necessarily need to own. The improved range of motion in the wrists is quite nice and I like the overall darker color scheme of the body. The rocker ankles are one of those aspects that fans either love or hate. Personally I could do without them but they don’t diminish my enjoyment of the figure that much at all.

We’re almost done—there’s one more component of this set to cover and then it’s one to the recap! Click the link below to check it out!

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary Danger at the Docks Cobra Eel

 

 

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