Target Exclusive 25th Anniversary Cobra H.I.S.S. Tank Review

[Shin Densetsu]

One of Cobra's most iconic vehicles, the H.I.S.S. Tank was reissued at Target stores earlier this past spring. It came with a Cobra H.I.S.S. Driver, which was just a repaint of the previously released Cobra Officer sans knife. MSRP was $9.99 and was a great value, considering that comic packs are about the same price, include only a comic and 2 figures, whereas this set includes a figure and a vehicle.

It is identical to previous versions, just painted in blue this time, with a retooled cockpit to fit the anniversary figures.

[Shin Densetsu]

The mold itself is simple. The cockpit is connected via 2 interlocking tabs. The main body is very sturdy. The treads are detailed, but unfortunately do not move. Underneath the tread are four wheels that provide movement for the vehicle. At this point, the sense of realism is diminished. I would have loved to see real, functional rubber treads added to update the toy and modernize it. However I can see that modification easily driving up the price. I would have payed more for realistic treads though, and I'm sure all of you would too. Most of the anniversary/modern era vehicles released thus far have had some modification in addition to altered cockpits/seating compartments to fit the anniversary/modern era figures, and realistic tank treads would have been a wonderful update.

A hitch is located on the back, used for towing smaller Cobra vehicles, such as missle batteries, et al. This was on previous versions and I hope we see a missle battery or A.S.P. to tow around eventually.

[Shin Densetsu]

The guns can swivel upward nearly ninety degrees, with detents so that they can hold position straight ahead, mid way, and almost straight up. The guns are the most flimsy pieces on the vehicle, and are hollow towards the bottom, which is dissapointing. The gunner's seat can swivel all the way around, but has a hard time swiveling all the way left(stubborn plastic detent tab perhaps). The gunner's seat has a panel with a panel sticker, simulating electronic displays for the gunner.

[Shin Densetsu]

The driver included is a repaint of the Cobra Officer mold with black and white camo. No knife is included unfortunately. This figure was made prior to the fixed crotch Python Patrol trooper, so this one lacks a fixed crotch. Fortunately, the cockpit for the H.I.S.S. has been retooled to enable the anniversary/modern era figures to fit inside. Make sure that the folds of the lower legs are in front of the cockpit panel, and not in between both sides, that is the trick to shove this figure in and fit. The red H.I.S.S. Driver that was released later in Wave 7 fits much better.

[Shin Densetsu]

This H.I.S.S. Tank was worth buying at retail. The price was cheap, especially considering that for an exclusive, it was $5 less than the black H.I.S.S. that is currently on mass market retail shelves. This H.I.S.S. also has red Cobra stickers, which look better than the the white stickers on the black H.I.S.S. This is arguably Cobra's most popular ground attack vehicle, and it's most iconic. It is a great addition to the anniversary line, affordable, and a classic. Modernized improvements such as functional rubber tank treads would have been wonderful. I wish the guns were more durable and solid. In conclusion, it's a great vehicle to have at least one of, and is the first v1 H.I.S.S. mold to be compatible with the anniversary/modern era figures. It was also a pain to find at Target. I barely saw this thing! I only saw it twice with my own eyes. If you can track one down now for the same msrp, it is a better alternative to the current black H.I.S.S., because it's the same thing with better Cobra sticker colors, and $5 less.

[Monkeywrench]

very good review. I wound up trading my Target hiss tank away. It was a great deal for only $10 though.

[Monkeywrench]

by the way I think you should do a rating system like Shogi. Most tankers like to talk about the ratings. Just a suggestion.

[fierce krypton]

is this available right now?

[Killjoy]

$9.99? That is the price of our figures in Canada!! :|

[spacemonkeymafia]

is this available right now?

Nope....

[fierce krypton]

a shame Id buy it! I like the camo on the guard looks very urban.

[Knighthart]

this was the target exclusive last spring. you can find it on ebay but not at the $10 anymore....

[Drill]

That was probably the most worthwile purchase I've ever done, and the only Joe vehicle I own.

Waaaay worth it.

[Synthoid69]

Got myself one of these and its an awesome tank=)

[Shin Densetsu]

is this available right now?
It is in some areas but not many, there have been reports that a few areas still have some. My area has none, it took a while to find it, and I rarely ever saw it. The Night Spectre and AWE Striker were much easier to find.

[Fast_Draw]

I only saw a total of 5 at retail (1 Hiss, 2 Awe Strikers, and 2 Night Sharcs) and that includes the 1 of each I bought. No complaints for $10 from me. I gave all the drivers some Marauder guns and that problem was solved.

[VIPER 48]

Another very thorough review. I love the Hiss Tank and at a price of 9.99, it was a steal...

[IronMan76]

Am I the only person who would like a completely new HISS tank that i based on the original? Im thinking something that has the same design but is larger with more detail; like the New Water Moccasin and Skyhawk. I like that they're totoaly new but inspired by the originals.

[darth_henning]

$9.99? That is the price of our figures in Canada!! :|

I agree it makes no sense

Also, another one??? Didn't Target have this same exclusive last year?

[badgumbo]

Great review Shin! I thought this vehicle got overlooked. At first I was on the fence about it but I have since made it my HISS Command Sentry for Rip It!

[Dark 5cythe]

Does anyone need one of these? I can get one for 20 bucks + shipping. My friend is selling his.

[Shin Densetsu]

Am I the only person who would like a completely new HISS tank that i based on the original? Im thinking something that has the same design but is larger with more detail; like the New Water Moccasin and Skyhawk. I like that they're totoaly new but inspired by the originals.
All of us are with you on that one man. At one point many members made polls on vehicles they wanted to see reissued, and the v1 HISS mold was one of them, so I am glad it was released again, and like you, wish an all new one based on the original comes out later on.

Thanks for the comments guys!

[Elite Force Cobra]

the blue and black both look great but can't beat the originality of out fellow tankers customs! :)

[quintonarledge]

For $9.99 I don't have a lot of room to complain about mine, BUT I WILL ANYWAY (after all, that, and porn, is what the Internet is for).

I don't like that the Driver doesn't come with a figure stand
I don't like that the Driver doesn't come with weapons
I don't like that the Filecards have to be cut out of the packaging
I don't like that the Driver has the old "diaper-crotch"
I don't like that the HISS is almost identical to the 2001 ARAH one

other than all those things it is great! :)

[paulpratt]

If anyone has any more of the Black and Gray "drivers" they wouldn't mind parting with, I'll take them off your hands.

HIJ(

[flywheels]

Having the cut the file cards out of the box did suck, but for $10 I can't complain too much.

[sstralkowski]

Love it, got 3 of them when I saw them at various targets around me. Course, then I had to buy 3 Drivers to pilot them. ;-)