Out of the Wave 2 three packs that are to come out, it was the Cobra one that really struck me as one that I wanted. The Joe one really only has Agent Mouse as a figure that interested me, while the Cobra one has two things I that I can always pick up...A Cobra troop builder and a Firefly.
I was pretty happy when I got this set, so...let's take a look at it!
Cobra Paratrooper
I've always loved this guy from Pursuit of Cobra. A more realistic looking representation of the Classic Cobra Trooper, I think the look of this guy with the Crye Precision style combat shirt, MOLLE tactical vest, helmet and gas mask added a modernized look to the Cobra Trooper. He is identifiable as a combat soldier, but a lot less "Elite" than the Vipers.
This release of him eliminates the sledgehammer, the stun rods, and the riot shield in favor of a parachute harness and a parachute. Instead of the dark colors, he is done up in a deco that invokes the feel of the Crimson guard, and it looks really nice. It isn't bright or vivid, and despite not being a typical color choice for a military, it looks subdued enough to the point where he could at least look the part of a real soldier. He keeps that customized AK-47 rifle and the MP5 PDW SMG as well as the taser gun, so despite the lack of defense, he's still got the same firepower as the previous trooper. The vest is lacking just one or two paint apps but maintains the "Cobra" written up on the left side of the vest, as well, it keeps the radio accessory.
The Ebay photos show this guy only wearing the parachute harness, and the instructions tell you that you can only have one or the other, but I've successfully put on both with little effort.
Firefly
Every time I think I've found my "Classics" style Firefly, I always find another one that ends up kicking ass. First was the Hall of Heroes Firefly, then it was the Rise of Cobra TRU exclusive Firefly...and now I think beating that fantastic one is the Retaliation Invasion Firefly. Unlike the RoC exclusive, this one better captures the look and feel of ARAH Firefly, yet adds in a modern flare to it as well. He's well equipped, with a new mold grenade launcher, and a badass Remington 870 Modular Combat Shotgun. Using the legs from Lifeline, he maintains a left side thigh holster, and the sculpting that are medical tools on Lifeline, are now EOD tools on Firefly. He comes with two knives, but he can only carry one on body, and two bombs which peg onto his web gear. His backpack can conveniently hide the other bomb, as if it's in his pack.
This is **MUST GET** Firefly in my opinion. The Paratrooper is fantastic, but I think this figure sells the boxed set alone.
Storm Shadow
Unfortunately this set only hits 2 out of 3. Storm Shadow isn't a bad figure...but compared to the other two...it really feels like he doesn't belong. The absolute lack of accessories compared to the other two is a big killer. His deco is boring, and lacks the more interesting sci-fi suit aesthetic of the previous Storm Shadow figures, and he uses those Rise of Cobra Storm Shadow legs that I detest.
His only saving grace I think is the quiver/sheath set up that came from PoC Storm Shadow. It's a great update to Storm Shadow's arsenal and more Cobra ninja figures need to come with it. Two swords come with it, and the composite bow and arrow that came from a bunch of other figures are present. Other than that...there's not much else to say. I feel this guy needed to be in there all for the sake of having an adversary for Snake Eyes. But when you look at how well equipped the Snake Eyes from the GI Joe Tactical Ninja Team is, Storm Shadow definitely could use a few more items.
I apologize for how dark these pics are. The flash just absolutely destroys Storm Shadow so I just turned it off.
Verdict
Two out of three figures here are total winners. The amount of stuff that the paratrooper and Firefly come with are well worth the price of admission. I think the Cobra Shocktrooper is one of the greatest figures to come out of PoC, and this Firefly is probably the best representation of the character since. It feels like this Firefly should've been in Pursuit of Cobra, and I really,
really love that about him.
Get this set. I think there's enough good in it that balances out the crap that is Storm Shadow.
