Hazard Viper review

[MAJOR BLOOD]

[I][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Thanks for checking out my thoughts on the Hazard Viper and if you would like some more pictures feel free to check out some others I put up at the 118th:
http://www.hisstank.com/database/30th-cobra-figures-130/hazard-viper-2443/?showall=1

The 30th anniversary figures have finally hit shelves and I got my hands on pretty much the only figure besides Stalker that interests me, the Hazard Viper. My main reason is because I do like the Volcano Viper mold and it really has plenty of use, especially in hazardous material dioramas.

This figure is made pretty much all from the Volcano Viper mold except the arms. They are completely different and the biggest thing is it doesn't have the huge gloves anymore. This figure that I am using for the review has loose limbs except for the knees (of course). The helmet can be forced into the jacket with not much effort or worry about breaking. It does have enough give that it won't distort.
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r9.jpg

[MAJOR BLOOD]

Accessories:
First thing you really notice when looking at this is the case with compound Z in it. It's a nice addition to give this figure reason to exist. There are 3 canisters that can be held or placed where you want. Nothing is fixed. As for the briefcase, it is the typical "don't open too many times" type of hinge. You can see that it gets stressed each time it's used. I'm sure it will go for a while but just be careful.

He also comes with two pistols (in case zombies get rowdy) and what looks to be a gun for treatments if exposed possibly. I only say that because he also has a backpack with a larger gun to disperse compound Z. Somehow the gun actually shoots water. There is a button on the pack that you can push and shoot with.
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r25.jpg
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r28.jpg
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r29.jpg

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Articulation:
This is where I was disappointed a bit. I knew what to expect with the mold but this was made fairly cheap. One of the hands can't really hold any weapons because of how wide open it is and of course there is no way to get both hands holding the larger weapon. When I was trying to get some poses the hands came right out of the arm.

Most of the joints are loose on this one I opened. Not sure if others are. The different arms just seem limber compared to the Volcano Viper. The feet were also really loose. They moved all over until I put them on the stand.

The backpack did take a little work to put on since the jacket and back hole were not lined up well but that was a minor issue and easily dealt with. Once on the tubing just stands up very odd looking. I'm sure it could be heated up a bit and manipulated if necessary.
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r4.jpg
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r10.jpg

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Comparison:

As I stated earlier it's pretty much just the Volcano Viper with different arms. The only other mold difference is it has a hole in the jacket to put the backpack in. The Volcano Viper does not have something like that.

Another difference is the Hazard Viper comes with two oxygen containers where the Volcano Viper has three. You can put the third on the Hazard Viper if you desire (and have extra Volcano Vipers) because the mask has the third hole similar to it's predecessor. The decals on the containers seem to be different also.

The masks are made of different color plastic too. The Volcano Viper mask has a red tint where the Hazard Viper is just orange with black paint on the respirator.
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r13.jpg
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r17.jpg

[CG23]

Cool. Nice job

[M. Aster Karver]

I'll get him if I see him, nice review on a repainted figure :)

[sjames90]

I don't care too much for this figure at all. Not posable, too big, neat accessories though.

[omega145]

Solid review, i'm looking forward to getting these as I have a few in the mail on their way to me. I didnt even know this was just a repaint but im happy with the orange bright scheme (more realistic for relation to hazardous material) and the accessories.
I prefer this orange paint scheme and also the removal of the third can on the back, kinda looks out of place to me and too much on the other viper.
Thanks for the comparisons and review!

[paraviper]

Comparison:

As I stated earlier it's pretty much just the Volcano Viper with different arms. The only other mold difference is it has a hole in the jacket to put the backpack in. The Volcano Viper does not have something like that.

Another difference is the Hazard Viper comes with two oxygen containers where the Volcano Viper has three. You can put the third on the Hazard Viper if you desire (and have extra Volcano Vipers) because the mask has the third hole similar to it's predecessor. The decals on the containers seem to be different also.

The masks are made of different color plastic too. The Volcano Viper mask has a red tint where the Hazard Viper is just black.
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r13.jpg
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r17.jpg

volcano vipers are better.

[lowlight27]

any shots without the suit? Is it removable?

[MAJOR BLOOD]

any shots without the suit? Is it removable?

The jacket is removable. I'll take a few pics tonight or if I have a few minutes before work.

[PlanckEpoch]

I'm quite a fan of this figure. I didn't like this at first, but after getting one I was pretty hooked. Until Hasbro releases an actual one, the Hazard Viper is my new Toxo-Viper.

[fireflyguy]

Thanks for the pics and the review. I will likely pick one of these up, if I ever see it.

[pud333]

Mine is already on the way from Smalljoes. Woo!

[jestermon]

I had watched several reviews and wondered what that 3rd hole and neck peg was for hardy har har but I am serious.

I painted the hole black.

I had never seen any of the Volcano Viper close ups.

The black paint over the orange is iffy as well I touched up a few strap then decided it's not too noticable.

I love this guy and after all the guy in the huge hazmat suit handling voliatle chemicals wouldn't be dancing around due to that suit's constraints.

Then hands are crap though, but don't have extra POC hands for him and don't know if they would fit in there.

[MJjoe4life]

Thanks for the nice review. Good saves me from opening him up.

[MAJOR BLOOD]

any shots without the suit? Is it removable?

Here's the photo:
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r30.jpg

I also corrected about the mask. The HV has an orange mask with black painted on the respirator.
http://www.fighting118th.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/r31.jpg

One suggestion that may be worth the time is to just cut off that plastic hinge on the briefcase and superglue some fabric or something flexible on there. It will crack eventually.

[CVdelgado]

i like this guy, but i only got 4 for me and 1 for my son. : ) and 1 MOC.

[MAJOR BLOOD]

Has anyone else that has opened this figure had issues with the hands. They pretty much just fell out when I tried to put weapons in them and the left won't hold anything.

[omega145]

I had a little problem with his left hand holding anything. Nothing out of the ordinary with other GI Joes that ive seen.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/omega145/Collection/DSCN0448.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/omega145/Collection/DSCN0451.jpg

[Gilgamesh51]

I'm enjoying this guy a lot actually, I don't know if its the color, the idea that these guys essentially created the zombies we will son troop-build, or just the fact that the mask is a John Warden designed piece of art, but I'm getting the desire to really troop build on this one.

I like the new shoulders, but I do with he has other lower arms/hands. I've already made peace with the "can't hold one weapon in two hands" issue, but I still wish the hands held better.

I like how the hoses and canisters aren't glued down yet, mine is set up differently than the Majors, and I plan on using that for future hazard vipers.

[lowlight27]

I think he's looking awesome! Thanks for the extra shots of him without the suit. I cant wait until we can see a few of them with some Zombie vipers! Anyone have the balls to try and paint one like the old Toxo-viper?
YOJOE.COM | Toxo-Viper (http://www.yojoe.com/action/88/toxoviper.shtml)

[gdztoyz]

Each time I've caught them in the store I've passed on them...8 so far. After this review, and definitely when the zombies come out, I think I'm going to be kicking myself:) I like that they replace those ROC Neo-Viper arms...hated those. I didn't notice the change right off the bat.

[danielgogeta]

Im glad you pointed out the differences, which i initially took in as a mere repaint.

The orange is really strong, which i would prefer over yellow. Love the accessories that came with HV.

Looking at it i need a small squad for biohazard operations..

Wonderful review bro :)

[DarkHorse]

Great review! Looking forward to getting this.

[CrimsonGuard]

I really dig this guy. He has a ton of accessories, he's unique, and will make a great troop builder. Imagine a front line of HZ's with zombies falling in behind! He's going to be that character you wish you hadn't passed on in about a year!

[BEAM]

Opened my first and I really like him. Mask is more difficult to get on than the Volcano Viper. If you're a kid and want the mask snug, you'll be asking your parent for help and awful lot.

The left hand not holding anything was an issue on mine as well. I think part of it stems from it being stretched out from holding the pistol in package. I can get him to hold the "squirt gun" in that hand but it's still loose.

I can see the case cracking over time, probably a short time if it's played with as it should. I'll wait until mine breaks, then i'll trim it and try to glue some fabric or some other flexible material. Nice addition though and it really adds to the figure.

And what the hell is that extra gun that included. It came with ROC Heavy Duty, TRU exclusive Artic Doc, and now the Hazard Viper. Seems like it's an all purpose weapon that can fit the character (pistol, injection device, ???).

[RolandofGilead]

I know have a full team: 3 Hazard Vipers, 3 Volcano Vipers.

Now I need to find some accessories at Big Lots. They're Cobra's Anti-Hazmat team.

[Adamantite]

Looking at them at the store most hazard vipers have really horrible paint apps on the pouches on their vests. So if you find several check them all out and pick the best, some are really bad, paint splotches all over a pouch.

[frenXy]

i grabbed two of these this month...
will probably stay with that number...
the accessories that came are really neat...


i also have 2 volcano vipers...
i guess that's even...
will probably use POC arctic destro's back pack & gun as accessories for the volcano vipers...

thanks for the review...

[The Delta]

good review but still not sold on this figure.might be the color or could be the fact that its just a repainted figure with new lower arms.

[DR.Sin]

I like the Hazard vipers. They reuse parts to great effect. Hazmat troopers will be needed to deal with the zombie horde coming next year. I have bought about 7 so far.

I have never seen nor bought the volcano viper. It looks cool as well, but I don't want to spend ebay prices on it. Ross has never been an option for me, because I live in a state without one.

[ljacone]

Nice review man. I have my Hazard Viper still sitting MOC on my desk at the house. Very much looking forward to opening him up.

[Gilgamesh51]

Even though I have six...I may shoot for a cool dozen.

[Unclassified]

i wish it came with the 3rd air tank, the plug and socket look stupid without it. and i had no idea the helmet fit in the coat, i was like damn , that's dumb, it just sits on it. now i have to fiddle around. i was thinking of grabbing a few more after i reach my 10 so i can take the canisters and put them on my 10 where they belong. but that is quite a few bucks just to get the canisters and then i'd be stuck with all these extra figures that wouldn't be complete.

[PitViper]

Great review man.

I actually love this figure. I was kinda slacking with Joe lately and this is what pulled me back in.

Like you said the articulation could be better, but he's a hearty figure with great gear. I think that makes up for it. They'll work out well in some kind of display with the Zombie.

[Unclassified]

the helmet fits great, i'm glad i seen this thread. the figure just got a hell of alot cooler.. still needs the extra tank, though.

[luigi]

And what the hell is that extra gun that included. It came with ROC Heavy Duty, TRU exclusive Artic Doc, and now the Hazard Viper. Seems like it's an all purpose weapon that can fit the character (pistol, injection device, ???).

don't forget frosty destro

[arch2b]

i just found and bought my first hazard viper this weekend. i was skeptical sto say the least before seeing it and now, it's a really interesting figure. i really like the look, the accessories and detail.

yes, the hands on mine are about worthless. its not easy getting him to hold the case without either his hand falling out or his fingers drooping enough for it to nearly fall out. they are not a tight enough fit to the forearm and much to soft plastic. the pistols are fine, the injection thing is ok but the rest is not easy on my figure.

[footloose]

as far as articulation goes you cen tell just by looking at the guy hes not going to be able to hold his weapons. ive passed up on this guy for that reason many of times. big bulky figs like this are not for me, and generally are best just left in the package. the only ay ill buy one of these guys is if i find him on clearance

[ljacone]

I FINALLY got a chance to open up Hazard Viper last night and he did not disappoint! I have had some Volcano Vipers because I have bought and sold several of them, and I like Hazard Viper a good deal more. I dig the color scheme and the gear is a winner for me. The backpack reminds me of Sludge Viper, and the little flamethrower type weapon could also be a vapor dispersal weapon or atomizer. Overall I think this guy looks really sharp and definitely stand out amongst the Cobra Legions.

I had no problem getting the helmet on mine, personally.

My only complaint is the two pistols and zero holsters. One pistol would have been fine, but now I just have two of the dang things laying around.

Overall I really dig this figure!

[wilvis]

Hazard Viper is the first Joe I've bought since the SkyStriker a while ago. I like the color and I think the Compound Z canisters are really cool. The orange cobra pelican case is sweet too.

I've never really liked the snowboard pant legs with the little boots that all these bulky cobra guys have and the hands are a little weak, but not too bad. Other than that this is by far the coolest figure I've seen in a long time especially on the pegs next to the Renegades figures.

I shot a quick image of Hazard Viper heading to work.

[nighthawk]

Question, can the hoses on his helmet come off or are they glued on?

[Konigstiger]

They're entirely seperate from the mask and canisters.

[nighthawk]

They're entirely seperate from the mask and canisters.

Thanks! I just went and got 2 yesterday so that I'd have one that has all three canisters. The 2nd one I'll be using to customize.

[CG82]

Its a cool figure for what it is supposed to be. I'd recommend the Volcano Viper's as support assault troops to back these chemical soldiers up. Its a cool design, and I really liked the Ice Vipers too, I think one of the better figures that came out in the ROC line.

[nighthawk]

Here's my Hazard Viper. I really didn't like how he had one hose missing so I gave him the 3rd one off a second Hazard Viper.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/wing_woo/Joe%20Customs/022-9.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/wing_woo/Joe%20Customs/024-8.jpg

[Baron EisenBlut]

I totally agree. This guy got me collecting Joes again :)


I really dig this guy. He has a ton of accessories, he's unique, and will make a great troop builder. Imagine a front line of HZ's with zombies falling in behind! He's going to be that character you wish you hadn't passed on in about a year!