Classified Center Stage - COBRA B.A.T. (Cobra Convergence 7)

  CLASSIFIED CENTER STAGE

- COBRA B.A.T. -

    Cobra had experimented with the concept of mechanical troopers in the past, but in 1986 the idea had been modified and perfected in the form of the Battle Android Troopers (B.A.T.s).  Created by Dr. Mindbender, Cobra wouldn't need to be concerned about paying, feeding or even housing them (heck, one good broom closet would do)!  These mechanical beings would simply march into battle, take damage and keep going.  They would do what they were programmed to do, without question.

    On the battlefield, B.A.T.s could use multiple attachments to their wrists for combat.  They could be outfitted with a claw, laser gun, flamethrower or even standard hand guns and rifles.  At one time, Dr. Mindbender armed them with "creeper bomb" canisters which would burst with spores that would grow into fast-growing vines to incapacitate G.I. Joe forces.  B.A.T.s could even be programmed to drive a truck or motorcycle. 

    Despite whatever it cost to make them, Cobra considered them disposable.  They would often deploy them into battle by kicking them out of helicopter or allowing them to walk off a floor and plummet down an elevator shaft.  It was often a disturbing site to see a man-like shape, pushed out of a helicopter, smash into the ground, and then start crawling and limping towards you with guns and knives.

    The B.A.T.s can be upgraded (and downgraded) for a variety of purposes and Cobra has done this many times over the years.  They have built specialized B.A.T.s to operate with Python Patrol, the Crimson Guard and even Cobra's Star Brigade.

    The Classified B.A.T. retains all of the elements that made the original great and iconic!  You have the great color scheme of black, yellow and silver.  Once again he has the interchangeable accessories that can be swapped out at the hand and stored in the backpack!  You also have the features that identify him as mechanical with the exposed gears and components on the chest or the metallic robotic arms.  Topping it all of is the cool head sculpt with the emotionless, drone-looking faceplate.  As a bonus you get a battle-damaged head, a chest piece to cover the exposed machinery in his torso, and a removable pistol.

    In my eyes, they took a near-perfect iconic figure from 1986, and successfully brought it into 2022!  And... if that wasn't enough, they managed to improve the design!?!?!  That's not common in this day and age!  So, hats off to the people behind BOTH versions of the Battle Android Trooper!  Excellent work here!!!  This B.A.T. gets a 5-Star rating easy, no doubt!!!

    When Hasbro first kicked off the Classified series, I decided I wasn't going to collect it.  If they were to do a traditional looking B.A.T. though, I would definitely pick that figure up!  Obviously I changed my mind on the line before the B.A.T. was released, but still I wanted that figure!  I searched high and low for him with no luck.  I could not find the B.A.T. ANYWHERE!!  My wife, kids, and some friends were all looking for it too.  Yet - nothing.  I never did find the figure in a store!  Finally, I just ordered it from Hasbro.  That was easy!?!?

    Hasbro is obviously aware of the awesomeness and popularity of this figure!  Since it's release, they have followed up with a Python Patrol B.A.T., a Crimson B.A.T., and an Arctic B.A.T.!  I'm sure we'll see even more in the future!  You know... like a Desert B.A.T., a Jungle-B.A.T., an Aqua-B.A.T., a Kitchen-B.A.T., a Plumber-B.A.T....  You get the idea!

This has been a contribution to Cobra Convergence 7!!  Taking place all month of July 2023!  For a complete calendar of CC7 happenings, check www.hcc788.com. 

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